Clergy Assignments and Appointments, October 7, 2024

Announcements of clergy appointments and retirement. Read through the link.

Vocation Awareness Month, An Invitation from Fr. Carl Arcosa

National Vocation Awareness Week will be celebrated in the United States from Nov. 3-9, 2024. Please pray to our Lord for more dedicated, holy priests, deacons, consecrated men and women, and lay leaders in service to the Church. As people of God, we are called to promote vocations in our communities. Read through the link to explore ways to cultivate religious and priestly vocations.

Faithful Citizenship

A polarized Church. A divided nation. Pope Francis calls for “a better kind of politics.” How will you respond? We can form our consciences for faithful citizenship: Vote responsibly! Take the pledge to Civilize It!

Bishop Barber: Catholic school teachers sow and plant the faith

Bishop Barber, whose career includes teaching, recently shared with our Catholic school teachers his perspective on their influence in the lives and faith of their students.

Liturgical Notes for November 1 & 2, 2024 (ESP)

La observancia de la solemnidad de Todos los Santos y la conmemoración de todos los fieles difuntos (Día de Difuntos) 2024.

Liturgical Notes for November 1 & 2, 2024

The Office of Worship shares the attached liturgical notes for observances of the Solemnity of All Saints and All Souls’ Day.

Synod on Synodality

Follow Vatican News' daily coverage of the second session of the 16th Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod, taking place in the Vatican to explore Synodality: “Communion, Participation, and Mission.”

Mental Health Awareness

World Mental Health Day is Oct. 10. Learn more about how the Catholic Church and Catholics are comforting the afflicted, including those impacted by mental health issues.

People of Hope: On a journey together

The universal Synod on Synodality is meeting in Rome Oct. 2-27. Learn about the contributions of our diocese here.

2024 Respect Life Month

October is Respect Life Month, this year's theme reminds us that our response to Jesus' words in John 10:10, “I came so that they might have life,” includes respect for all human life. Respect Life Ministry resources available through the link.

Bishop Barber Invites Catholic Faithful to Join 40 Days for Life Vigil

Join with "Together in Action" under the Walking with Moms in Need nationwide initiative to end abortion. Bishop Barber invites all to join our prayer communities in Concord, Walnut Creek and El Cerrito from Sept. 25 - Nov. 3, 2024 to stand united in prayer and supportive action to create a culture of life.

WINGS: Still Soaring After 25 Years

Self-described organization of “sacred sassy sisters" has helped women of faith network and support one another for 25+ years. Read more about their fellowship, their service, their journey, and where you can find a group through the link.

Bishop Barber: You Have a Role in Making Saints

Read Bishop Barber's column about Fr. Augustus Tolton in the October 2024 issue of The Catholic Voice.

Support Diocese of Hai Phong, Vietnam

Bishop Michael C. Barber, SJ, requests that all parishes consider a special collection to support the Diocese of Hai Phong, Vietnam, which has been devastated along with the rest of northern Vietnam by Typhoon Yagi. Our diocese has a special relationship with the Hai Phong Diocese, which has provided two priests, Father Anthony Huong Van Le and Father Thi Van Hoang, to serve in our diocese. Voluntary second collection on September 29.

St. Bonaventure Food Pantry

This food pantry, complete with drive-through service, uses the corporal acts of mercy as a map to serve.

Election Policies and Resources

Catholic election materials, voting resources, tools and guidance are available through the link.

Policy Concerning Priests Absences Re Pilgrimages, Retreats, etc.

Read the Policy Concerning Priests Being Away from Their Parish/Ministry to Lead or Accompany Pilgrimages, Retreats, etc. Effective September 1, 2024. Read through this link.

Policy for Funeral Masses at Catholic Cemetery and Mortuary Chapels

Read the Policy for Funeral Masses at Catholic Cemetery and Mortuary Chapels, adopted by the Diocesan Presbyteral Council on August 20, 2024 and confirmed by Bishop Michael Barber on September 1, 2024.

2024 Diocese of Oakland Chautauqua

Chautauqua made a joyful return to the Diocese of Oakland for the first time in six years. The celebration took place at the Cathedral of Christ the Light in Oakland on Aug. 31. Chautauqua, or “the gathering of peoples,” was born of the desire to celebrate the rich diversity of cultures among the ethnic groups who call the Diocese of Oakland home. Learn more about the history of this Mass and details from this year's event through the link.

VOIP Office Telephone Systems, Provider Input Requested by St. Columba

Read through the link for a request for input on VOIP providers and bids. Read through the link.