VOL . 58, NO . 13 DIOCESE OF OAKLAND OCTOBER 19, 2020 www.catholicvoiceoakland.org Serving the East Bay Catholic Community since 1963 Copyright 2020 Church offers guidance on issues, not candidates By Most Rev. Michael C. Barber, SJ Across the country, some priests have gotten car- “With regard to statements of the clergy and religious I couldn’t stand watching the first presidential debate . ried away and have endorsed particular candidates (of and laity who minister or serve in the Archdiocese of I had to leave the TV room where my fellow priests and both parties) “from the pulpit ”. Some priests have gone Boston, following the guidance of the United States I were watching after 15 minutes . further and said that “You’re not a good Catholic if you Conference of Catholic Bishops, as representatives of the Some parishioners have been vote for X ”. Archdiocese they may not endorse or oppose candidates asking me, “Who should I vote Some people are so rooted in their particular politi- for election or political parties . This directive also applies for? I don’t like either candidate ”. cal party that their hearts are not open to the message to parishes and organizations directly connected to the The Church does not take sides on of Christ and the teaching of His Church . They look for Archdiocese . persons running for office . But the pastors and bishops to endorse their candidates . May I “The teaching role of the Catholic Church brings reli- Church does have clear teachings make a suggestion? Be a Christian first, before you are gious and moral principles to the life of our society, our on some of the issues at stake that a member of your political party . Pope Francis said that Commonwealth, and our nation . Our advocacy addresses we offer for your consideration as neither political party in the US supports Catholic social protection of human life at all stages and in all circum- you make your voting decisions . The teaching on all the issues . True . But you will have to stances, including issues of social and economic equality, Church does not tell Catholics which decide which one comes closest . the pervasive influence of systemic racism and welcoming Bishop Barber candidates to vote for . We may take I was impressed with Cardinal Seán O’Malley, immigrants and refugees . an official stand as a Church on an Archbishop of Boston, who issued a brief but clear state- “Catholics are urged to play an active role in our public issue put to the voters, but not on people . ment on the election, with which I agree: life and to fulfill the basic obligation of a democracy, to Where can I find this guidance? “The Catholic community has the right to expect the vote . We are called to bring the light of faith and reason Go to USCCB .org — and you will find all the materials priests of the Archdiocese and those entrusted with to our civic responsibilities as we strive to build a civiliza- right there on the opening page . I especially recommend handing on the faith to be clear and unequivocal on the tion of love ”. three short videos that summarize Catholic teaching on Church’s teaching concerning respect and protection for I hope you will consider Christ’s and the Church’s “Protecting Human Life and Dignity,” “Promoting the life from the first moment of conception to natural death . teaching as you make your voting decisions . Please DO Common Good” and “Love of Neighbor ”. This teaching is of the highest priority for the Church . vote . That is a duty of all good Catholics .
Diocese provides update Back in the classroom on church reopenings Staff report When will we go back to Mass inside church? It depends . Contra Costa County approved resuming indoor public wor- ship effective Oct . 1 . Most parishes had submitted reopening plans with the Diocese of Oakland, which published on June 12 z Diocesan COVID-19 Liturgical Protocol, which remains in effect . • Indoor attendance is limited to 25 percent of capacity, not exceeding 100 people . • Communion may now be distributed during Mass, at the usual time . It is no longer required to distribute communion after Mass . • Continuation of outdoor Masses as List of parishes long as possible is encouraged . approved for • Cleaning is less stringent than opening — when before . There is no need to sanitize counties approve, pews and other surfaces between p . 3 services, but it is still important to keep things as clean as possible throughout the week . • Coffee hours and other occasions for gathering are still pro- hibited . • In general, it is very important to keep the sacramental life of the Church (baptism, confirmation, first communion, weddings and funeral, etc ). alive during this pandemic . • Indoor classes, Bible study, etc . are still prohibited . • Coffee hours and other occasions for gathering are still pro- hibited . ISIDORE SCHOOL Alameda County has not yet approved resuming indoor public . worship . This permission is expected to come soon . Until it does, it is very important to comply with the County Order to not have any indoor services in Alameda County parishes at this time .
The dispensation from the obligation to attend Sunday and COURTESY/ST Holy Day Masses continues until further notice . Although the St. Isidore School in Danville welcomed back its youngest students, transitional kindergartners faithful are dispensed from their obligation to attend Mass, to second-graders, to a half-day of class on Oct. 14. Here’s Christina Sullivan’s kindergarten they are encouraged to spend time in prayer on Sunday (such class masked and in their seats. The school said 72% of the TK-2 students opted for in-person as following a live-stream Mass or participating in a spiritual class. Next week, third- through fifth-grade will return, with the six- through eighth-graders or corporal act of mercy) . Out of an abundance of caution for expected back the following week. Coming soon: Transitional kindergarten through first-grade those at high risk, the dispensation from attending Sunday Mass classes are expected back at St. Michael School in Livermore on Oct. 20. continues even after public Masses resume .
Solemn Requiem Mass for All Soul’s Day On our cover Learn about the elementary schools Special to the Catholic Voice Each year All Souls’ Day is observed Solemn Requiem Mass On All Souls’ Day, the Church prays for at the Cathedral of Christ the Light with of the Diocese of Oakland Pages all the faithful departed, those who await a Solemn Requiem Mass, celebrated by 9-13 Nov . 2, 7 p m. ,Cathedral. of Christ that day when they will join the company Bishop Michael C . Barber, SJ . The Mass, the Light, Oakland, with Bishop of all the saints . to begin at 7 p m. . Nov . 2, is not open to Bishop’s column ...... 1 Michael C . Barber, SJ, presiding This feast reminds us all that even after the public . The Church ...... 2 The Cathedral’s Schola Lumen death, we are linked with our loved ones The Mass will be live streamed School news ...... 9-13 Gentium will sing a Requiem and fellow travelers in an unbroken line of at https://www youtube. com/c/. composed for choir by Duarte Lobo faith, hope and love . CathedralofChristtheLight . Obituaries ...... 15 . Live-stream Mass: www youtube. . All Souls’ Day gives us the opportunity This year the Cathedral’s Schola Around the Diocese . . . . 17. com/c/CathedralofChristtheLight to strengthen that bond, to remember Lumen Gentium will sing a Requiem At this time, the Mass is not open those who have died, and to inspire and composed for choir by 17th-century Senior Living ...... 17 . to the public . strengthen one another as the community Portuguese composer Duarte Lobo . Forum ...... 19 of believers still here on earth . continued on p. 14 THE DIOCESE
2 — THE CATHOLIC VOICE THE CHURCHU.S. BISHOPS OCTOBER 19, 2020 THE CATHEDRAL OFFICIAL THE VATICAN OFFICIAL Bishop’s Schedule
Oct. 19: Meeting with Help of Christians Parish, Bishops of the California Oakland Catholic Conference 2:30 and 4:30 p m. . Oct. 20: Vocational Team Celebration of the Sacrament Meeting of Confirmation, St . Felicitas Oct. 23: Saint Patrick’s Parish, San Leandro Seminary Board of Trustees Nov. 9: USCCB Meeting and Retreat Administrative Committee Oct. 24: 9 a m. . Ordination to Meeting the Deaconate for the Jesuit Nov. 10: Fall Study Day with Order, Santa Maria Parish, Orinda Priests of the Diocese of Oakland Oct. 26: Meeting with the Bishops of Nov. 12: Office Meetings, Chancery Region XI Offices, Oakland, including Priest Oct. 27: Office Meetings – Chancery Personnel Board and Presbyteral Offices, Oakland, including College of Council Consultors HARING/CNS PAUL Nov. 13: 4, 5:30 and 7 p m. . Pope Francis greets the crowd during his general audience in Paul VI hall at Nov. 1: 11 a m. . Mass, Solemnity of All Celebration of the Sacrament of the Vatican Oct. 14, 2020. A few days after four Swiss Guards tested positive Saints, Cathedral of Christ the Light, Confirmation, St . Leander Parish, San for COVID-19, the pope broke from his normal pattern and did not personally Oakland Leandro greet people in the crowd. Nov. 2: 7 p m. . Requiem Mass for All Nov. 14: 11 a m. . Celebration of the Souls Day, Cathedral of Christ the Sacrament of Confirmation, St . Mark Light, Oakland Parish, Richmond Prayer, crying out to God is only Nov. 4: Catholic Telemedia Network Nov. 15-19: USCCB General Board Meeting Assembly Sessions and Committee Meetings, including source of salvation, pope says Nov. 7: Diocesan Detention Ministry Administrative Committee, Virtual Retreat By Junno Arocho Esteves Before concluding the audience, Committee on Catholic Education, Catholic News Service the pope apologized to those present Doctrine Committee, Committee on 10 a m. . Celebration of the Sacrament VATICAN CITY — The purpose of and explained that with the new safety Religious Liberty of Confirmation, St . Anthony-Mary crying out to the Lord in prayer is not to regulations in place, “it is better if we keep get used to suffering, but to remember distant .” that God, and not humankind, is the only “You are sitting prudently distant as it source of salvation and consolation, Pope should be,” the pope said . “But it often THE DIOCESE Francis said . happens that when I go down, everyone The Book of Psalms, with its many gets close and piles up . And it’s a problem U.S. BISHOPS prayers of supplication, teaches because there is a risk of infection ”. Christians how to ask “God to intervene “I’m sorry that I greet you from afar, but THE CATHEDRAL where all human efforts are in vain . That I think that if we, as good citizens, fulfill the is why prayer, in and of itself, is the way regulations from the authorities, this will THE VATICAN of salvation and the beginning of salva- be a help to end this pandemic,” he said . tion,” the pope said Oct . 14 during his During the audience, the pope contin- weekly general audience at the Paul VI ued his series of talks on prayer, reflecting OFFICIAL audience hall . on the Book of Psalms, which “communi- “The prayer of the psalms is the testi- cates ‘knowing how to pray’ through the mony of this cry: a multiple cry because experience of dialogue with God ”. in life, pain takes a thousand forms and “In this book, we do not encounter takes the name of sickness, hatred, war, ethereal, abstract people, those who con- persecution, distrust; until the supreme fuse prayer with an aesthetic or alienating ‘scandal,’ that of death,” he said . experience,” he explained . “The psalms Prior to the pope’s arrival, participants are not texts created on paper, but rather
