Knights bring more than 40K pounds of food for the needy

A 40,000 pound act of mercy for Contra Costa County residents. They may not have been in shiny armor, but the Knights of Columbus Council #4060 from St. Isidore Parish in Danville and their pastor, Father Matthew Murray, made Christmas a little brighter and merrier for 500 families this year, by delivering more than 40,000 pounds of food.

Catholic Charities East Bay Appoints Former Giants Executive as CEO

Catholic Charities East Bay (Catholic Charities) has announced that the Board of Directors has selected former San Francisco Giants executive Mario Alioto as the new Chief Executive Officer of Catholic Charities. He succeeds Interim CEO and Chairman of the Board Jim Fiedler. Read the full announcement through the link.

New diaconate class beginning in 2025

Are you being called? A new diaconate class is forming.

Starting Small: Catechesis of the Good Shepherd’s growing effect at St. John Vianney

As Catholics wondering how to keep younger generations engaged in the life of the Church, St. John Vianney in Walnut Creek has found an answer: start them early with the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (CGS).

Cathedral Becomes Beacon of Light

In addition to the candles on the Advent wreath this year, the Cathedral of Christ the Light is enkindling a new tradition. Energy efficient LED lights capable of being changed to almost any color have been installed to illuminate the exterior of the cathedral.

Antioch Parish Celebrates 150th Anniversary

Nearly 1,000 came together to celebrate the faith that has not just survived significant challenges, but thrived, at Most Holy Rosary Parish in Antioch for 150 years.

Saintly Six at Saint Leo

St. Leo students enjoyed the Feast of All Saints, Nov. 1, with a lesson on the "Saintly Six" black Catholic saints and ice cream.

Black Catholics' History Shapes Today's Communion of Saints

Building on the deep faith of black Catholics, under the leadership of the African American Pastoral Council (AAPC), local Catholics, young and not so young, are part of the movement to pray for and celebrate Father Augustus Tolton and other black Catholics from the United States who have open causes for canonization. Read about the extraordinary journey of the Saintly Six.

Holy Hours

Parishes around our Diocese will be holding extended Holy Hours November 4-8th. All are invited to join in prayer, before our Lord present in the Blessed Sacrament! Holy Hour schedule through the link.

Mass of Remembrance at St. Augustine, Nov. 4, at 7 p.m.

This is a special liturgy to celebrate our loved ones who have gone before us. If attending this Mass, please bring a photo of your loved one. You will also be able to view this celebration online. Details through the link.

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.

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.”

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.

St. Bonaventure Food Pantry

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

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.

Bishop's Column September 2024

From the September 2024 Issue of The Catholic Voice: "In July, I had one of the most moving spiritual experiences of my life." Read more of Bishop Barber's reflections on his experience at the National Eucharistic Congress held this past July in Indianapolis, IN.

Fall Festivals and The Catholic Voice

September is almost here. If your school or parish is hosting a festival in September or October, the time to let The Catholic Voice know is now. Please send information on date, time, name of festival, location (parish and/or school), what to expect (concerts? art? the best BBQ ever?), contact email or website to Christine Schreck at cschreck@oakdiocese.org by July 11. If you have a flier, it most likely will not appear in print ... but there's always social media!

Catholic Voice Mailing Lists

Thank you to everyone who helps keep The Catholic Voice mailing list up to date. Although we usually update the mailing list monthly, we were unable to do so for the June issue. Look for those changes this summer.

Newman Hall Memories

After 117 years of service to the University of California, Berkeley (Go Bears!) the Paulist Fathers have decided they are no longer able to serve the parish. As they prepare to leave, perhaps you have a Newman memory to share? Or know someone who does? Please send to: mjurich@oakdiocese.org. Hoping to gather these quickly and share in print and online.