Serra Club of Erie Honors Faithful Service and Renews Commitment to Vocations
By Kristine Rilling06/08/2026
The Serra Club of Erie gathered on June 2, 2026, for its annual Installation Mass and Dinner, bringing together clergy, religious and lay faithful for an evening centered on prayer, fellowship and a renewed commitment to fostering vocations in the Catholic Church.
Held at Gannon University in the Yehl Alumni Ballroom, the event celebrated the Serra Club’s longstanding mission of encouraging and supporting vocations to the priesthood and consecrated religious life. Founded in Erie in 1960, the club has spent more than six decades helping to cultivate a culture where young people are encouraged to listen for God’s call and respond with generosity.
The evening began with the installation of new officers, led by Father Scott Jabo, vocations director and rector for St. Mark Seminary, and outgoing president Charlie Rutkowski. Members then gathered for dinner and a program recognizing individuals whose witness and service have strengthened the Church in the Diocese of Erie.
The Serra Club of Erie exists not only to pray for and support vocations to the priesthood and religious life — but to remind each of us that we are all called to be part of God’s great work in building His Church,” said Rutkowski. “Through friendship, faith and faithful service, we stand together as lay people, encouraging one another to say ‘yes’ to whatever God asks of us.”
Throughout the evening, speakers highlighted the essential role Serra members play in creating an environment where vocations can flourish. A recurring message was that fostering vocations extends beyond prayer alone. While prayer remains the foundation of Serra’s mission, members were encouraged to actively invite young people to consider how God may be calling them to serve.
Father Jabo reflected on the importance of personal invitation, noting that many individuals discover their vocation because someone recognized their gifts and encouraged them to explore the possibility. He emphasized that Serra members, through their faithful example as individuals and couples, often become the people who help others recognize God’s call in their lives.
“Sometimes people simply need encouragement,” he shared. “They need someone to recognize their gifts and help them see how those gifts can be used in service to the Catholic Church.”
The program also included recognition of members whose years of dedication have contributed significantly to the Serra Club’s mission. James Toohey was honored for an extraordinary 62 years of membership and service, a testament to a lifetime of commitment to vocations and the Church, while his grandson, Gabe Gallagher, was inducted as a third-generation Serran. Numerous other members were recognized for milestone anniversaries ranging from 10 to 39 years of involvement.
A highlight of the evening was the presentation of the club’s annual awards honoring outstanding service within the Diocese of Erie.
Dave and Kathy Wayman received the Outstanding Layperson of the Year Award for their faithful witness and commitment to the Church. Deacon Richard Brogdon was named Deacon of the Year in recognition of his ministry and service. Sister Lisa McCartney, RSM, was honored as Religious of the Year, and Father Jerome Simmons received the Priest of the Year Award for his dedicated pastoral leadership and priestly ministry.
Each award recipient was recognized not only for individual accomplishments but also for the example they provide to others through lives rooted in faith, service and discipleship.
The Most Rev. Lawrence T. Persico, Bishop of Erie, joined members for the evening and offered the closing blessing. His presence served as a reminder of the close relationship between Serra and the diocesan mission of supporting vocations and strengthening parish communities.
As the gathering concluded, members reflected on the legacy of those who have served before them and the responsibility of continuing Serra’s mission in the years ahead. In a time when the Catholic Church continues to pray for more vocations, the Serra Club of Erie remains committed to creating opportunities for young people to hear, discern and respond to God’s call.
The annual Installation Mass and Dinner was more than a celebration of accomplishments; it was a reaffirmation of the Serra Club’s enduring purpose: to pray for vocations, encourage those discerning God’s call and support the future leaders of the Church through faithful witness and personal invitation.
https://dioceseoferie.smugmug.com/2026-Moments/Serra
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