COURTESY /CATHEDRAL OF CHRIST THE LIGHT OF CHRIST /CATHEDRAL COURTESY were told that he would not be greeting they are invocations, often dramatic, that The Cathedral of Christ the Light hosted the Evening of Victory on Oct. 7. This them from up close and that they were to spring from lived existence ”. evening was a gathering for the faithful to reflect, pray the rosary and adore maintain proper distance from each other . The Book of Psalms, he continued, our Lord in the Blessed Sacrament. With a steady increase in COVID-19 is where Christians can “hear the voice infections prompting fears of a second of men and women of prayer in flesh Bishop endorses 40 Monday-Saturday, 40daysforlife com/. wave of the pandemic, the Italian govern- and blood, whose life, like that of us all, Days for Life campaign concordca . ment issued a series of new decrees, is fraught with problems, hardships and Walnut Creek: Planed Parenthood, including extending mandatory use of uncertainties .” “Each human being is called by 1357 Oakland Blvd ,. Walnut Creek, 7 masks indoors, except in private homes, In the psalms, the pain, suffering and God to enjoy the fullness of life; and, a m. -7. p m. . Monday-Saturday, 40day- to requiring masks be worn outdoors, sorrow are not “meaningless, without is entrusted to the maternal care of the sforlife/walnutcreek . as well as the early closing of bars and purpose,” but instead it “becomes a rela- Church, every threat to human dignity Hayward: Planned Parenthood, 1032 restaurants . tionship, a cry for help waiting to intercept and life cannot but have an effect on her A St , . Hayward, 8 a m. -6. p m. . daily, Religious and civil ceremonies were a listening ear ”. heart, on her maternal ‘womb’. To defend 40daysforlife .org/hayward also limited to no more than 30 guests . “Even the pains we suffer cannot be life is not an ideology for the Church. It is According to the Italian newspaper, La merely specific cases of a universal law: a reality; a human reality which involves Repubblica, the Italian National Institute of they are always ‘my’ tears, which no one all Christians, precisely because they are Music by David Haas Health reported that 77% of new infections has ever shed before me . All human pains Christian and because they are human.” Should Be Removed occurred among family members . for God are sacred,” he said . — Pope Francis, General Audience, March 25, 2020. As Catholics, we are committed to Regretfully, in our country it is far too safe environments for all and we affirm often that an innocent child’s human our support for those who have been rights are violated . Pope Francis invites harmed . Unfortunately, it has come to us to work together to defend the right our attention that a prominent composer to life and I invite you once again to of liturgical music, David Haas, has had “Let the Catholic voice . . . be spread in every diocese, in every parish, become involved in the efforts to help multiple allegations of misconduct levied in every association, in every family.” defend these fundamental rights for our against him . These allegations are being — Pope Paul VI unborn brothers and sisters . Let us join investigated by the Archdiocese of St . Publisher: Bishop Michael C. Barber, SJ and be a voice that calls out to mothers Paul/Minneapolis and the Archdiocese and fathers struggling with a difficult of Los Angeles . Interim Director of Communication Email addresses pregnancy to know they have support Given the serious nature of the alle- & Community Relations Letters to the editor: [email protected] and an alternative to abortion . gations we feel it is inappropriate to use Associate Publisher, The Catholic Voice: Address change: [email protected] Join in a peaceful, prayerful 40 his music in Catholic worship until the Helen Osman Subscription: [email protected] Days for Life vigil from September 23 – investigations have concluded . Parishes [email protected] Datelines (calendar of events): November 1 in these locations around in the Diocese of Oakland are asked to Interim Editor: Michele Jurich [email protected] the Diocese . stop using any music by David Haas and Around the Diocese: [email protected] Concord: Planned Parenthood, 2185 look for suitable alternatives . This was [email protected]; 510-419-1075 Pacheco St , . Concord, 7 a m. -7. p m. . effective Sept . 4 . Office/Circulation Manager: Sandi Gearhart Photos: [email protected]; 510-893-5339 Submitted photos must be suitable for print publication. Please refer to our photo guidelines: Graphics/Webmaster: Chris Patrick Morgan www.catholicvoiceoakland.org/photos.htm Upcoming [email protected]; 510-419-1076 The Catholic Voice Schedule Issues 2121 Harrison St., Oakland, CA 94612 See our publication schedule and deadlines at: Phone 510-893-5339; Fax 510-893-4734 www.catholicvoiceoakland.org/pubdates.htm Date Focus Ad Deadline www.catholicvoiceoakland.org Nov. 23 Gift of Giving Nov. 12 The Catholic Voice (ISSN 0279-0645) is published for the Roman Catholic Diocese of Oakland twice monthly except in Dec. 14 Christmas Dec. 3 July, August and December (when one issue is published) for $25 a year (outside the diocese, $30). Copyright 2020. Adjudged to be a newspaper of general circulation by the Superior Court of Alameda County, Court order No. 365394, dated Jan. 20, 1967. Periodical postage paid (USPS 094-640) at Oakland, California, and additional mailing offices. Issue focus subject to change Postmaster: Send address changes to: The Catholic Voice, 2121 Harrison St., Suite 100, Oakland, CA 94612. OCTOBER 19, 2020 THE CATHOLIC VOICE — 3
Parishes with plans to reopen, when counties give the go-ahead The following parishes have met diocesan and county requirements for resuming public, indoor Masses once Alameda and Contra Costa County restrictions have been lifted . Contra Costa County lifted some restrictions Oct . 1; Alameda County has not lifted restrictions on public, indoor Masses . This list is updated daily . This list was effective Oct . 13 . The obligation to attend Mass remains suspended until further notice Live-. streamed Masses are still provided for those unable to attend in person .Pre-registration is required to attend Mass in some places . Please check the website for details .Check www catholicvoiceoakland. org. for updates:
Oakland: Cathedral of Christ the Light Byron: St . Anne (5 July) stannechurch- (20 June) ctlcathedral org;. Divine Mercy byron .com (19 June) divinemercyoak org;. Our Lady Castro Valley: Our Lady of Grace of Lourdes (12 July) lourdesoakland .com; (refer to website) olgcv org. Sacred Heart (19 June) shoakland@ Concord: Queen of All Saints (19 comcast net;. St . Anthony &Mary Help of June) qaschurch org;. St . Agnes (1 July) Christians (28 June) stanthony-maryhelp . stagnesparish net;. St . Bonaventure (20 org; St . Augustine (4 July) staugusti- June) stbonaventure net;. St . Francis of neoakland com;. St . Benedict (11 July) Assisi (11 July) sfaconcord com. SaintBenedictCrh@aol com;. St . Bernard Danville: St . Isidore (29 September) (19 June) st bernard. church@sbcglobal. . sichurch .com net; St . Columba (Pending) stcolumba- Dublin: St . Raymond (19 June)st- oak .com; St . Elizabeth (4 July) sainteliza- raymond-dublin .org bethoak .org; St . Jarlath (19 June) stjarlath . El Cerrito: St . John the Baptist (18 com; St . Leo the Great (12 July) churchof- October) stjohnelcerrito org. stleothegreat org;. St . Louis Bertrand (19 El Sobrante: St . Callistus (11 July) June) slboakland .com; St . Margaret Mary saintcallistus .org (25-28June) stmargaretmaryoak org;. St . Fremont: Corpus Christi (4 July) Patrick (16 August) stpatrickoakland .com; corpuschristifremont org;. Holy Spirit (19 St . Theresa (19 June) sttheresaoakland . June) holyspiritfremont org;. Our Lady of org Guadalupe (19 June) olog church;. St . Alameda: St . Barnabas (pending) Joseph & Old Mission San Jose (29 June) sbparishoffice@comcast net;. St . Joseph saintjosephmsj .org Basilica (21 June) sjbalameda org;. St . Hayward: All Saints (19 June) Philip Neri & St . Albert the Great (25 June) AllSaintsHayward org;. St . Bede (11 July) spnsa .org; stbedechurchhay .org; St . Clement (1 July) Antioch: Most Holy Rosary (4 July) saintclementchurch org;. St . Joachim (4 holyrosaryantioch org;. St . Ignatius of July)saintjoachim .net Antioch (not determined) stignatiusofan- Livermore: St . Charles Borromeo (22 tioch .org June) stcharlesborromeo .org; St . Michael Bay Point: Our Lady Queen of the (19 June) StMichaelLivermore com. World (11 July) olqw org. Martinez: St . Catherine of Siena (19 Berkeley: Holy Spirit-Newman Hall June) stcmtz org. (29 June) calnewman org;. St . Joseph the Moraga: St . Monica (22 June) stmoni- Worker (6 July) stjosephtheworkerchurch . camoraga .com org; St . Mary Magdalen (6 July) mary- Newark: St . Edward (19 June) sted- magdalen org;. St . Ambrose (Pending) wardcatholic .com stambroseberkeley .org Oakley: St . Anthony (4 July) stanthon- Brentwood: Immaculate Heart of Mary yoakley .com (22 June) ihmbrentwood com. continued on p. 14
VIGILVIGIL OFOF LIGHTSLIGHTS DRIVEDRIVE THROUGHTHROUGH
NOVEMBERNOVEMBER 2ND2ND || 6:006:00 -- 9:009:00 PMPM DUEDUE TOTO COVID-19COVID-19 RESTRICTIONS YOU MUST REMAIN IN YOUR CARS
JOIN US THE WEEK OF OCTOBER 26TH-30TH Come decorate your Luminaria Memorial Bag. Tables will be set up outside our office locations everyday from 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM
We will be open regular business hours for Dia de los Muertos for visitation. No BBQ's | No loud music | Social distancing | Masks required
FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT ONE OF OUR LOCATIONS: Holy Sepulchre (510) 537-6600 | Queen of Heaven (925) 932-0900 Holy Cross (925) 757-0658 | St. Joseph (510) 234-2012 cfcsoakland.org A MINISTRY OF THE DIOCESE OF OAKLAND 4 — THE CATHOLIC VOICE OCTOBER 19, 2020 Work — and worth — rooted in East Oakland By Carrie McClish Special to The Catholic Voice Since the age of 15, Rasheed Stanley- Lockheart had spent every year of his life incarcerated . Now 43, Stanley-Lockheart’s life changed for the better when, upon his release from San Quentin Prison earlier this year, he started a new job at Planting Justice, an Oakland-based nonprofit dedicated to sowing seeds of healing and second chances in the community through gardens and an urban nursery . His new job has not only given him the opportunity to take care of himself, “by giv- ing me a livable wage,” it is also providing him the chance to help others and to “be an advocate for change ”. In his dual positions as Planting Justice’s new reentry coordinator and grassroots fundraiser, Stanley-Lockheart is offering resources and support to other formerly incarcerated persons and, once the COVID-19 restrictions are lifted in Alameda County, he will return to Oakland neighborhoods to share the work and mis- sion of the organization . Generally speaking, the mission of
Planting Justice is to create full-time living VOICE THE CATHOLIC TO IRENE CASAR/SPECIAL PHOTO COURTESY wage jobs for formerly incarcerated people Left: Planting Justice co-founder Gavin Raders, center, talks with visitors, who include Bishop Michael C. Barber, SJ. and others with a history of systemic and Right: Rasheed Stanley-Lockheart serves as reentry coordinator and grassroots fundraiser at Planting Justice in Oakland. structural oppression and violence in their lives . the end of the day,” Raders said . its letter of recommendation, the local Stanley-Lockheart recalled meeting Those jobs are literally rooted in the Planting Justice has hired almost 50 review committee noted that at a time Raders and Zandi in 2013 when he earth . Planting Justice consists of an full-time employees, who were formerly when unemployment in the Bay Area is helped them to build “the first flower bed organic production and mail-order nursery incarcerated people, since the organiza- at record high levels due to COVID-19, of any kind in any prison in the country,” business at its two-acre headquarters in tion began more than 10 years ago . “it is imperative that those most at risk of he said . “At that time Planting Justice was East Oakland, and a farm in El Sobrante During the current COVID-19 pan- falling further into poverty, namely those just this brainchild of Gavin and Haleh, in Contra Costa County, which supplies demic, nursery sales have increased, working at Planting Justice and those exit- where they were out borrowing tools and many of its plants and trees . most likely stimulated by the resurgence ing prison who need jobs as they reenter vehicles, trying to teach about sustain- of gardening by those sheltering at society, be given the support they need ability and going into local communities home . “We’ve hired nine new staff to sustain themselves and their families and teaching people how to grow their The annual collection for the Catholic people since March to keep up with through their work in the PJ nursery and own food ”. Campaign for Human Development takes the work,” Raders said . its allied operations ”. Today, in addition to the nursery busi- place throughout the United States on Nov . The base-level salary is $19 an Planting Justice traces its roots to a ness, Planting Justice has an education 21-22 . For those unable to donate at their par- hour and “no one gets less than garden program at San Quentin Prison, program in Bay Area prisons, juvenile ish, online contributions can be made at www . that,” Raders said . All employees where Raders, along with co-founder detention centers and middle and high cchdeastbay .org . Checks should be made pay- receive full benefits — medical, Haleh Zandi, were program volunteers . schools about sustainable agriculture and able to Catholic Charities East Bay, with CCHD dental, vision, chiropractic, life Many of the people they met were “having healthy eating . written in the memo line and then sent to: insurance as well as a month of their world rocked in a great way” through Planting Justice purchased its two Catholic Campaign for Human Development, paid time off each year . their time of caring for and working in the properties through fundraising campaigns . c/o Catholic Charities East Bay, 433 Jefferson “We recognize that most of our garden . “They had never had that experi- When its key plant supplier, Rolling River St ,. Oakland CA 94607-3539 . staff members are parents and have ence before and really wanted to do this Nursery, was closing its business, PJ pur- a lot of other responsibilities that work