Beautiful Churches
Cathedral of St. Louis & the Shrine of Our Lady of Prompt Succor
The French Quarter
World-famous music, art, and beignets at Cafe du Monde
Incredible Cuisine
Cajun dishes, French fusion, and Southern comfort food
Attractions
The World War II Museum, Audubon Aquarium, and more!
Amazing Location
The convention is being held at the New Orleans Marriott on Canal Street, located between the French Quarter and the Warehouse District, close to popular attractions such as Jackson Square, the Audubon Aquarium, the WWII Museum, Harrah’s Casino, and much more.
Our Speakers
Cardinal Thomas Collins
Archbishop Emeritus of Toronto & Episcopal Adviser to Serra
Archbishop Aymond
Archbishop of New Orleans
Dr. Thomas Neal
Professor of Spiritual Theology at Notre Dame Seminary
Fr. Joshua Rodriguez
Rector of Notre Dame Seminary in New Orleans
Fr. Colm Cahill
Vocation Director for the Archdiocese of New Orleans
Fr. Mark Toups
Pastor of Our Lady of the Isle in Grand Isle
Convention Schedule
Friday, August 9
6am-Midnight
Perpetual Adoration continues
7:30-8:15am
Serra Leadership Program
8:00am-Noon
Convention Registration
9:00am-Noon
Confessions
8:15-8:45am
Rosary
8:45-9:00am
Welcome by Kurt Metyko, President S.I.
9:00-9:20am
Welcoming address by Reverend Colm Cahill, Vocations
Director for Archbishop of New Orleans
9:30-10:15am
Keynote Address by Reverend Mark Toups, Director of
Seminarians for Houma/Thibodeaux Diocese, La.
10:15-10:45am
Coffee Break
11:00-11:45am
Dr. Tom Neal, Director of Evangelization and Mission
Engagement for Pensacola/Tallahassee Diocese, Fl.
Noon-1:30pm
Lunch at Hotel sponsored by Serra Foundation
1:30-2.15pm
Vocations/Programs Committees Workshops (concurrent)
1:30-2:15pm
Membership/Communications/Foundation Workshops (concurrent)
2:15-3:00pm
Town Hall Meeting
3:00-3:45pm
Bishop Thomas Daly, Episcopal Bishop for Serra U.S.
3:45—5:15pm
Travel to St. Louis Cathedral, walk (5 blocks), small busses, uber, trolley
4:00-5:15pm
Optional Tours of the Cathedral
5:30-6:30pm
Memorial Mass at the St. Louis Cathedral celebrated by
Most Reverend Gregory Aymond, Archbishop of N.O.
6:30-9:00pm
Dinner on your own (Riverboat Dinner Cruise, Tujague’s Restaurant, Napoleon House Restaurant and others), all within walking distance from Cathedral
9:00-11:00 pm
Hospitality
Saturday, August 10
6:00am-6:00pm
Perpetual Adoration continues
8:30-9:00am
Rosary
9:00-9:45am
His Eminence, Thomas Cardinal Collins, retired Archbishop of Toronto
9:45-10:30am
Very Reverend Joshua Rodrigue, Rector of the Notre Dame Seminary in New Orleans
10:30-11:00am
Coffee Break
11-11:45am
State of Serra, Kurt Metyko, President of Serra International (Serra Meets)
Noon-1:30pm
Lunch on your own
1:30-2:30pm
Serra Around the World (Council Reports)
2:30-3:45pm
Delegates Meeting
3:45-4:45pm
Regional or District Meetings
5:15-5:30pm
Adoration Procession
5:30-6:30pm
Closing Mass at Hotel, incl Blessing of Officers after Mass Celebrated by His Eminence, Thomas Cardinal Collins retired Archbishop of Toronto
6:30-7:00pm
Cocktails
7:00-9:00pm
Annual Banquet
9:00-11:00pm
Hospitality
Sunday, August 11
8:30am
Prayer Service
9:00-11:00am
Serra International Board Meeting
Serra International Convention • New Orleans • August 8-11, 2024
Explore the deep Catholic history of the liveliest city in America!
Join us for Serra’s 81st International Convention in vibrant New Orleans, the perfect destination for an unforgettable convention! Immerse yourself in the rich Catholic heritage of the city, with its awe-inspiring churches, historical landmarks, and deep spiritual roots. Explore the beautiful St. Louis Cathedral, stroll the renowned French Quarter, and savor delicious Cajun cuisine while connecting with Serrans from around the world.
New Orleans boasts an array of exciting attractions that make it an ideal convention destination. Enjoy the city’s lively music scene, from jazz clubs to street performers, filling the air with soulful melodies. Take a leisurely stroll along the iconic Mississippi River, delve into the city’s fascinating history, and visit the renowned WWII Museum. New Orleans offers an unforgettable blend of cultural experiences.
