The death of a loved one is unlike any other loss. Although there is no right or wrong path, these are stepping stones that are part of each grief journey, and we will explore them in this eight-week series of workshops. This will be held at St. Elizabeth Seton Church, 4001 Stoneridge Drive, Pleasanton on Thursday evenings at 7pm beginning April 13 ending June 1. Additional details through the link.

Long-time CYO and high school referee Brandon Mason loans his many talents to CYO games including his talent as the "Dancing Ref!" A recent ABC Channel 7 report featured Brandon. Click the link above to watch, learn about Brandon and his love for young people, and, like Brandon, have fun!

El Instituto Hispano presenta sus programas para la primavera del 2023. Para más información, haga click en este enlace.

The Knights of St. Peter Claver, Fr. Jay Matthews Council #336, at St. Benedict Catholic Church in Oakland, CA will award a Scholarship in the amount of $2000.00 to a Male of Color who attends or will attend an Alameda County Catholic High School in the Fall Semester of 2023. Details and application through the link.

Bishop Michael C. Barber, SJ offers the following condolences on the death of Bishop David O'Connell, who passed away Feb. 18, 2023. Read through the link.

The Office of Mission Advancement invites all Pastors, Parochial Administrators, Office Managers, Colleagues and Friends to attend. Giles Miller, Diocesan Director of Major Gifts & Campaigns encourages all those who have a role in parish management and oversite to attend one of the training sessions. Chancellor Rick Medeiros will begin each session with an opening prayer and his thanks for your past and future support. Dates, times and rsvp through the link.

Information on the recent revisions of the text and pastoral considerations.

Interviewing for School and Parish Positions, including Teachers, Staff, Ministry Leaders and Volunteers. The event will include time for Fellowship, Prayerful discernment, Testimonials from school and parish staff, Networking and Screening Interviews. "Make a difference in the heart and mind of a child".  Please share this event with your parishioners. 

Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of Lent, a time to grow spiritually through penitential practices, especially those of self-denial, almsgiving, and through works of kindness and compassion. The Diocesan Office of Worship shares the 2023 Guidelines for Lent. Also through the link, read The Liturgical Preparation Aid from the Federation of Diocesan Liturgical Commissions.

On February 6, a 7.8 magnitude earthquake devastated large areas of southern Turkey and northwest Syria. Since then, several earthquakes and aftershocks have been confirmed in the same region—including a 5.6 magnitude quake on February 27. At least 8.8 million people are affected across both countries, with the death toll surpassing 50,000 and continuing to rise. The earthquakes led to the total destruction of homes and infrastructure, and left millions of people without food, water and shelter. Read more through the link.

The life changing Workforce Development Program is holding introductory sessions on six different dates and times from February 22, 2023 and March 3, 2023. The program pairs paid internships with one on one mentoring to support people who have faced barriers to employment. Applicants required to attend both parts 1 and 2 of the introductory sessions. RSVP and Application information through the link.

The Chancery Communications Office is asking for input on how our parishes use social media. Please take the social media survey. The Survey will be open until February 15, 2023. Read below for the survey link and updates to the Diocesan Directory program.

The Diocese will observe 24 Hours For The Lord on Friday and Saturday, February 24 and 25, 2023. If your parish is observing this Lenten initiative, please submit your information by Thursday, February 9, 2023, via the link.

The San Francisco Chronicle writes an article sharing that Fr. Jayson Landeza of the Diocese of Oakland (Divine Mercy Parish and St. Benedict Parish) is one of the unsung heroes, offering comfort in times of gun violence tragedy. Read the article through the link.

In mid-December, Catholic Relief Services put out their Global Emergency Update: End of Year Review which highlights their emergency efforts in 2022 as well as urgent priorities for 2023. Read this comprehensive, important report through the link.

The Office of Communications at the USCCB has two new initiatives: Catholic Current and Entre Amigos. Content details and timing through the link.

The observances of National Marriage Week (Feb. 7-14) and World Marriage Day (Sunday, Feb. 12) are an opportunity to focus on building a culture of life and love that begins with supporting and promoting marriage and the family. This year's theme, "Marriage...one flesh, given and received" highlights the one-flesh union of husband and wife that is willed by God. Resources available through the link.

For the second year, the Committee for Religious Liberty and the Committee on Catholic Education are collaborating with Our Sunday Visitor Institute to host a religious liberty essay contest. Details on content, deadlines and prizes through the link.