on the outside,” Raders said . But, chased the entire inventory which included they need to be supported in and “they absolutely needed to be able to have an “incredible collection” of 11,000 plants . The nursery jobs “are transforming our tended to,” he said . their basic needs and their family’s basic Raders described it as one of the largest local food system and creating spaces that Planting Justice is a trauma-aware needs met ”. organic plant collections and the largest help and create healthy food and safety workspace “where we are recognizing that Seeking a way to generate income in collection of organic fruit trees in North and communities that again have changed a lot of folks who come to us whether they order to hire people after they had been America . a lot of structural inequities,” said Gavin are incarcerated or not are in a process of released from prison, Planting Justice The organization, which receives direc- Raders, Planting Justice’s co-founder and personal healing,” Raders said . “We have started as a landscaping service that tion from its leadership board, is working co-director . a lot of mentorship and support built into involved edible landscaping and sustain- to acquire a nearby three-acre site of a Although people can shop on site at the organization that understands that able urban design . “We used the word former nursery, where Planting Justice 319 105th Avenue, most of the sales from even just arriving at the job site in and of permaculture to describe what we do can grow vegetables and fruits for sale in the nursery are made online at plantingjus- itself is a huge feat ”. because it describes a whole system the community . tice .org . “We box up hundreds of trees that The Catholic Campaign for Human design” that involved recycling greywater Carrie McClish is a freelance writer we are sending out all over the country . Development recently awarded Planting and using medicinal and native landscap- based in Oakland. She is a former staff The UPS truck comes to pick them up at Justice a $20,000 national grant . In ing, Raders said . writer at The Catholic Voice. Multiple East Bay organizations receive CCHD grants Funds donated each November to the Catholic business start-ups, monthly peer support sessions and work for permanent affordable housing . The CCHD Campaign for Human Development by parishioners in the a two-year fellowship – all aimed at creating successful grant will assist in the hiring of a community organizer to Oakland diocese and throughout the United States are woman-owned businesses and community leaders in facilitate a strategic business plan to acquire low-income awarded by the U S. . bishops to nonprofit organizations the Spanish-speaking immigrant community . Prospera housing assets that will be community controlled . www . for community and economic development projects that has established a Latina Entrepreneur Resiliency Fund facebook .com/CLTEden address social concerns and economic injustices . Three to help its business owners adapt to the changing eco- • Monument Impact, Concord: A Latino-led organiza- East Bay organizations received national grants in 2020: nomic realities of COVID-19 . www prosperacoops. org. tion, founded in 2001, supports community members to • Genesis: Based in Oakland with a branch in the Tri- ($75,000 economic development grant) speak out against the institutional barriers that impact Valley, Genesis unites multiracial and income-diverse Some of the funds donated by Catholics in the Oakland their economic development and to acquire the skills faith communities, unions and community groups . It Diocese are reserved for smaller projects . This year, and relationships needed to achieve an equitable share succeeded in getting free bus passes for students in seven non-profits each received $7,500 . They are: in the social and economic wealth of Contra Costa numerous school districts in Alameda County . Genesis • Ashland Community Association, Hayward: This County . Their long-standing Day Labor program has is working to change the local juvenile justice system to 3-year-old organization trains residents in an unincorpo- 73 members, all low- or very low-income, who come a restorative justice model that emphasizes fairness and rated area of south Alameda County in community orga- together to set standards of conduct, set hourly rates rehabilitation rather than imprisonment for youth guilty nizing and leadership development to improve the social for jobs and rules of engagement with employers . www . of non-violent offenses . It also advocates with disabled and economic realities in their communities . Initiatives mounumentimpact .org members of the community for improved services . www . include improving safety and sanitation at the Bayfair • My Eden Voice, Ashland, Cherryland, Hayward genesisca . ($40,000 community development grant) BART station and providing input into any new planned Acres, San Lorenzo: This grassroots community-based • Planting Justice: Headquartered in the Sobrante Park development in the area . www .facebook .com/AshlandCA organization of residents in an unincorporated area of neighborhood of East Oakland, Planting Justice has a • Bay Peace: Better Alternatives for Youth, Oakland: Alameda County works to identify and solve such issues threefold mission: grow food, grow jobs and grow com- Oakland and Bay Area youth, ages 14-24 who have as tenant protections, lack of parks and open space, munity . It has built more than 450 gardens in the Bay Area been impacted by trauma and violence, learn to develop and major health disparities . It provides a safe place for so people can grow their own food, especially in areas skills in artistry, community organizing and public speak- neighbors to build networks for stronger and healthier where fresh fruits and vegetables are not readily avail- ing to advocate for social improvements in their schools, communities and to achieve equitable access to county able . Its large nursery business provides training and jobs homes, streets and communities, especially in relation to services . www facebook. com/CLTEden. for those living in the area who are formerly incarcerated violence . Their advocacy includes reform of the Oakland • Youth Spirit Artworks, Berkeley: Founded in 2007, and those seeking equitably paid work . PJ’s education Police Department . www baypeace. org. YSA works with more than 150 homeless and under- program goes into Bay Area prisons, juvenile detention • Building Blocks for Kids, Richmond: African American served youth to build skills in sales and entrepreneur- centers and middle and high schools to give instruction and Latinx parents and child caregivers receive leader- ship, media and communication, journalism, non-profit on sustainable agriculture and healthy eating . https:// ship training to advocate for quality education for their management, community organizing and social ser- plantingjustice .org ($20,000 business development grant) children and emotional and physical well-being for their vices . Participants helped raise funds and advocated • Prospera: This Oakland-based non-profit is dedicated families . Participants build networks to effectively bring with city and county officials to build a village of tiny to creating and sustaining Latina-owned business race, class and social equity to the forefront of educa- houses in Oakland for homeless youth as part of the cooperatives in the Bay Area, including housecleaning, tion and health policy decisions in West Contra Costa YSA 100 Homes for Homeless Youth Campaign . www . nanny services and catering . Training classes focus on County . http:bbk-richmond org. youthspiritartworks .org the fundamentals of cooperative business ownership . • Eden Community Land Trust, Castro Valley: Eden- —Diocese of Oakland Committee, Prospera hosts a three-year incubation program for area residents volunteer their time and resources to Catholic Campaign for Human Development OCTOBER 19, 2020 THE CATHOLIC VOICE — 5 CCEB: An essential service for the past 85 years By Michele Jurich person contact, following Staff writer COVID-19 protocols . Extraordinary times call for extraordi- The theme of hope, nary measures . innovation and resil- As an essential service, Catholic ience is lived daily in the Charities East Bay has been responding diocese, parishes and to these times with hope, innovation and Catholic Charities . resilience . Good thing that the organization “All together we will has had a good deal of practice in its 85 get through this,” said years of service . Mary Kuhn, communica- In a virtual gathering on Nov . 14, tions director for Catholic Catholic Charities East Bay will not only Charities East Bay . show how its guests how the agency has As an essential ser- responded to the COVID-19 pandemic vice, Catholic Charities of 2020, but show how it has responded East Bay has been hard a to other challenging times it has faced in work . “We’ve changed our those 85 years . practice,” she said . “We Father Jim Schexnayder is speaking never stopped working ”. about the response to the AIDS in the Looking at the impact 1980s; Millie Burns to the resettling in the of that work, from the first East Bay of people displaced by Hurricane of January to Aug . 31:
Katrina in 2005; Sister Elisabeth Lang, OP, • The food giveaway part- PHOTO COURTESY longtime refugee resettlement coordinator nership with St . Vincent Catholic Charities East Bay has partnered with St. Vincent de Paul of Contra Costa County to on the refugees who came from Southeast de Paul of Contra Costa give away 180,000 pounds of fresh and nonperishable foods in Richmond since April. Asia, through the displacements from war- County has provided torn Afghanistan and Iraq from the wars in 180,000 pounds of fresh and nonper- of COVID-19 who needed help with family-based, humanitarian-based DACA the 1990s until the gates closed in the past ishable food in Richmond since April . rent, there were calls from people and citizenship applications were filed; couple of years . Bishop John S . Cummins, About 17,000 people were fed . Catholic needing help with mortgages . Building 96 applications for citizenship were filed . bishop emeritus of Oakland, and Bishop Charities is working on a plan to expand on its experience with Keep Oakland • Mental health teams have been active, Michael C . Barber, SJ, are expected to food distribution into Oakland . Housed, Catholic Charities was able offering training on reducing stress and appear in the filed presentation . • In addition to fielding calls from people to extend assistance to other parts anxiety in these times to almost 500 The videos are filmed with limited in- facing abrupt unemployment because of Alameda County as well as Contra people . School-based mental health Costa County . The agency assisted programs remain in touch with more than 564 households, with grants averag- 100 students . The hep is extending to Notes from the front lines of CCEB’s work: ing $2,497 . Sixty days after receiving families as well, Kuhn said . assistance, 81 48%. remained stably • A mother of 5, newly arrived from Afghanistan, where her husband was killed . housed . She has some trauma and mental health issues, so unable to work . • The successful campaign with the state CCEB • A 71-year-old man who was working as wholesaler for flashlights and sunglasses of California put $500 gift cards in the and lost his job hands of 10,000 people who did not Celebrating 85 Years of Hope, • A very proud older gentleman who was working part time serving meals to qualify for federal COVID-19 assistance . Innovation and Resilience homeless folks, who said, “I have never ever asked for help before, but I so • A six-week campaign to file citizenship Nov . 14, 6 p m. . need it now ”. applications before a major increase in A virtual program • A pregnant mom of 2 kids, who finally found a place of her own that she could fees proved successful . Before that cam- There is no cost to attend . All afford . She works nights doing security, take classes online to get her MA cer- paign, which led up to an Oct . 2 deadline, proceeds raised during the virtual tificate, helps her daughter with her Zoom kindergarten and tries to find time to 364 consultations on citizenship were event will benefit the mission and sleep during the day . conducted, with 196 people entering the programs of Catholic Charities East — Catholic Charities East Bay path to citizenship and 66 applications Bay . RSVP: cceb org/85years. for citizenship . In the later program, 156 6 — THE CATHOLIC VOICE OCTOBER 19, 2020 Jubilarians Salute to our Priests
n this issue, The Catholic Voice salutes and thanks the religious men who have devoted their lives to serving the people of God . In the following pages, we honor priests who have given from 25 to 70 years in service of the Lord . While the customary celebrations for these men – ordained in 1950, 1960, I1970, 1980 and 1995 — have been delayed by COVID-19, be assured that our gratitude has not .
