The Serra Clubs of Orange County recently established the Msgr. John A. Sammon Fund in memory of the organization's beloved former chaplain, who served in Southland parishes for more than 60 years.

The purpose of the fund is to advance and support vocations to the Catholic priesthood and religious life, particularly scholarships for seminarians in the Diocese of Orange, said Therese McAndrew, past president. "This was a cause especially dear to Msgr. Sammon," she said.

Msgr. Sammon was ordained for the Archdiocese of Los Angeles in 1942 and served 34 years until the Orange Diocese was created in 1976. He then served in Orange the next 30 years until his death in November 2006 at age 91. His assignments included various chaplaincies and administrative posts (including director of the Orange Diocese's Propagation of the Faith), as well as pastor at St. Cecilia Church, Tustin.

Donations to the Msgr. John A. Sammon Fund may be sent to John A. Scola, executive director of advancement, Diocese of Orange, 2811 E. Villa Real Dr., Orange, CA 92863-1595.