OUR STORY

- History & Beginnings
  
  OUR HISTORY
  Before St. Edward Retreat Center (SERC) was founded, our camp was chartered by the Sisters of Social Service and was known as Camp Mariastella. The Sisters, who had been involved in youth camping since the 1930s, founded Mariastella in 1941. Their values are consciously reflected in the spirit and program of SERC. We truly felt God's calling in our decision to continue their mission for generations to come.
  
  OUR STORY
  SERC is a newly founded Catholic non-profit organization established in January 2020. Our non-profit was spearheaded by the vision and generous donations from Kathie Lund. She has been a supporter of Catholic retreats and summer camps for over 50 years, and believes that the youth need and deserve outdoor experiences to ground their faith in order to share in the beauty of God in a natural setting. Her vision to provide these expereriences for our youth is deeply appreciated.
  
  A board of 21 directors has been assembled to lead SERC in its mission to provide Catholic retreats and summer camps to parishes and schools in Southern California.
- Who is Edward?
  
  Everybody has prayer giants in their family, and ours is no different.
  
  Meet "Saint" Edward Victor Baranski!
  
  Captain Edward was part of the Office of Strategic Services during WWII. On the frontlines of Slovakia, he was captured and taken to a German prison. A testament to his profound faith, Edward would only ever give prayers as answers during interrogations.
  
  His story continues to inspire us to continue praying and persevering in our Catholic faith! We know that Edward continues to intercede for us even now.