at St . Thomas Aquinas Newman Center Mass and the other sacraments, the days not have all the answers and still don’t . serving the University of Nevada, Las of reflection became ‘A View From the This realization not only contributed to 60 Years Vegas, Nevada . Shore .’ my ministry as an administrator but also of Priestly Ministry “At present virus restrictions hold us to to my pastoral outreach in preaching the “I could not believe that I have been Mass by Zoom . I pray soon our celebration Good News ”. ordained a priest 60 years ago . I believe will be in place ”. that when one is enjoying what he is called Rev . David Farrugia, OP to do, when one is happy in his ministry time files very quickly . And people notice . Rev . Terence O’Malley, SCJ Birthplace: Vittoriosa, Malta I spent 49 years of my priesthood serv- 25 Years Ordination: April 2, 1960, St . John’s ing various campuses on the West Coast Birthplace: Westport, County Mayo, of Priestly Ministry Co-Cathedral, Valletta, Malta – from Occidental College to University Ireland Present Ministry: Retired . Assists with of California, Riverside to Arizona State Ordination: June 12, 1960, St . Tudwal’s liturgies at St . Dominic Parish, Benicia . University to University of Oregon to Church, Barmouth, Merioneth, Wales Past Service: Chaplain to the Christian University of Arizona and finally to the Present Ministry: Parochial Administrator, Rev . Luong Uong, CSSR Brothers at Mont La Salle, Napa . University of Nevada, Las Vegas . I did not Transfiguration Parish, Castro Valley Chaplain to the stu- have a clue what I should do as a priest on Past Service: Parochial vicar, St . Birthplace: Saigon, Vietnam dents at Occidental campus when I was appointed Newman Raymond Parish, Dublin; All Saints Ordination: June 10, 1995, Holy Ghost College, Los Angeles . Chaplain at Occidental College . But from Parish, Hayward . Administrator, Sacred Church, Houston, Texas Director and pas- the early times of my priesthood I allowed Heart Seminary, Sampran, Thailand; Present Ministry: Pastor, Vietnamese tor of the Newman the people that I ministered to, to teach me English Province Martyrs Church, San Antonio, Texas Center (campus min- how to be a priest . With the help of the of Congregation of Past Service: Parochial pastor, St . istry) at UC Riverside . students, faculty and staff I came to realize Priests of the Sacred Mary Assumption Church, New Orleans, Assistant pastor, St . that one of the most important elements Heart; Sacred Heart Louisiana . Pastor, St . Mary Assumption Dominic Parish, Los for a priest is to listen – to listen to those College, Droitwich, Church, New Orleans, Louisiana . Special Angeles; St . Dominic whom I was serving . In my 49 years as Worchester, England; assignment for the Redemptorists of Parish, Benicia; St . a priest/campus minister, I loved working Junior Seminary, Denver Province, Holy Redeemer Retreat Mary Magdalen Parish, Berkeley; St . with the students – they are a great asset English Midlands . Center, Oakland . Chaplain, Vietnamese Dominic Parish, San Francisco . Pastor, to the church – they are the church of “Back in the 1950s Marriage Renewal program in the US and Our Lady of the Mountain Parish, Ashland, today and the church of tomorrow . So, when I was training to worldwide . Part time counseling ministry, Oregon; St . Dominic Parish, Benicia; St . I empowered the students to become be a priest, there was Family Life Ministries, Archdiocese of Mary Magdalen Parish, Berkeley . leaders at the Newman Center but also great emphasis that a Priest was an alter Galveston-Houston, “I was fortunate to grow in a parish, helped them to be future leaders in their Christus – another Christ . What a magnifi- Texas . Parochial vibrant and run by four young holy priests . faith communities wherever they will live cent calling . It was heady stuff . It inclined pastor, Visitation of The priests were like family . They played after their college experience . us to see ourselves as separate even B V. M. . Philadelphia, soccer with us, took us for walks and “My motto as a priest was the story of special . As time passed, I came to see Pennsylvania . swimming . I became an altar server and the washing of the feet . Throughout my my calling to be more closely connected Vocation director, more and more involved in the parish . priesthood, I reflected on this story almost to Jesus Christ . Instead of priesthood Redemptorists of These priests left a good impression on daily . I felt the presence of Jesus wash- distancing me from humanity . It demanded Denver Province, me, though then I had to go for further ing my feet telling me, “If I, therefore, the that I embrace my own humanity and all Chicago, Illinois; studies and live my own life . master and teacher, have washed your of humanity as an essential of my voca- Whittier . “When I was in college somehow, I feet, you ought to wash one another’s feet . tion . Just as the birth of Jesus Christ “In 1981, when began to feel a calling to the priesthood, I have given you a model to follow, so that allowed Him to embrace the fullness of I arrived in the US as a Vietnamese but it took two years to make a decision . as I have done for you, you should also being human . refugee, I did not speak any English . “I joined the Dominicans . I liked their do ”. Jn13:14,15 . For me to be a priest is “As I joyfully celebrate my 60 years of Struggling with language skill, cultural style of prayer, contemplation and ministry . to be a servant for God’s holy people and trying to be a genuine priest and a decent shock and home sick, I patiently managed The priesthood gave me so many oppor- bring God’s people close to Christ ”. human, I thank and bless everyone who them one day at a time . In 1983, I felt a tunities to understand life . I loved people . have helped and have shown me how to call from God, and I opened to respond It was a blessing to be part of their life . love God and people . I can honestly say to this special call . Again, dealing with a There were times when I laughed with that priesthood is a calling that allows you language barrier, I suffered even more to them and times when I shared their sor- Rev . Bruno Gibson, OP to feel the deepest pains, to experience maintain passing grades . I was surprised row . I was there when they needed me . the worst betrayals, the warmest friend- myself that I persevered throughout these This is what Jesus did and this is what I Birthplace: San Francisco ships, the opportunity for countless acts difficult years of studies and of training lived for . It became not only my duty to do Ordination: June 10, 1960, St . Mary’s of loving and of helping others . Priesthood formation . this but my pleasure . Cathedral, San Francisco is an ocean of love, of forgiveness and “Then, on June 1, 1995, I was “Priesthood means giving and being Present Ministry: St . Mary Magdalen of challenge . You walk on thin ice and ordained a Redemptorist priest of the one with God’s people . Jesus brought Mission Church, Bolinas are enveloped by grace all the time . It is Denver province . Since then I have done God closer and closer . That was His mis- Past Service: Teacher, Marin Catholic forever ”. various ministries, some seem to be easy, sion . This is the vocation, the mission of High School, Greenbrae . Chaplain, some are very challenging, but again the priest . St . Thomas More Newman Center patience is my strong gift as a motivation “I thank The High Priest, Jesus, for at the University of and inspiration for me to move forward . I giving me this vocation, to participate in Oregon, Eugene, 50 Years believe strongly that God brought me to his Priesthood . Oregon; St . Andrew life and to America for a holy and good Newman Center at of Priestly Ministry reason . Blessings are upon blessings the University of wherever I am and whatever I do . To California, Riverside; be who I am this day is truly a special Rev . Albert Felice-Pace, OP Newman Catholic gift from God and thanks to America, Campus Community, Rev . Melvin Jurisich, OFM a country with warm and loving hearts Birthplace: Hamrun, Malta Occidental College, welcoming and nurturing me as a priest Ordination: April 2, 1960, St . John Los Angeles . Birthplace: Oakland for God and His loving people . Here I am! Co-Cathedral, Valletta, Malta Associate pastor, Ordination: June 12, 1970, St . Francis de I continue to do God’s will ”. Present Ministry: Retired, Las Vegas, pastor and prior, St . Dominic Church and Sales Cathedral, Oakland Nevada Priory, San Francisco . Associate pastor, Present Ministry: Retired, San Damiano Past Service: Associate pastor, St . St . Mary Magdalen Parish, Berkeley . Retreat, Danville Rev . Mark Wiesner Mary Magdalen Parish, Berkeley; St . “In The Catholic Voice article 10 years Past Service: Professor and Rector, St . Dominic’s Parish, Los Angeles . Part-time ago that celebrated current Jubilees of that Anthony’s Seminary, Birthplace: Buffalo, New York Campus Minister, Occidental College, time I was able to express my wonder of 50 Santa Barbara . Ordination: June 10, 1995, St . Francis of Los Angeles . Student years celebrating the mystery of Our Lord’s Supervisor of High Assisi Parish, Concord Master, St . Albert’s Eucharistic presence with different and excit- Schools, Archdiocese Present Ministry: Pastor, St . Augustine Priory, Oakland . ing Catholic communities . Those 50 years of Los Angeles, Los Parish, Pleasanton Co-director of covered extraordinary events in the world Angeles . Secretary Past Service: Associate pastor, All Saints Campus Ministry, St . and in the Church . Preaching the Gospel of the Province, Parish, Hayward; St . Andrew’s Newman in those times was always not only a chal- Province of St . Augustine Parish, Center serving lenge but also a realization of the powerful Barbara (Order of Pleasanton; Church the University of presence of the Work of God in a conflicted Friars Minor), of the Assumption California, Riverside . world the Lord loves so much . The 10 years Oakland . Provincial Parish, San Leandro . Director of Adult that followed have continued the experience Minister, Province of St . Barbara (Order Parochial adminis- Education and the of that enigmatic gracious presence of Our of Friars Minor), Oakland . Director, Serra trator, St . Augustine Charismatic Renewal for the Diocese Lord in Work and Sacrament . Retreat Center, Malibu . Parish, Oakland . of San Bernardino . Pastor, All Saints “I have been able over these years “I have spent all of my 50 years in Pastor, St . Augustine Newman Center, serving the Arizona State to continue in Tiburon a program of the priesthood in some administrative Parish, Oakland; St . University, Tempe, Arizona . Diocesan day retreats called ‘A View From the capacity using the gifts God has given Charles Borromeo, Director of Campus Ministry for the Ridge, Meditations from a Dominican me . Although I have never been assigned Livermore . Reserve chaplain, USAF . Diocese of Phoenix, Arizona . Pastor/ Perspective .’ to a parish, my positions have brought Director, Communications, Diocese of Campus Minister at St . Thomas More “When I left St . Mary Magdalen in me in touch with many kinds of people Oakland . Missionary of Mercy . Newman Center serving the University of Berkeley I took up responsibility for St . both within and without the Christian “As I reflect on more than 25 years of Oregon, Eugene, Oregon . Pastor/Campus Mary Magdalen in Bolinas . In Marin I have community . Basically, what I learned ordained ministry, many thoughts, ideas, Minister at St . Thomas More Newman been blessed to be able to help out sacra- was to listen before I opened my mouth . moments, events and people come to Center serving the University of Arizona, mentally at St . Hillary’s and several other I found out that the more I listened, the mind . Part of what makes priesthood Tucson, Arizona . Pastor/Campus Minister parishes . At St . Mary Magdalen besides humbler I became and realized that I did so wonderful for me is that it is a very OCTOBER 19, 2020 THE CATHOLIC VOICE — 7 Jubilarians
