The Serra Club of San Buenaventura will host the Serra International/USA Council Western Regional Convention Sept. 9-11 at the Ventura Beach Marriott Hotel in Ventura.

Themed "In the Steps of Serra," the convention is part of the Serrans' ongoing mission to work for vocations through fellowship, prayer and training. The event begins with a "Travelers' Mass" at 6:30 p.m. Sept. 9 at San Buenaventura Mission, with Santa Barbara Region Auxiliary Bishop Thomas Curry presiding.

Cardinal Roger Mahony will be the keynote speaker on Sept. 10. Following will be presentations by:

--- "Sacraments of Initiation as Sacraments of Vocation," with Dr. Paul Ford, professor of theology at St. John's Seminary;

--- a panel presentation with local seminarians, led by Father James Forsen, director of the Office of Vocations;

--- a panel discussion on "Changing Perceptions of Nuns in the 21st Century," with Sisters Kathy Bryant (vocations director), Anncarla Costello (vicar for women religious) and Patricia Haire (clinical psychologist and chaplain);

--- and a presentation followed by Mass with San Fernando Regional Bishop Gerald Wilkerson presiding.

For registration information, contact Jim Sullivan, (805) 643-6922.