News - Bishop Michael C. Barber, SJ

Read Bishop Barber's latest column, "With Mary's Help, We Can Make a Difference / Con la ayuda de Maria, podemos hacer la diferencia".

Bishop Michael C. Barber, SJ, has named Rick Medeiros, a seasoned executive leader in medical diagnostics, as chancellor for the Diocese of Oakland, effective Jan. 1, 2022.

Simbang Gabi 2021 kicks off at 7:00 pm on December 14 at the Cathedral of Christ the Light, where the Filipino clergy of the Diocese of Oakland are excited to welcome everyone to this year’s Opening Mass of the Simbang Gabi with Bishop Michael C. Barber, SJ. Additional celebrations and contact information listed through the link.

On December 7, 2021, Bishop Michael C. Barber, SJ and Fr. Brandon Macadaeg will attend a press conference called by the Oakland Chinatown Chamber of Commerce. Bishop Barber joins Bishop Bob Jackson of Acts Full Gospel and religious and civic leaders asking to make public safety a priority.

The Catholic Daughters of the Oakland Diocese presented a check to Bishop Michael C. Barber, SJ on Oct. 29. The biennial effort of the seven Courts of the Diocese is specifically to help with the education of the seminarians.

East Bay community members, including public officials and local faith leaders, joined together in the courtyard at Oakland’s Temple Beth Abraham to stand against antisemitism. Bishop Barber was honored to join the event.

On the fourth anniversary of Laudato Si', the California Bishops have issued a pastoral statement to renew and reengage our commitment to caring for our common home. Resources will be available for the Nov. 14 statewide parish Laudato Si Action Platform Plan. Learn more on our Environmental Justice page.

Bishop Michael C. Barber, SJ, has appointed Father Jimmy Macalinao as the diocesan point of contact for Synod 2021- 2023, a universal synod called by Pope Francis which opened on Oct. 10, 60 years after Pope John XXIII opened the Second Vatican Council.

Bishop Michael C. Barber, SJ, has made several clergy appointments that take effect on Nov. 1, 2021.

"Don’t Slander St. Junípero Serra", published Sept. 12, 2021 in The Wall Street Journal, by the leaders of the Archdioceses of San Francisco and Los Angeles. Spanish version also available through the link.

El Obispo Michael Barber, SJ, afirma que las exenciones religiosas no son posibles debido a que que el Vaticano ha declarado que es moralmente permisible que los católicos reciban la vacuna contra el COVID-19. Reconociendo que los católicos deben seguir sus conciencia, el Obispo establece una distinción entre objeciones por motivos religiosos y objeciones por razones de conciencia.

Bishop Michael Barber, SJ, states that religious exemptions are not possible since the Vatican has declared it is morally permissible for Catholics to receive the vaccine against COVID-19. Acknowledging that Catholics must follow their consciences, he draws a distinction between religious objections and conscientious objections.

Pope Francis has joined with Bishops & Archbishops across North and South America to urge people to get the COVID-19 vaccine. Read more and watch the recorded public service announcement through the link.

New order updates the previous August 2, 2021 order regarding masks indoors. New exceptions for necessary participation in religious activities. Read through the link.

Follow the link for Bishop Barber's letter to parishes supporting the life-affirming work of RealOptions clinics.

This Order requires all individuals within the County of Alameda to wear face coverings when indoors in workplaces and public settings, with limited exemptions, and recommends that businesses make face coverings available to individuals entering the business.

This Order of the Health Officer requires all persons to wear face coverings while inside indoor public settings located in Contra Costa County (“County”), regardless of whether they have been fully vaccinated against Coronavirus Disease 2019 (“COVID-19”), unless specifically exempted from the face covering requirement.

Bishop Barber shares his thoughts and prayers on coming "home" to the Eucharist. Watch this new video through the link.

Bishop Barber issued a July 18 statement granting permission for the continued use of the Traditional Latin Mass while a review of Pope Francis’ Motu proprio Traditionis custodes, dated 16 July 2021 and regarding the use of the Roman liturgy prior to 1970, is underway. For the full text of Pope Francis' Motu proprio and Bishop Barber's statement read through the link.

El obispo Michael C. Barber, SJ, anunció el levantamiento de la dispensación para asistir a Misa dominical en persona, a partir del 15 de agosto.