Deacons Silver Jubilee The Deacon Class of 1995 celebrated the 25th Anniversary of their Ordination to the Diaconate. The Silver Jubilee Mass was presided by Rev. Ken Sales, pastor of Holy Spirit Parish on Feb. 25. Of the 26 men ordained in 1995, 13 Deacons and 13 wives of Deacons were able to attend this celebration. A reception fol- lowed the Mass, attended by many fam-
ily members and friends. Bishop John PHOTO COURTESY Cummins, who conferred the Sacrament of Holy Orders on the Deacons, was present at the special event, includ- ing Rev. Gerry Moran and Rev. Lee Champoochan as concelebrants and Deacon Tim Moore, Bishop’s representa- tive to the diaconate. Pictured: Bishop John Cummins, center. First row: Ruben Gomez, Alan Layden, Gus Roemers, Bill Archer, Carlos Rabuy and Ben Agustin. Second row: Chuck Palomares, Bill Gall, Luis Rivilla and Richard Yee. Top row: Bill Drobick, Gabriel Hernandez and Ernest Freeman. full life with no two days quite the same . “The gift of the priesthood to me is There is a lot of fun to be had, and a lot the gift of God working with me to see of heartache shared as you accompany me through to salvation . It’s the amazing God’s people through the happiest and gift of love wanting to save me despite most difficult moments of life . myself . It’s the lived irony of losing one’s “But when asked why I became a priest life but finding it . To that end, I will be for- I have come to realize that the reason is ever grateful for the countless individuals not because I am somehow holier than who have been part of the last 25 years: anyone else . My experience has been that those who I have had the privilege of many of God’s people are further along ministering to, those who I have had the that path than I . Rather, God has called me honor of ministering with, and — even to this vocation as the path on which I have more so — those who have ministered the best shot at deepening my relationship to me ”. with Him and becoming holy . I am keenly aware that if I was not with people in the More Jubilarians most human moments of life, if I did not The following priests who have served have to read the Scriptures and preach on in the Oakland diocese are also observ- them daily, or pray daily, or teach about our ing a major anniversary of ordination faith, I would forget what is truly important, this year: what really gives life meaning, and what is 70 years: Rev . Antoninus Wall, OP of everlasting value . Chances are my faith 50 years: Rev . Denis Reilly, OP would have become a sidebar to a busy 40 years: Rev . Christopher Berbena life, and I’d never realize how lost I would 25 years: Rev . Ramiro Flores, Rev . Mark be without God in Christ . C . Padrez, OP
ONLINE HOLIDAY BOUTIQUE now through 11/14/20 https://dsmsj-boutique.myshopify.com/ Choice of shipping or an 11/21 & 11/22 curbside pick-up Items available are home grown on Dominican land or handmade by Sisters. Favorites available: Fruitcake, Olive Oil, Honey, Art.... Proceeds support senior Sisters and 10% to a global cause. Raffle tickets for printing: www.msjdominicans.org 43326 Mission Circle • Fremont, CA 94539 510-657-2468 www.facebook.com/DominicanSistersofMSJ 8 — THE CATHOLIC VOICE OCTOBER 19, 2020 Belief in God as creator has practical consequences, pope says By Cindy Wooden particularly on how Jesus takes a legal Catholic News Service scholar’s question, “Who is my neighbor,” VATICAN CITY — Professing faith in and turns it into a lesson on being called God as the creator of all human beings, not to identify one’s neighbors but to or even simply recognizing that all people become a neighbor to all, especially those possess an inherent dignity, has concrete most in need of aid . consequences for how people should “The parable eloquently presents the treat one another and make decisions in basic decision we need to make in order to politics, economics and social life, Pope rebuild our wounded world . In the face of so Francis wrote . much pain and suffering, our only course is “Human beings have the same invio- to imitate the good Samaritan,” the pope lable dignity in every age of history and no said . “Any other decision would make us one can consider himself or herself autho- either one of the robbers or one of those who rized by particular situations to deny this walked by without showing compassion for conviction or to act against it,” the pope the sufferings of the man on the roadside ”. wrote in his encyclical, “Fratelli Tutti, on “The parable,” he continued, “shows us Fraternity and Social Friendship ”. how a community can be rebuilt by men Pope Francis signed the encyclical and women who identify with the vulner- Oct . 3 after celebrating Mass at the tomb ability of others, who reject the creation of
of St . Francis of Assisi, and the Vatican MEDIA/CNS VATICAN a society of exclusion, and act instead as released the more than 40,000-word text Pope Francis signs his new encyclical, “Fratelli Tutti, on Fraternity and Social neighbors, lifting up and rehabilitating the the next day . Friendship” after celebrating Mass at the Basilica of St. Francis in Assisi, Italy, fallen for the sake of the common good ”. The pope had been rumored to be Oct. 3. Pope Francis used the encyclical “to writing an encyclical on nonviolence; and, consider certain trends in our world that hin- once the COVID-19 pandemic struck, many That flavor, explained throughout accept a “just war” no longer exist because der the development of universal fraternity” expected a document exploring in depth his the document, involves welcoming the of the indiscriminately lethal power of and acting as a neighbor to one another, repeated pleas for the world to recognize stranger, feeding the hungry, listening to modern weapons . including racism, extremism, “aggressive the inequalities and injustices laid bare by and giving a hand up to the poor, defend- St . John Paul II in “The Gospel of Life,” nationalism,” closing borders to migrants the pandemic and adopt corrective eco- ing the rights of all and ensuring that each published in 1995, cast doubt on whether and refugees, polarization, politics as a nomic, political and social policies . person, at every stage of life, is valued and any nation needed to resort to capital pun- power grab rather than a service to the “Fratelli Tutti” combines those two ele- invited to contribute to the community, he ishment today to protect its people; devel- common good, mistreatment of women, ments but does so in the framework set said . It also means supporting public poli- oping that teaching, Pope Francis in 2018 modern slavery and economic policies that by the document on human fraternity and cies that do so on a larger scale . authorized a change to the Catechism of allow the rich to get richer but do not create interreligious dialogue that he and Sheikh Archbishop Jose H . Gomez of Los the Catholic Church to make clear that “the jobs and do not help the poor . Ahmad el-Tayeb, grand imam of al-Azhar Angeles, president of the U .S . Conference death penalty is inadmissible ”. “The pain, uncertainty and fear, and the Mosque in Cairo, Egypt, signed in 2019 . of Catholic Bishops, welcomed the encycli- Signaling the start of a similar effort to realization of our own limitations, brought In fact, in the new document Pope cal as “an important contribution to the respond to the current reality of warfare, on by the pandemic have only made it all Francis wrote that he was “encouraged” church’s rich tradition of social doctrine ”. Pope Francis in the new encyclical raised the more urgent that we rethink our styles by his dialogue with the Muslim leader “Pope Francis’ teaching here is pro- the question of “whether the development of of life, our relationships, the organization and by their joint statement that “God has found and beautiful: God our father has nuclear, chemical and biological weapons, of our societies and, above all, the mean- created all human beings equal in rights, created every human being with equal and the enormous and growing possibilities ing of our existence,” he said . duties and dignity, and has called them sanctity and dignity, equal rights and offered by new technologies, have granted Anna Rowlands, a British theologian to live together as brothers and sisters ”. duties, and our creator calls us to form a war an uncontrollable destructive power over invited to help present the document at The encyclical takes its title from St . single human family in which we live as great numbers of innocent civilians ”. the Vatican, told Catholic News Service Francis of Assisi and is inspired by his brothers and sisters,” the archbishop said “We can no longer think of war as a the text’s “golden thread” is about discern- “fraternal openness,” which, the pope said, in a statement . “God’s plan for humanity, solution because its risks will probably ing “what gives life” and helps everyone calls on people “to acknowledge, appreci- the pope reminds us, has implications for always be greater than its supposed ben- to develop their full potential and flourish . ate and love each person, regardless of every aspect of our lives — from how we efits,” one of the main criteria of just-war The text of the pope’s encyclical in physical proximity, regardless of where he treat one another in our personal relation- theory, he said . “In view of this, it is very English can be found online at: http:// or she was born or lives ”. ships, to how we organize and operate our difficult nowadays to invoke the rational www .vatican .va/content/francesco/en/ The title, which literally means “all societies and economies ”. criteria elaborated in earlier centuries to encyclicals/documents/papa-frances- brothers and sisters” or “all brothers,” Building on the social teachings of his speak of the possibility of a ‘just war ’ . co_20201003_enciclica-fratelli-tutti .html . are the words with which St . Francis predecessors, Pope Francis’ document Never again war!” The text in Spanish is online at: http:// “addressed his brothers and sisters and once again strongly condemns the death At the heart of the new encyclical’s www .vatican .va/content/francesco/es/ proposed to them a way of life marked by penalty and makes an initial approach to appeal to Catholics is a meditation on encyclicals/documents/papa-frances- the flavor of the Gospel,” the pope wrote . declaring that the conditions once used to Jesus’ parable of the good Samaritan and co_20201003_enciclica-fratelli-tutti .html . Motto of beatified teen: ‘The Eucharist is my highway to heaven’
By Junno Arocho Esteves Catholic News Service ASSISI, Italy — Thousands sang and applauded as Italian teen Carlo Acutis was beatified in a town dear to him and to many Christians around the world: Assisi . During the Oct . 10 beatification Mass, Italian Cardinal Agostino Vallini, the papal legate for the Basilicas of St . Francis and St . Mary of the Angels in Assisi, read Pope Francis’ apostolic letter proclaiming Acutis’ “blessed,” the step before canonization . “With our apostolic authority, we grant that the vener- able servant of God, Carlo Acutis, layman, who, with the enthusiasm of youth, cultivated a friendship with our Lord Jesus, placing the Eucharist and the witness of charity at the center of his life, henceforth shall be called blessed,” the pope decreed . After the reading of the apostolic letter, the newly beati- fied teen’s parents, Andrea Acutis and Antonia Salzano, Left: People sit outside the processed toward the altar carrying a reliquary containing Basilica of St. Francis in Assisi as their son’s heart . they attend the beatification Mass The reliquary was engraved with one of the teen’s well- of Carlo Acutis in Assisi, Italy, known quotes: “The Eucharist is my highway to heaven .” Oct. 10. The Mass was held inside Pilgrims flocked both to the Basilica of St . Francis the basilica but measures to for the beatification Mass as well as to the Shrine of the prevent the spread of COVID-19 Renunciation at the Church of St . Mary Major, where meant that most of the attendees the newly beatified teen’s remains were on display for sat outside. Above: Carlo Acutis veneration . is pictured on the booklet for his