As always, our Serra Convention is a profound opportunity for spiritual growth and learning. Engage with well-known speakers who will inspire with their deep wisdom and insights. From practical workshops to inspiring keynote addresses, you’ll enhance your faith and be equipped with the tools to strengthen your efforts to foster and promote vocations!
Convention Schedule
Wednesday, August 7
1:00– 5:00 pm
Serra International Foundation Board Mtg.
3:00 – 5:00 pm
Serra Office Setup
Afternoon
3:00-4:00pm
Past SI Presidents Meeting
6:00-7:00pm
Cocktail Hour at Hotel for Board members (Council, International and Foundation)
7:00-9:00pm
Dinner on your own/Past President’s Dinner
9:00-11:00pm
Hospitality
Thursday, August 8
8:30-11:30am
USA Council Board Meeting
9:00am-3:00pm
SI Board Meeting
9:00am – 4:00pm
Convention Registration
Lunch on your Own
9:00am-4:00pm
Side Trip to WWII Museum, transportation provided
4:30pm-5:30pm
Opening Mass at the Hotel
5:30-6:00pm
Procession of Eucharist to Adoration Room
6pm-Midnight
Beginning of Perpetual Eucharistic Adoration
6:00-7:30pm
Reception at Hotel, heavy hors d’oeuvres
8:00-11:00pm
Hospitality
Friday, August 9
6am-Midnight
Perpetual Adoration continues
7:00-8:00am
Continental Breakfast for New Attendees
7:30-8:45am
Serra Leadership Program
8:00am-Noon
Convention Registration
9:00am-Noon
Confessions
9:00-9:20am
Welcoming address by Reverend Colm Cahill, Vocations
Director for Archbishop of New Orleans
9:30-10:30am
Keynote Address by Reverend Mark Toups, Director of
Seminarians for Houma/Thibodeaux Diocese, La.
10:30-11:00am
Coffee Break
11:00-12:00pm
Dr. Tom Neal, Director of Evangelization and Mission Engagement for Pensacola/Tallahassee Diocese, Fl.
Noon-1:30pm
Lunch at Hotel sponsored by Serra Foundation
1:30-2.15pm
Vocations/Programs Committees Workshops/Foundation (concurrent)
1:30-2:15pm
Membership/Communications Committees Workshops (concurrent)
2:15-3:00pm
Speaker
3:00-3:45pm
Speaker
3:45—5:00pm
Travel to St. Louis Cathedral, walk (5 blocks), small busses, uber, trolley
4:00-5:15pm
Tours of the Cathedral
5:30-6:30pm
Memorial Mass at the St. Louis Cathedral celebrated by
Very Reverend Gregory Aymond, Archbishop of New Orleans
6:30-8:00pm
Dinner on your own or Riverboat Dinner Cruise
8:00-11:00pm
Hospitality
Saturday, August 10
6:00am-6:00pm
Perpetual Adoration continues
7:30-8:00am
Rosary
8:30-9:30am
His Eminence, Thomas Cardinal Collins, Archbishop of Toronto
9:45-10:30am
Reverend Joshua Rodrigue, Rector of the Notre Dame Seminary in New Orleans
10:30-11:00am
Coffee Break
11-11:45am
State of Serra, Kurt Metyko, President of Serra International
Noon-1:30pm
Lunch on your own
1:30-2:30pm
Serra Around the World (Council Reports)
2:30-3:45pm
Delegates Meeting
3:45-4:45pm
Regional or District Meetings
5:15-5:30pm
Adoration Procession
5:30-6:30pm
Closing Mass at Hotel, incl Blessing of Officers
6:30-7:00pm
Cocktails
7:00-9:00pm
Annual Banquet
9:00-11:00pm
Hospitality
Sunday, August 11
8:30am
Prayer Service
9:00-11:00am
Serra International Board Meeting
Beautiful Churches
Cathedral of St. Louis & the Shrine of Our Lady of Prompt Succor
The French Quarter
World-famous music, art, and beignets at Cafe du Monde
Incredible Cuisine
Cajun dishes, French fusion, and Southern comfort food
Attractions
The World War II Museum, Audubon Aquarium, and more!
Amazing Location
The convention is being held at the New Orleans Marriott on Canal Street, located between the French Quarter and the Warehouse District, close to popular attractions such as Jackson Square, the Audubon Aquarium, the WWII Museum, Harrah’s Casino, and much more.
Our Speakers
Cardinal Thomas Collins
Archbishop Emeritus of Toronto & Episcopal Adviser to Serra
Archbishop Aymond
Archbishop of New Orleans
Dr. Thomas Neal
Professor of Spiritual Theology at Notre Dame Seminary
Fr. Joshua Rodriguez
Rector of Notre Dame Seminary in New Orleans
Fr. Colm Cahill
Vocation Director for the Archdiocese of New Orleans
Sr. Beth Fitzpatrick
Vicar for Religious for the
Archdiocese of New Orleans