News - January 2024

At every CYO basketball and volleyball game and at every CYO track and cross county meet, there are dedicated individuals who organize and enforce rules for a fair game. But a CYO referee does more than just "call the game." Click above to read more about this special role in CYO and about one outstanding referee!

St. Patrick's Catholic Church - 2024 Black History Month Events

Read through the link for Black History Month events: Social Justice - A Call to Action and Unity. Fellowship after mass every Sunday during Black History Month, Soup and Scripture during Lent. Full event schedule through the link.

In Memoriam: Sister Paulina Villa

Sister Paulina Villa died peacefully on Jan.14, 2024, at the age of 90. She was born in Santa Margarita, California, on June 30, 1933, to Amelia Garcia and Lazaro Villa, and entered the Sisters of the Holy Family from Holy Angels Parish there on July 2, 1952 at the age of 19. Her funeral Mass was celebrated on January 26, 2024. Read more about her remarkable journey through the link.

In Memoriam: Fr. Alexander Snyder

Father Alexander Snyder, a retired priest of the Diocese of Oakland, died Jan. 17. He was 91. Father Snyder was born March 2, 1932, in Detroit. He was ordained for the Order of Friars Minor, Conv. on Feb. 22, 1959, in St. Paul, Minn. He came to the Diocese of Oakland in 1968 and was incardinated into the diocese five years later. Father Synder's Funeral Mass will be celebrated January 30, 2024. Read more about his life and work in the Diocese through the link.

Announcing Boys' CYO Sand Volleyball for 2024

CYO teams are invited to organize for the coming 2024 CYO Boy's Sand Volleyball Season. This exciting, outdoor sport for boys in 5th - 8th grades, will begin with play in late March through May. Games are low-key at Quarry Lakes Park, Fremont on Sunday afternoons and feature a "picnic" atmosphere with players and families. Click above for more information!

Recursos para la Cuaresma 2024

El Miércoles de Ceniza marca el comienzo de la Cuaresma, un tiempo para crecer espiritualmente a través de prácticas penitenciales, especialmente aquellas de abnegación, limosna y obras de bondad y compasión. Texto completo a través del enlace.

2024 Guidelines for Lent

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. Read the Guidelines through the link.

Bishop Barber's Invitation to Join the 40 Days for Life Vigil

Bishop Barber invites the faithful to join in Peaceful, Prayerful 40 Days of Life Vigil from February 14 to March 24 in locations in Concord, El Cerrito, and Walnut Creek. Invitation through the link.

2023 Bishop's Ministries Appeal - Thank You!

The Office of Mission Advancement extends its heartfelt thanks for your support of the 2023 Bishop's Ministries Appeal. Read our note from OMA Director Terri Porter.

Catholic Scout Board of Review Scheduled

The annual Board of Review for scouts earning the Ad Altare Dei and the Pope Pius XII awards will be on Saturday, January 27, 9:00 a..m. via Zoom. To attend, RSVP by emailing Catholic Scouts at [email protected]. Log on information will be sent.

Rite of Election Registration Now Open

RCIA Coordinators may now register their candidates for the 2024 Rite of Election and Call to Continuing Conversion. Rite of Election will take place on Saturday, Feb. 17 at 11am (English) and 2pm (Spanish). Coordinators can access registration through the link. Deadline: Jan. 31.

Thank you for Supporting Vocations!

The Office of Vocations shares a video message of thanks from some of our Seminarians. Take a look at what your support means to those pursuing Vocations in our Diocese.

Black History Month at St. Benedict's Oakland

Beginning on Sunday, January 14, 2024, join us for celebrations filled with SPIRITED Preaching, Motivational Inspiration, Faith Sharing, even a Church REVIVAL throughout Black History Month. Events details through the link.

24 Hours for the Lord Parish Participation Survey 2024

The Diocese of Oakland will observe 24 Hours For The Lord on Friday and Saturday, February 16 and 17, 2024. If your parish is observing this Lenten initiative, please submit your information by January 31. Survey available through the link.

2024 National Marriage Week, February 7-14

The observances of National Marriage Week (Feb. 7-14) and World Marriage Day (Sunday, Feb. 11) are an opportunity to focus on building a culture of life and love that begins with supporting and promoting marriage and the family. Check out our resources through the link.

Our Lady of Guadalupe School closing June 6

Citing an unsustainable decline in enrollment and diminishing reserve funds, Our Lady of Guadalupe School in Fremont will be closing after the last day of school on June 6, 2024. The announcement was made by Father Joy Kumarthusseril, MF, pastor of Our Lady of Guadalupe School and Parish, in a letter issued Jan. 10, 2024.

Catholic Therapists/Counselors Resource Directory

The Office of Life & Justice will be sharing resources for the justice of the heart and mind: mental and emotional resources that adhere to Catholic teaching. We are starting with a directory of Catholic counselors and therapist. Please let Kiona Medina know how the Ministry can support your parish.

Introducing Kiona Medina as the new coordinator for Life & Justice Ministries

Join us in welcoming Kiona! Learn more about our new ministry coordinator through the link.

Real Options Seeking Volunteers and Community Support

Want to support Real Options Obria Medical Clinics? Checkout our volunteer opportunities and Clinic Wish List through the link, and please share widely!

National Human Trafficking Awareness and Prevention Month

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. Parish resources, including speaker request info, are available through the link.