Men and women, boys and girls passed by the tomb JUNNO AROCHO ESTEVES/CNS beatification Mass. quietly, some stopping to pray the “Our Father ”. A young toddler blew a kiss goodbye to the young blessed as she to the Gospel ”. like most young people his age, Carlo was a “normal, passed by . Known as the site where a young St . Francis The liturgy was held inside the Basilica of St . Francis, simple, spontaneous, friendly” teenager who used mod- renounced his father’s inheritance and embraced poverty, but measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19 meant ern forms of communication to transmit the “values and the shrine — like the city of Assisi and St . Francis himself that most of those attending sat outside on seats set beauty of the Gospel ”. — held a special place in Acutis’ heart . three-feet apart, watching on big screens . For him, “the internet was not just a means of escape, The teen loved St . Francis “very much,” his mother, Many young men and women came to Assisi for the but a space for dialogue, knowledge, sharing and mutual Antonia Salzano, told Catholic News Service Oct . 9 . St . beatification . For many of them, the fact that a normal teen respect that was to be used responsibly, without becoming Francis “was a very Eucharistic soul who used to attend could be beatified was a source of hope and inspiration . slaves to it and rejecting digital bullying,” the cardinal said . Mass twice a day,” and her son sought to imitate that “With his life, Carlo made me see that despite the Cardinal Vallini said that Blessed Acutis was a model same Eucharistic devotion throughout his brief life . small or even great difficulties — like his illness — that of virtue for young men and women today, reminding Archbishop Domenico Sorrentino of Assisi reflected on we could live a full and happy life if we keep our eyes them not to seek “gratification only in ephemeral suc- the link between the two saintly figures, and proclaimed looking up toward heaven,” said 19-year-old Rosanna, cesses but in the perennial values that Jesus proposes that by “providential design, (St ). Francis and (Blessed) who was among those attending the beatification . in the Gospel ”. Carlo are now inseparable ”. In his homily, Cardinal Vallini said that Acutis’ beatifica- “He gave witness that faith does not distance us from “Carlo’s life — always united to Jesus — his love for tion “in the land of Francis of Assisi is good news, a strong life but immerses us more deeply in it and showed us the the Eucharist, his devotion to the Holy Virgin, his making proclamation that a young man of our time, one like many, concrete way to live the joy of the Gospel,” the cardinal friends with the poor, brought him closer to the spiritual- was conquered by Christ and became a beacon of light said . “It is up to us to follow it, attracted by the fascinating ity of the Poor One,” St . Francis, Archbishop Sorrentino for those who want to know him and follow his example .” experience of Blessed Carlo, so that our lives may also said at the end of Mass . “Both invite us to live according Reflecting on the teen’s life, Cardinal Vallini said that shine with light and hope ”. Diocese of Oakland Elementary Schools Information Guide 2021-2022
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39 3 31 Contra Costa County 18 17 29 19
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Alameda County
ALAMEDA COUNTY St. Joseph OAKLAND St. Leander DANVILLE PLEASANT HILL 43222 Mission Blvd. 451 Davis St. 8 St. Anthony 22 St. Isidore Christ the King ALAMEDA (510) 656-6525 1500 E. 15th St. (510) 351-4144 435 La Gonda Way 195B Brandon Rd. www.stjosephschoolfremont.org www.stleandercatholicschool.org 15(510) 534-3334 29(925) 837-2977 35(925) 685-1109 St. Joseph Principal: Patti Calton Principal: Amy Cross 1910 San Antonio Ave. stanthony-oakland.org www.stisidore.org www.ctkschool.org 1 Principal: Marisol Preciado Principal: Carol Bender Principal: Joe Silveira (510) 522-4456 HAYWARD SAN LORENZO www.stjospehalameda.org Principal: Katherine Francisco All Saints St. Elizabeth St. John EL CERRITO RICHMOND 22870 Second St. 270 E.Lewelling Blvd. 9 161516 33rd Ave. 23 St. John the Baptist St. David St. Philip Neri (510) 582-1910 (510) 532-7392 (510) 276-6632 11156 San Pablo Ave 871 Sonoma St. www.ascshayward.org www.saintelizabeth.us www.stjohnslz.org 30 36 2 1335 High St. (510) 234-2244 (510) 232-2283 (510) 521-0787 Principal: Jennifer Diaz Principal: Lynne Mullen Principal: Paige Child www.stjohnec.org www.stdavidschool.org www.spnalameda.org Principal: Dina Trombettas Principal: Kenneth Farr Principal: Jessica Murray St. Bede St. Leo CONTRA COSTA 1026910 Patrick Ave. 174238 Howe St. COUNTY LAFAYETTE RODEO BERKELEY (510) 782-3444 (510) 654-7828 www.mystbedecatholicschool.org www.stleothegreat.org St. Perpetua St. Patrick School of the Madeleine ANTIOCH Principal: Lisa Greco Principal: Sonya Simril 3445 Hamlin Rd. 907 Seventh St. 1225 Milvia St. Holy Rosary 31(925) 284-1640 37(510) 799-2506 3(510) 526-4744 St. Clement 25 East 15th St. www.stperpetua-school.org www.stpatrickschoolrodeo.org www.themadeleine.com St. Theresa 24 790 Calhoun St. 4850 Clarewood Dr. (925) 757-1270 Principal: Karen Goodshaw Principal: Kelly Stevens Principal: Joseph Nagel 11(510) 538-5885 18(510) 547-3146 www.holyrosarycatholicschool.org www.sclementschool.org Principal: Fely Fajardo MARTINEZ SAN PABLO CASTRO VALLEY www.sttheresaschool.org Principal: Veronica Hernandez Principal: Katie Murphy St. Catherine of Siena St. Paul Our Lady of Grace (Interim) CONCORD 32604 Mellus St. 381825 Church Lane 4 19920 Anita Ave. St. Joachim St. Agnes (925) 228-4140 (510) 233-3080 (510) 581-3155 1221250 Hesperian Blvd. PIEDMONT 3886 Chestnut St. www.stcatherinemartinez.com www.st-paulschool.org www.olgschool.org (510) 783-3177 25(925) 689-3990 Principal: Jessica Griswold Principal: Erma Flores Principal: Susan Anderson Corpus Christi www.stjoachimschool.org 1 Estates Dr. www.stagnesconcord.com Principal: Armond Seishas 19 Principal: Jill Lucia PINOLE WALNUT CREEK DUBLIN (510) 530-4056 www.corpuschristischool.com St. Joseph St. Mary St. Raymond LIVERMORE Principal: Michael Sahlman De La Salle Academy 1961 Plum St. 1158 Bont Lane 1380 Galaxy Way 11557 Shannon Ave. St. Michael 33(510) 724-0242 39(925) 935-5054 5 26(925) 288-8200 (925) 828-4064 345 Church St. www.stjosephpinole.com www.st-mary.net 13 SAN LEANDRO www.dlshs-academy.org www.straymondschool.org (925) 447-1888 Principal: Natalie Lenz-Acuna Principal: Garrett Padia Principal: Greg Peterson Assumption Principal: Chris Giangregorio www.smsliv.org 1851 136th Ave. Principal: Alison Wilkie 20 PITTSBURG FREMONT (510) 357-8772 St. Francis of Assisi www.assumptionschool-sl.org 866 Oak Grove Rd. St. Peter Martyr Holy Spirit NEWARK 27 Principal: Lana Rocheford (925) 682-5414 34425 W. Fourth St. 6 3930 Parish Ave. St. Edward www.sfaconcord.org (925) 439-1014 (510) 793-3553 145788 Thornton Ave. St. Felicitas Principal: Cathy VanderKlugt www.stpetermartyrschool.org www.holyspiritschoolfremont.com (510) 793-7242 211650 Manor Blvd. Principal: Joseph Siino Principal: Holly Marsh www.stedwardnewark.org (510) 357-2530 Queen of All Saints Principal: Tina Cruz www.stfelicitas-school.org 2391 Grant St. Our Lady of Guadalupe Principal: Sister Faustina Pham 28(925) 685-8700 7 40374 Fremont Blvd. www.qasconcord.org (510) 657-1674 Principal: Lucia Prince www.olgweb.org Principal: Sister Janice Therese Wellington, OP 10 — THE CATHOLIC VOICE OCTOBER 19, 2020 Elementary Schools Information Guide On a mission: The Catholic schools of the Diocese The Catholic Voice asked Superintendent Kathleen our school families and diocesan leadership . The people of for all of our schools remains the health and well-being Radecke for some questions about the extraordinary chal- the Diocese of Oakland are special — and as a result, our of our students, faculty and staff . lenges Catholic education has faced in 2020 . As always, school communities are a cherished place to be a part of . Radecke – a graduate of St . Clement School and Moreau What’s your vision for the future of Catholic Catholic High School in Hayward – answered with the What is the planning process for returning to the schools in the Diocese of Oakland? grace, faith and enthusiasm that has marked her tenure classroom — is it a diocesan-wide plan or does each Our Catholic schools have strengthened their teaching as superintendent of the schools of the Oakland diocese . school make its own plan? and learning through the perseverance and knowledge She shared, too, the mission statement for the schools The process toward in-person instruction has been a acquired through distance learning . Our approach to for 2020-21: “Unite in Mission: Fortitude through Faith, highly consultative one . Last May we advised our schools educating our students will be further enriched because Fellowship and Formation” to create a School Site Planning Committee (SSPC) which of what we have experienced both as the teacher and consisted of various members of their school community learner . Our appreciation for and attention to the social How has the value of Catholic education been who provided support and assistance to the principals emotional well-being of our students, faculty, staff and evident over these past seven months? in discussing the guidelines provided by the state and parent community has been more clearly understood and The greatest strength of Catholic education here in county agencies, as well our diocese . valued than ever before . our diocese has always been the Each school’s leadership has been very diligent and The humility of this experience for all of us can and people, the dedicated teachers, staff intentional in planning with their teachers, staff and par- should awaken the critical importance of care for one and principals who choose to minis- ents, with consultation and guidance from our diocese . another, love for one another and witness toward building ter in our Catholic schools . During Each school’s enrollment, facilities and staffing consid- a more united community of faith . A community of selfless these last seven months each has erations are unique and need to be considered in the dedication and commitment to the appreciation of the gifts contributed in extraordinary ways . decision-making process . Our schools will continue their we have been given will help us to move toward solidarity Our care for the whole child and on-going communication process with their school com- as we strive for social justice, peace and healing in our selfless commitment to exhaust our munities as we work together navigating the needs of this communities and world . efforts represents the deepest value unprecedented school year . Each school will provide a My vision/hope includes focus on our continued growth of our collective capacity to serve one detailed return to in-person instruction plan for their school toward equity and opportunity for all of our families who Kathleen another — to love one another as we community and post it on their school website . desire a Catholic school education for their children . The Radecke are loved . Our principals and teach- Our school leadership remains focused on a balanced strengthening of our communities through faith, fellowship ers are some of the unsung heroes in decision making process with detailed planning and and formation will guide us to the fulfillment of the ultimate this pandemic, and I am extremely proud and grateful for preparation to return to in-person instruction, in compli- mission of Catholic education for the Diocese of Oakland . their resilience, leadership and partnership exhibited with ance with their County health orders . The guiding principle Our Lady of Guadalupe: Eighth-grade students at St. Joseph Science in the spotlight Elementary School in Special to The Catholic Voice Alameda A child’s innate curiosity about the showed their world and how it works begins before gratitude to they enter into their formal education . health care Children independently develop rudimen- workers by tary forms of scientific investigations and making 100 design activities to find answers to their cards for questions and solutions to their problems .
