The Serra House of Discernment is located on the property know to the Diocese of Phoenix as Mt. Claret. The present property of Mt. Claret Center was formerly the beautiful La Fonda Fiesta Guest Ranch. When it ceased operating as a resort, the property had various uses until it gradually closed. In 1963, the Claretian Missionary Fathers, who directed the Cursillo Movement at the Immaculate Heart Church, in Phoenix, purchased the property for the expansion of the renewal movement. Later, in 1969, the present chapel was built. In 1987, the Claretian Fathers decided to sell the property. A group from the Diocese of Phoenix began a campaign to purchase the property, with the help of the Cursillo Movement. Their goal was reached in July of 1988, and the ownership was transferred to the Diocese of Phoenix. The name of the property became known as " Mount Claret Center", and would be governed by a Board of Directors under the auspices of the Bishop of the Diocese. The name "Claret" comes from the name of the founder of the Claretian Order, St. Anthony Claret, and the word "Mount" is a very scriptural word which means, the "Presence of God." The facilities continue to be shared by the Serra House of Discernment, Cursillo Movement, the Christ Child Society, Life Studios, the Casitas (retired priests residences), and the Mount Claret Center. Those interested in applying may contact the Director of Vocations, Fr. Don Kline at 602 354-2004.
The local Serra Clubs are assisting with the financial operations as well as providing prayerful support for the seminarians and those in the Serra House of Discernment.
The Serra House of Discernment is needed in the Diocese of Phoenix to ensure that young men who are discerning the vocation to the priesthood will be given an opportunity to live in an environment conducive to prayer, i.e., daily Masses, Adoration, Liturgy of the Hours, and weekly vocation discussions. Often times, the chasm between a person thinking about the seminary and actually entering the seminary can seem very large. The Serra House of Discernment is meant to bridge that gap. Secondly, there are many distractions and societal pressures that often times drown out God’s voice. The Serra House of Discernment will enable young men to live in a Catholic community where they can seriously examine God’s will for them with others who are also seeking to deepen their relationship with God.
The idea of a house of discernment is nothing new. Several diocese have a house of discernment in some form for a long time. I have wanted to start one locally for many years but was never given the green light. When I presented this to Bishop Olmsted around April of 2005, he was very supportive and encouraged me to pursue the options. Mt. Claret became a strong possibility and after dialogue with Monsignor McMahon, the previous Director of Mt. Claret, the house became a reality. There will need to be some minor cosmetic improvements on the current building (i.e., new carpet, new furniture, painting etc.) after which, we will be able to hopefully house six men. The location was chosen because of the solitude, the space, and the healthy interaction with a wide spectrum of people throughout the Diocese of Phoenix who frequent this holy ground.
The Serra House of Discernment was named after Blessed Junípero Serra, a Spanish Franciscan priest, explorer and colonizer of California where he was the founder of the mission of California. He was beatified by Pope John Paul II in September1988. The Serra House of Discernment is meant to be a place for Catholic men to live in community while discerning God’s will for them. Specifically, these men will live in community at the house for up to two years. During which time, they will be exposed to solid Catholic tradition which will include, attending daily Mass, praying the Liturgy of the Hours, spiritual direction, participation in weekly evenings of discernment, and serving at local parishes on Sundays.
Those who will be eligible for the Serra House of Discernment must be Catholic men between the ages of 18-33. They must be either attending school full time or working full time or a combination of both. They will live in the house for no longer than two years after which time they may be eligible for the seminary.
The Serra House of Discernment is meant to be a place for Catholic men to live in community while discerning God’s will for them. It is also meant to provide the spiritual, personal, pastoral, communal and intellectual tools necessary to help a resident discern a call to ministerial priesthood. These men will live in community at the house for one or two years. During which time, they will be exposed to solid Catholic tradition which will include, attending daily Mass, praying the Liturgy of the Hours, spiritual direction, participation in weekly evenings of discernment, and serving at local parishes on Sundays.
It will serve the Diocese of Phoenix through faithful witness to the Gospel, prayers and supplications for the people of the Diocese of Phoenix, strong adherence to Church teaching, and outreach to local parishes in various church ministries particularly at Sunday liturgies.