​Catholic Charities East Bay Immigration Legal Services, in collaboration with other agencies, hosted an Immigration Forum on Saturday, July 27, 2024 at Contra Costa College. The legal team offered free consultations, a Know Your Rights Presentation, and a DACA workshop. Learn more about Catholic Charities through the link.

We pray that political leaders be at the service of their own people, working for integral human development and for the common good, especially caring for the poor and those who have lost their jobs.

In July Bishop Barber blessed the expanded Order of Malta Clinic, which provides free medical care. You can read more about this in the August issue of The Catholic Voice. Click through this link to find pdfs that can be used in parish bulletins and digital channels to promote this important service.

The Bishops of California have been working with the California Catholic Conference staff and our own diocesan staff to launch RADIATE LOVE, an initiative to promote marriage and family life to support our people and curb the divorce and plummeting birth rates in California. It will begin July 1, 2024-June 30, 2025, and include a summit to see how clergy and marriage and family life ministry leaders can further this initiative. Details and resources through the link.

The Serra Catechetical Institute (SCI) is a one-year formation process for parish and Catholic school catechists, parents, and all adults who want to know their Catholic faith better and be able to hand it on more effectively. Participants will receive a solid introduction to the Catholic faith in 60 hours of basic catechetical formation. Additional Information and registration through the link.

The Archdiocese of San Francisco is hosting the send-off Mass for the Eucharistic Pilgrims at 11:00 a.m. on May 19, 2024 at the Cathedral of St. Mary of the Assumption. The Procession will walk from the Cathedral and across the Golden Gate Bridge. Bishop Barber will celebrate a Solemn Vespers Mass and Eucharistic Holy Hour the evening before, May 18, 2024 at 6:30 at Mission Dolores Basilica. Learn more through the link.

On March 26, 2024 the U.S. Supreme Court will hear oral arguments in a case that has the potential to make a major impact in the widespread accessibility of chemical abortion (abortion pills). Chemical abortions are now the most common form of abortion in the United States. Details through the link.

Bishop Michael C. Barber, SJ, has provided the following statement regarding the announcement by the Paulist Fathers that they will be ceasing their ministry at Holy Spirit-Newman Hall Parish in Berkeley this June. “It is with great sadness that I accept this decision by the Paulists, knowing it is determined by the reality of fewer active members in their order,” Bishop Barber said. Read the announcement through the link.

The Diocese of Oakland and the Chancery Department of Faith, Formation and Evangelization is proud to share that Fr. Leo Patalinghug will be visiting the Diocese from March 22, 2024 through March 26, 2024. Events will include a Morning Mass, Vigil Mass and Youth and Young Adult Masses and events. For locations and times, read through the link.

The USCCB Synod Team is happy to share upcoming webinars during the continuation of the Interim Stage of the 2021-2024 Synod. Details on information sessions through the links.

El Miércoles de Ceniza marca el comienzo de la Cuaresma, un tiempo para crecer espiritualmente a través de prácticas penitenciales, especialmente aquellas de abnegación, limosna y obras de bondad y compasión. Texto completo a través del enlace.

Bishop Barber invites the faithful to join in Peaceful, Prayerful 40 Days of Life Vigil from February 14 to March 24 in locations in Concord, El Cerrito, and Walnut Creek. Invitation through the link.

Simbang Gabi (Filipino for “Night Masses”) is traditionally a pre-dawn novena of Masses, approximately from December 16-24, culminating at Christmas midnight Mass. Bishop Barber will join the Simbang Gabi kickoff Mass at Church of the Good Shepherd (Pittsburg) Saturday, December 9, 10:00am. Parish Novena schedule through the link.

Bishop Barber will celebrate Adult Confirmation at the Cathedral of Christ the Light on February 3, 2024 and May 4, 2024. To register your parish, please complete this form by Monday, December 4, 2023. Link to form and additional deadlines through the link.

NPM celebrates the Black Catholic men and women who have shaped our faith and life in the Church, especially during the month of November. Helpful resources, videos, music and podcasts through the link.

Please join Bishop Michael Barber, SJ in a day of prayer and fasting for peace on October 17, 2023. Read the letter from the Patriarch of Jerusalem through the link.

On September 14,  the Holy See shared prayers inviting the faithful from around the world to prayerfully participate in the XVI Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops that will open in the Vatican on October 4.

Read the August 22, 2023 update from Fr. Jayson Landeza from his visit in Maui, where he shared pastoral care and offered Mass for Filipino and Hispanic hotel workers. Complete text through the link.