them. PHOTO COURTESY At Our Lady of Guadalupe School in Fremont, teachers recognize and identified the pandemic and all of the capitalize on the student’s intrinsic effects of fatigue, loneliness, depression interest in science and engineering . The ‘Together we and, of course, loss . remote learning curriculum includes the
With guidance from their religion concepts and strategies of an excellent PHOTO COURTESY teacher, Julie Thomas, they decided to science program, engaging them in a Our Lady of Guadalupe Schools’ can do great make cards for health care workers . One variety of hands-on activities . students were challenged to build a student said she could have her mom take The fifth- through eighth-grade stu- model to gain a better understanding them to her work at Sutter Health . The dents are doing a little scientific detec- of action-reaction force pairs. things’ students brainstormed a way they could tive work . The students are dissecting show a significant amount of gratitude and sterilized owl pellets; regurgitated clumps Isaac Newton’s life and the three laws of St. Joseph Elementary encouragement . As a class they decided of fur, teeth, claws and bones that owls motion that Newton developed . that each student would make three cards, can’t digest . By carefully examining the The students were challenged to build School of Alameda with a few students doing an extra one, for owl pellets, the students can determine a model of a zip-line return system by a total of 100 cards and letters . the type and number of prey animals the using this knowledge to help them gain All of the students agreed that it made owl recently consumed . a better understanding of action-reaction Special to The Catholic Voice them feel good to do something for the Science teacher Elizabeth Harmuth force pairs in real-world applications . The 2020-21 school year at St . Joseph frontline workers, something that, students possesses the professional training and First, the students had to analyze a zip- Elementary School in Alameda opened hoped, made them smile and feel appreci- confidence to teach science to our curi- line system as depicted in a video clip . like none ever before . Principal Katherine ated . As one student, Thao Giao, put it, ous students . Harmuth recognizes that They were supplied with the necessary Francisco proclaimed the school year “It was an honor to send them supportive students thrive when teachers incor- materials to begin building and testing theme, “Together we can do great things messages, and it made me feel amazing!” porate all the aspects of creative and their models . The students developed . . ” after the quote from St . Mother Teresa What’s next for the eighth grade? They in-depth learning into their curriculum . their model and described the outcome of of Calcutta . are now reaching out to lonely parishio- Providing eighth-graders with an their investigation . The final results from The eighth-grade class, our school ners of St . Joseph Basilica Parish to offer environment and opportunity to engage what they learned about Newton’s Law of leaders, led by example as they began companionship and connection . They will in the practices of science, engineering Motion were videotaped and submitted . the class service learning project . As a connect with them by email or postal mail . and mathematics daily through real-world OLG’s science curriculum allows stu- class, they had a discussion about cur- Together the eighth-grade class is doing application allows them to explore the dents to instill a desire to ask questions, rent social concerns and what they could great things in their world and in their com- interest and relevance of Newton’s Law collect information, organize and test do about one or more of them . Students munity . of Motion . Students learned about Sir their ideas, solve problems and apply OCTOBER 19, 2020 THE CATHOLIC VOICE — 11 Elementary Schools Information Guide
Lumen Christi Academies St. Paul honors first responders lighting the way
By Rodney Pierre-Antoine book . Here are some of the “I Am” state- Special to The Catholic Voice ments from Mrs . Schoenrock’s class: • “I am a child of God with lots of great Lighting the Way with prayer abilities ”. 2020 has been a stormy year: The • “I am like a flower that grows every day pandemic, raging wildfires and ongoing with knowledge ”. social unrest around issues of justice • “ I am a little sister and I work hard ”. have impacted all of us, even the students • “ I am a student and I love to learn about entrusted to our collective care . As a com- God .” PAUL SCHOOL PAUL munity of faith, we are called to stay fixed • “ I am a student that never gives up ”. . on Jesus, the way, the truth and the light . • “ I am a smart cookie ”. Christ lights the way for our Lumen • “ I am a St . Paul Panther ”. Christi Academies . We stand united in mission and rooted in prayer . Students Lighting the Way with STEM and teachers unite in prayer as they offer Our teachers creatively integrate STEM daily intentions to our loving God . We (Science, Technology, Engineering and especially hold everyone who has been Mathematics) curriculum into their distance- St. Paul Church and School celebrated a Blue Mass honoring first respond- PHOTO/ST COURTESY impacted by the devastating fires and learning plans . Students have engaged in ers who serve the San Pablo community. First responders were invited from ongoing pandemic in steadfast prayer . hands-on STEM activities based on real- throughout the area to celebrate Mass and to thank them for their services and world applications . The second-graders local heroism. The first responders who were unable to attend were included Lighting the Way from a distance at Queen of All Saints School in Concord in the intercessions of the service. Joining the Mass were Chief of Police Ron Authentic distance learning experiences worked with teacher Robert Perez to make P. Raman, Captain Brian P. Bubar, Officer Huff and School Resource Officer were developed for students during the plan- chairs for a special stuffed animal or doll . Bayardo of the San Pablo Police Department. The preschoolers who are able ning process for the 2020-21 school year . The students were challenged to engineer to attend school on campus had the opportunity to take a photo with the We researched best practices and analyzed and construct a chair with four legs and officers while all other students joined the service virtually. students’ lived experiences from the spring- a back, they were only allowed to use time to implement balanced schedules and paper and tape . The free-standing chair engaging distance-learning experiences to needed to be strong enough to hold up Lighting the Way back original targeted week of Nov . 9, which is effectively support students’ holistic needs their distance-learning friend on its own . to in-person instruction quite promising for our students, faculty, during these unprecedented times . “The student engineers had so much fun The health of our students, teachers, staff and families . Our schools utilized a variety of with this STEM project,” Mr . Perez said . staff and families remains at the fore- As a community of faith, we find com- resources to design synchronous and The same class was later invited put front of our planning efforts to return to fort in knowing Christ will continue lighting asynchronous learning experiences to on their agriculturalist thinking caps to in-person instruction . Our Lumen Christi the way for our Lumen Christi Academies . guide student progress through authentic design and build a robot that would be able Academies collaboratively developed We give thanks to Christ for lighting the tasks, demonstrations of learning, creation to support the planting and harvesting of reopening plans based on the guidelines way, whether in the midst of distance of media or other content . The synchro- crops . Students were instructed to utilize from county health officials . We origi- learning, preparing our reopening plans, nous experiences happen in real-time, whatever building supplies accessible to nally targeted the week of Nov . 9 as the or when we ultimately return to in-person face to face through video tools such as them at home . The robot needed to have a planned reopening for our Lumen Christi instruction . We also give thanks to the Zoom or Google Meet, allowing for discus- container to hold seeds, a process for the Academies . incredible faculty and teachers across our sion, small group targeted instruction and seeds to come out and be able to move . Since making that announcement, both diocese who have found creative ways to 1:1 instruction . The asynchronous experi- Students also had to explain the robot’s Alameda and Contra Costa counties have prioritize Christ and the human connec- ences occur through online channels or function, the best time of the year to plant continued trending in a positive direction . tion, as they creatively form the minds and occur offline and allow the students to and how their robot will impact the lives of The reductions of COVID-19 transmis- hearts of our students from a distance . move at their own time, place and pace . agriculturalists . It was amazing to witness sions in the counties may allow our school Rodney Pierre-Antoine is executive students’ ingenuity in their designs and communities to safely reopen prior to the director of the Lumen Christi Academies. Lighting the Way creative builds . These STEM activities with the light within students develop foundational skills such as com- Our students’ sense of faith, emotional munication, problem-solving and creativity St. Raymond welcomes new leadership health and social development are always that are central to the engineering process . a priority, now more than ever . Much has Special to The Catholic Voice ment that enriches our children and changed in the world, so we have made Lighting the Way St . Raymond School in Dublin wel- community . Social Emotional Learning a priority in our with Faith Families comes the addition of two new leaders St . Raymond also welcomes a new classrooms, whether virtual or in person . Our schools have integrated virtual this school year: Gregory Peterson, mission statement this school year that Every day of instruction this year features Faith Family activities into their distance principal, and Rev . Erick Villa, parochial reads, “Guided by our Catholic Faith, protected time for community-building and learning programs . Faith Families normally administrator St . Raymond School empowers all stu- sharing . meet about once a month for activities Prior to becoming the principal, dents to achieve academic excellence, At St . Paul School in San Pablo, Eva that promote fellowship across grade Peterson served prepare for the challenges of life, and Schoenrock is using multicultural texts as levels, leadership by upper grade level as vice principal serve the Gospel of Jesus Christ ”. a way of Culturally Responsive Teaching . students and a deeper understanding of and middle school While we work through distance She has added new books to the second- what it means to put our Catholic faith into homeroom, reli- learning, St . Raymond School continues grade library that represent her students’ practice by all students . gion, and language to foster a connection to our Catholic rich diversity, ensuring students see them- Students at St . Catherine of Siena arts teacher at St . faith with its students, parents and par- selves in the literature they experienced . School in Martinez look forward to par- Raymond School ish community through virtual prayer The class began the year reading “I Am ticipating in their weekly virtual Faith for seven years . events, student Masses and service Every Good Thing,” by Derrick Barnes, Family activities as part of their Wellness Prior to joining St . opportunities . whose son was the inspiration for this Wednesday, which begin with live stream- Raymond, Father St . Raymond is welcoming new stu- book . Barnes wanted black boys every- ing of the Holy Mass . The theme for their Villa served as Peterson dent registrations for our K-8 and Early where to know they matter and they can first Faith Family activity was “Saints as parochial vicar at Childhood Learning Center programs . be represented as considerate, humorous, Friends .” Every week students learn more Immaculate Heart Our Early Childhood Learning Center sensitive and so much more . about saints and make connections to vari- of Mary Parish in Brentwood for four is currently open for in-person and Each page contained “I Am” statements ous virtues and gifts through videos, slide years . They will continue to work closely distance learning . For more informa- using beautiful figurative language . After deck presentations, and opportunities to together to carry out the school’s mis- tion, visit Straymondschool org. or call they read the book, students wrote their compose their own prayers, images or sion statement and foster an environ- 925-828-4064 . own “I Am” statements after reading the coloring pages during their time together . 12 — THE CATHOLIC VOICE OCTOBER 19, 2020 Elementary Schools Information Guide Assumption School begins with Visiting Day Special to The Catholic Voice an introduction of the transitional It was an exciting start to the school kindergarten and kindergarten year at Assumption School in San Leandro, classes at Sunday Mass and where the school’s annual Visiting Day a blessing by Rev . Leonard brought parents, students and teachers Marrujo, parochial administrator, together on Aug . 24, with masks and social for students as they begin their distance, to gather educational materials distance learning . and share some smiles and laughter . The school held its annual Assumption School is carrying out dis- Fall festival from Sept . 18-19 . tance learning until further notice in accor- Festivities began with a “grab- dance with Alameda County’s Shelter-in- n-go’ traditional spaghetti dinner Place order . Despite the restrictions, the followed by a virtual talent show school is optimistic and confident about streamed into the living rooms of delivering a high quality of education . Assumption families . On the fol- “Our school staff, students and families lowing night, with a movie play- all share the same values of commitment, ing on a giant outdoor screen, action, respect and achieving their best, attendees indulged in Filipino which is why I know we will all pull together food, hot dogs and beverages to make the best of our circumstances from inside their cars . From start until we can be back into the classroom to finish, the weekend brought together again,” Principal Lana Rocheford a feeling of community that
said . “We are embracing distance learning SCHOOL COURTESY/ASSUMPTION has kept Assumption families and we are excited to see the new ways On Visiting Day, Megan Scherer, kindergarten teacher and assistant principal at Assumption coming back to the festival for in which our families are connecting and School, meets with kindergartner Leo Sugayan. generations . building community ”. Principal Lana Rocheford Dana Yumul has two kids, Brea and so special is that we all work together our school community; and, now I get to said the festival exceeded its fundraising Joshua Jr ., entering transitional kindergar- to share in the responsibility of making relive that magic again with my daughter, goal of $12,000, which will benefit educa- ten and kindergarten, respectively, and a Assumption School the best place for Brea, and son, Joshua Jr ., who are at the tional programs and the implementation returning student, Giovani, heading into our kids to grow up in,” she said . “I’ve beginning of their Catholic school journey .” of safety measures that will aid in the seventh grade . witnessed my son, Giovani, develop into The first week of school included a school’s reopening . “It’s a rallying cry for “What makes our school community a smart and passionate boy thanks to virtual back-to-school night and ended with our community,” she said .
