News - January 2023

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.

In preparation for the Diocesan Eucharistic Revival Congress scheduled for September of 2023, the Bishop’s Outreach Team is seeking to update their information on Eucharistic Adoration in the parishes of the Diocese.  This survey will last through the month of February 2023.

Parishioner Rodney Esperanza from The Cathedral of Christ the Light presented Bishop Barber with a remembrance card and medal commemorating Pope Benedict. Read Mr. Esperanza's beautiful impressions of Pope Benedict's Requiem Mass through the link.

Since 1900, Xavier Society for the Blind has been providing braille and audio materials of faith and inspiration to blind and visuallyi mpaired people worldwide. Details and contact information through the link.

The Oakland and San Francisco Locations of the Sovereign Military Hospitaller Order of Saint John of Jerusalem, of Rhodes and of Malta will combine forces to assist Archbishop Salvatore Cordileone and Bishop Michael C. Barber, SJ in concelebrating Mass for those seeking God’s grace and mercy. The poignant and ancient sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick will be offered to all those in attendance. Details on Mass and world premier of Messe des Malades through the link.

In 2019, Pope Francis established the Sunday of the Word of God to be celebrated each year on the Third Sunday in Ordinary Time. The USCCB, through a grant from the American Bible Society, is offering a five part "Sunday Seminar Series" about Sacred Scripture in the Life of the Church. The video links for this five part video series will be available on January 22, 2023. Video links and parish bulletins/resources available through this link.

The death of a loved one is unlike any other loss.  Whether the death was sudden and tragic, or one with warning and preparation, the reality of death leaves most of us in a state of shock, confusion and sadness.  Grieving people need time and  space to honor their grief and figure out how to keep on living when our loved one is gone. Session dates through the link.

January is National Human Trafficking Awareness and Prevention Month, and February 8th is the feast of St. Josephine Bakhita as well as the International Day of Prayer and Awareness Against Human Trafficking. USCCB has shared resources for your parish.