Camarillo’s Padre Serra Church is celebrating its 25th anniversary with a final weekend in June that is filled with street painting, fine art and a joyous celebration. The three day Festival celebrates the 25th Anniversary and the 300th birthday of Junipero Serra, founder of nine California Missions.
Camarillo’s second Catholic parish began with a small group of parishioners on the grounds of St. John’s Seminary on June 30, 1988. It moved to its present home, a new building at 5205 Upland Road, on July 1, 1995. Father Patrick Mullen is the current pastor, following the leadership of Father Liam Kidney (the founding pastor) and Father Jarlath Dolan.
The weekend’s activities (June 28-30) begin with viewing of street paintings in the eastern part of the parking lot. Viewings will be open Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. until 5 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 4 p.m. The Serra Silver Shoppe (in the San Juan Capistrano room) with exhibits and gift items on Friday from noon to 4 p.m.; Saturday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Each artist at the festival will have the opportunity to showcase and sell their paintings, sculptures and photography.
On Sunday, June 30, Father Mullen will lead a group of parishioners on a procession from St. Mary Magdalen in Old town Camarillo at 7 a.m. up to the Padre Serra Church. On that day, there will be only two masses at Padre Serra – at 9 a.m. and 11 a.m (Tickets LINK). Those wishing to go to mass on June 30 will be directed to the parking lot at the seminary and will proceed to the church by shuttle bus. No parking will be allowed on the church grounds.
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
Friday, June 28
- 11AM - 5PM - Community Day - Come view the street paintings all day! Admission is free!
Saturday, June 29
- 11AM - 5PM - Come view the street paintings all day! Admission is free!
- 5:30PM - 7:30PM - Artists Champagne Reception/Exhibition and Sale of Fine Arts
Sunday, June 30 (Tickets LINK for Sundays events)
