Bishop Barber: No religious exemption for COVID-19 vaccine

Bishop Michael Barber, SJ, states that religious exemptions are not possible since the Vatican has declared it is morally permissible for Catholics to receive the vaccine against COVID-19. Acknowledging that Catholics must follow their consciences, he draws a distinction between religious objections and conscientious objections.

Pope Francis has joined with Bishops & Archbishops across North and South America to urge people to get the COVID-19 vaccine. Read more and watch the recorded public service announcement through the link.

August 6: New Public Health Order Regarding Masks Indoors - Contra Costa County

New order updates the previous August 2, 2021 order regarding masks indoors. New exceptions for necessary participation in religious activities. Read through the link.

Bishop Barber Issues Letter of Support for RealOptions Obria Medical Clinics

Follow the link for Bishop Barber's letter to parishes supporting the life-affirming work of RealOptions clinics.

Aug. 3: New Public Health Order Regarding Masks Indoors - Alameda County

This Order requires all individuals within the County of Alameda to wear face coverings when indoors in workplaces and public settings, with limited exemptions, and recommends that businesses make face coverings available to individuals entering the business.

Aug. 2: New Public Health Order Regarding Masks Indoors - Contra Costa County

This Order of the Health Officer requires all persons to wear face coverings while inside indoor public settings located in Contra Costa County (“County”), regardless of whether they have been fully vaccinated against Coronavirus Disease 2019 (“COVID-19”), unless specifically exempted from the face covering requirement.

Bishop Barber shares his thoughts and prayers on coming "home" to the Eucharist. Watch this new video through the link.

Bishop Barber approves continued use of Traditional Latin Mass

Bishop Barber issued a July 18 statement granting permission for the continued use of the Traditional Latin Mass while a review of Pope Francis’ Motu proprio Traditionis custodes, dated 16 July 2021 and regarding the use of the Roman liturgy prior to 1970, is underway. For the full text of Pope Francis' Motu proprio and Bishop Barber's statement read through the link.

El Señor Obispo invita a los católicos a el "hogar" de la Eucaristía

El obispo Michael C. Barber, SJ, anunció el levantamiento de la dispensación para asistir a Misa dominical en persona, a partir del 15 de agosto.

Bishop calls Catholics “home” to Eucharist

Bishop Michael C. Barber, SJ, has announced the lifting of the dispensation to attend Mass in person, effective Aug. 15.

Bishop Barber Announces Change to The Catholic Voice

View Bishop Barber's statement about the new The Catholic Voice Magazine.

Bishop Barber Invites Catholics to June 27, 2021 Community Prayer Vigil

Bishop Barber invites all Catholics to join church leaders in a community wide prayer vigil. Sunday, June 27, 2021 at 5:00pm, Elmhurst Park, 98th Ave. & B Street, Oakland. Gather to pray for peace in the city of Oakland and victims of violent crimes. Sponsored by Bay Area Community Benefit Organization.

Bishop Barber and Racial Justice Task Force share Juneteenth Prayer

Bishop Michael C. Barber, SJ, and the Racial Justice Task Force of the Diocese of Oakland share this prayer commemorating Juneteenth.

Message from Bishop Barber concerning June 15, 2021 Covid-19 Updates (Eng/Esp)

Effective June 15, 2021, with the state's reopening plans, the Diocese of Oakland has updated worship guidance to share. Follow the link for a message from Bishop Barber in English & Spanish, as well as the guidance document.

Diocese of Oakland Chancellor Steve Wilcox Retirement Announcement

Bishop Barber shares a statement announcing the retirement of Steve Wilcox, the Chancellor of the Diocese of Oakland. Follow the link to read his message of thanks for Steve's service to the diocese.

Bishop Barber Shares Story of Being Robbed at Gunpoint in Oakland (May 22)

Bishop Michael Barber shared his story of being robbed at gunpoint on May 22, 2021 in Oakland during his daily walk. He shares his story to bring awareness to the epidemic of gun violence.

Pope Francis Issues Apostolic Letter on Ministry of Catechists

The Apostolic Letter issued “Motu Proprio” by the Supreme Pontiff Francis “Antiquum ministerium” institutes the ministry of Catechist. Full letter available through the link.

Bishop Michael C. Barber, SJ, has appointed a longtime Catholic educator as superintendent of diocesan schools. Dr. Andrew T. Currier, currently president of Archbishop Riordan High School in San Francisco, will begin work as superintendent on July 1. Full statement in English and Spanish available through the link.

Bishop Barber Statement on Gun Violence Crisis in Oakland (En Español)

Bishop Barber asks our faithful to stand together in prayer to end gun violence. Follow the link to read his full statement and learn about upcoming events to join our community in prayer.

Bishop Barber Statement on Gun Violence Crisis in Oakland

Bishop Barber asks our faithful to stand together in prayer to end gun violence. Follow the link to read his full statement and learn about upcoming events to join our community in prayer.