The preschool at St. Joseph School in Pinole opened in late August, Dominican during the
Sisters Allyn PHOTO COURTESY pandemic. Ayres and Emmanuel Jimenez taught 50 St. Joseph Pinole opens preschool boys and 50 Special to The Catholic Voice school to welcome young newcomers: girls evenly Good news from St . Joseph School Transitional kindergarten also opened divided in in Pinole: We are very excited to this school year . two classes in have opened our preschool in late St . Joseph Catholic School dedicates the first year August during a pandemic . St . Joseph itself to serving the “Whole Child” from of St. Joseph Preschool offers a rich and diverse preschool, TK to eighth grades . Visit School in experiential environment for students 2 www stjosephpinole. com. for additional
Fremont. PHOTO COURTESY years, 8 months to 4 years old . We have information . a caring, involved staff, a large outdoor space, compelling activities fostered by many early St. Joseph in Fremont childhood education- al philosophies that challenge the children academically, socially, celebrates 60 years creatively, physically Special to The Catholic Voice instilled in our daughters a mindfulness and psychologically . When St . Joseph School in Fremont and respect toward others that they’ve We have made a com- held its first day of school on Sept . 6, 1960, carried into adulthood .” Daughter Shauna mitment to empowering the Mission-style, eight-room school was Di Bari was the 2019 NCEA Distinguished children . The program not yet completed . Classes took place Graduate recipient for her contribution to is structured to allow instead at St . Mary of the Palms School American life and the Catholic Church . a maximum amount near Washington Boulevard . Plans to highlight St . Joseph’s enduring of freedom for each At the request of Rev . James O’Neill, presence as an educational institution in child within the limits pastor of St . Joseph Church, two Fremont will take place later in the school of responsibility . The Dominican Sisters of Mission San Jose year, when it is safe to gather again as preschool is year- began sessions in first and second a community . A full-scale celebration to round and has the grades . Sisters Allyn Ayres and Emmanuel commemorate its relationship to the parish flexibility of 7 a m. . to 6 Jimenez taught 50 boys and 50 girls and the families it has served will come in p m. . daily . evenly divided in two classes . time . After all, all good things are worth The preschool is One wing of the school served as the waiting for . not the only part of the church hall while the other wing had the classrooms, office and staff room, with rooms to spare! It wasn’t until Oct . 13, Feast of Our Lady of Fatima, that the first school day was officially held at St . Joseph School on Mission Boulevard . Sixty years later, it continues to be a special place in the community . “Although the school facilities have adapted over the years to accommodate our growing student body—adding the Kindergarten Learning Center for TK and Kinders, and the Kline Library, the values St . Joseph instills in its young learners have remained consistent,” Principal Patti Calton said . Sixty years of cultivating critical think- ers makes a difference . “SJS provided a loving, nurturing and faith-filled educational environment,” Sandi Di Bari, an alumni parent, said . “Its spirit of inclusiveness, celebration of individual experiences, and a legacy of kindness and doing for others, OCTOBER 19, 2020 THE CATHOLIC VOICE — 13 Elementary Schools Information Guide St. Patrick School ‘making lemonade out of lemons’
Special to The Catholic Voice made summer spring rolls) as well as As we know, distance learning is not to K-8 parents; Spirit Week Dress Up ideal for students or teachers but St . Days; venison and berry tasting in social Patrick School in Rodeo is making the studies class; middle school retreats; best of a tough situation, and like the and Fun Friday activities . theme of our third-grade classroom, High-end technology supports a rig- we are choosing to “make lemonade orous curriculum with teachers spending out of lemons ”. their summer attending workshops and With five full days of online instruc- trainings to help prepare themselves tion, enhanced with Spanish, music, art, for this new way of teaching, provided PE and science, teachers are not lower- by our full-time tech personnel, who ing the standard or amount of material have helped make this transition feel that students are expected to learn at effortless . each grade level . Teachers offer a personal touch with Monitoring student progress is key visits to student homes on the day of
and teachers will continue to test for their birthday; replication of students NERI SCHOOL PHILIP . student growth . Testing is done every much like Major League Baseball in six weeks, using STAR for Reading and middle school classrooms; special book Math, starting with the benchmark test checkout from the school library; and in August . yoga and dance classes — even our Teachers in K-5 also spent the first teachers join in! two weeks of school in the afternoon, The school’s Student Leadership after teaching, meeting individually with Team is active with God Squad plan- PHOTO/ST COURTESY students, one on one, to administer ning daily Morning Assembly includ- The Chalk Walk kicked off a planned series of community-building events at Saint assessments to determine initial student ing prayers, announcements, and Philip Neri School in Alameda. reading levels . Small group instruction birthday celebrations via YouTube . can then be offered to students who may Our Yearbook Committee is also get- need extra support in English/language ting ready to record this unusual year arts and math . ahead, and the Green Team planning St. Philip Neri School building Teachers are also offering “home- community service projects, such as work club” daily for students who need Family Coastal Clean-up in September, community and connection assistance and to help take the burden and making Christmas gifts from the off parents . school garden . Special to The Catholic Voice the sidewalk and, collaboratively, they cre- Third- through fifth-grade teachers Our preschoolers and TKers are not How do you continue to build and grow ated a masterpiece! The parent volunteers remodeled their typical daily schedule, to be outdone, with even the young- your community in a distance learning used some “chalk magic” to preserve the moving from self-contained classes est of our students learning their letter environment? This is the task before the drawings . to a middle school model, to allow sounds through song and dance, good Community Building Committee at Saint Over the weekend, families were expert teachers to teach their passion hand-washing hygiene, and enjoying Philip Neri Catholic Elementary School invited to come back and stroll around subjects . our preschool director’s daily visit to in Alameda . school to enjoy the community-created All of this hard work is supported by read a story . With a plan of one community-building art gallery . several amazing aides who each sup- We could choose to complain or activity per month, the Saint Philip Neri It was a wonderful way to bring stu- port two or three classroom teachers grumble in these uncertain times but Community Building Committee orches- dents and families together and find by logging in homework and being a instead we have decided to rise above trated the first event: The Chalk Walk . connection during this time of distance second person in the “room” during live and continue offering the best educa- This uplifting event safely brought the learning . instruction . tional and community experience for community together for collaboration and Here are some comments from the To keep learning fun, the teachers our students and families . This is how fun . From Sept . 14 to 16, the students student artists: are offering online live cooking classes we choose to make lemonade — St . worked together to transform the side- “The Chalk Walk was fun . I got to draw to middle schoolers (one week they Patrick style walks outside Saint Philip Neri School and have fun seeing my classmates and and Church into a colorful street gallery . my teachers ”. – first-grader . Socially distanced, with masks and in “I liked walking around the school and small cohorts, students colored artwork looking at all of the fun pictures ”. – third- and wrote quotes on the pavement to grader . Donate shoes to help St. Felicitas represent community and the SPN theme “It was great just seeing my classmates Special to The Catholic Voice enterprises are small businesses in for the year: Connection . and creating something together . I miss my The Parent Association at St . Felicitas developing nations . They are typically Each grade had designated squares on school!” eighth-grader . School in San Leandro has come up with operated by one person or family and a novel way to raise funds . friends, depending on size . The parents are seeking donations Donations may be dropped off of gently worn, used and new shoes . through Nov . 30 at the school’s adult The collected shoes are used to sup- education room at 1650 Manor Blvd ,. port micro-enterprise vendors . Micro- San Leandro . St. Edward enjoys moments of community Special to The Catholic Voice morning raffle drawing . Every Monday and Friday morning, St . Edward School participated in the St . Edward School in Newark starts its City of Newark’s 65th birthday celebra- school day with the student body gather- tion by being part of the Porch Parade . ing via Zoom . The assembly begins with PTG board members organized the greetings and the Pledge of Allegiance . A beautiful display for the front of the student shares a special prayer with the school . “We are proud to be a part of community, followed by Principal Tina this awesome city,” the school reports . Cruz picking the winner of the Monday “Happy Birthday Newark!”
A virtual information session will be held on Thursday, November 19th at 6:30. Please call our Director of Admissions at 510-457-1488 to register. For more information please check out A Saint Theresa Student: our website at Young person of faith | Active, creative learner Well-rounded individual www.sttheresaschool.org.
Spanish, Art, Music and P.E. • Multimedia Computer Lab Event Center/Gym • Science Lab • Music Room
St. Theresa School 4850 Clarewood Drive, Oakland 510-547-3146 | www.sttheresaschool.org 14 — THE CATHOLIC VOICE OCTOBER 19, 2020 DEMETRIUS FREEMAN/CNS
Judge Amy Coney Barrett of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 7th Circuit, REUTERS/CNS BAZ RATNER, President Donald Trump’s nominee for the U.S. Supreme Court, speaks during A woman from the Turkana tribe walks through a swarm of desert locusts in her confirmation hearing before the Senate Judiciary Committee on Capitol Hill early July in the village of Lorengippi, Kenya. Predictions of a return of desert in Washington Oct. 12. locusts in East Africa are triggering concerns among Catholic Church leaders and experts in the region, where communities are still recovering from the During hearings, Barrett stresses destruction by the first wave. commitment to ‘rule of law’ Predicted return of deadly locusts By Carol Zimmermann She said in the short amount of time triggers fear in East Africa Catholic News Service she and her husband had to decide if she WASHINGTON — On Oct . 13, the would accept the nomination, they both By Fredrick Nzwili In Maseki, a remote village in Kitui second day of confirmation hearings on knew “our lives would be combed over for Catholic News Service County, where the insects devoured her Supreme Court nomination, Judge any negative detail ”. NAIROBI, Kenya — A predicted return crops and destroyed pasture in the last Amy Coney Barrett made a clear distinc- “We knew that our faith would be cari- of desert locusts in East Africa is trigger- wave, the residents greeted the predic- tion between policy preferences and legal catured,” she added, and they would have ing concerns among Catholic leaders and tion with apprehension . precedents in responding to questions to determine if those challenges would be experts in the region, where communities “People are still dependent on relief from members of the Senate Judiciary worth it . are still recovering from the destruction by food,” said Perpetua Kavinya, a resident Committee . She said her reason for moving forward the first wave early this year . of the village who lost all her crop to the “My policy preferences are irrelevant,” with this process is that she is “commit- The concerns follow a U N. . Food and locusts . “I cannot imagine those insects she said when asked if she had intended ted to the rule of law and the role of the Agricultural Organization warning that a returning . We are preparing our farms to dismantle the Affordable Care Act, and Supreme Court and dispensing equal new wave is imminent . The agency cited for planting, and I think quick action is she reiterated this same view when asked justice for all ”. increasing breeding in the Middle East and needed to stop any infestation ”. about abortion and same-sex marriage . Sen . Dianne Feinstein, D-California, the Horn of Africa and the movement of the At stake are the food security and On the opening day of the hearings, the ranking member of the committee, winds across the Red Sea into East Africa . livelihoods of millions in the region, Republican senators had adamantly asked Barrett about abortion, specifically “This is a major cause of concern . The according to clerics and agency officials . emphasized that Barrett’s Catholic faith if she agreed with Justice Antonin Scalia’s message needs to reach the concerned In May, the World Food Program said should not be a factor in questioning, and opinion that the Roe v . Wade decision that authorities . We need to prepare the 20 million people in Ethiopia, Somalia, on the start of the first day of this inquiry, legalized abortion was wrongly decided . people before the insects return,” Msgr . South Sudan, Sudan, Kenya, Uganda, it clearly wasn’t a topic, although it was Barrett declined to answer, saying that as Isaac Ibrahim Racho, vicar general of Rwanda, Burundi, Djibouti and Eritrea mentioned, even in opening remarks by a sitting judge, she wasn’t going to grade the Diocese of Marsabit, told Catholic were facing acute food shortage . The Sen . Lindsey Graham, R-South Carolina, precedent with a “thumbs-up or thumbs- News Service . His diocese is one of situation was blamed partly on the committee chairman . down .” the Kenyan regions where the locusts locusts and environmental disasters, He asked if Barrett would be able to set Feinstein expressed some frustration destroyed crops and animal pastures . including flood and droughts . aside her religious beliefs to fairly decide saying: “It’s distressing not to get a straight legal cases, which she said she could . answer,” on a topic that affects millions “I can . I have done that in my time on of women and where Barrett could be “a the 7th Circuit,” she said . “If I stay on the very important vote ”. In response, Barrett 7th Circuit, I’ll continue to do that . If I’m said she understood why the question confirmed to the Supreme Court, I will was raised but reiterated that she “can’t do that ”. pre-commit” to how she might vote or what Catholic Italy When asked what she thought about her personal views are . the nomination, Barrett, in a rare moment “I have no agenda to try to overrule Pilgrimage of candor, said she has “tried to be on a Casey,” she said about the 1992 court media blackout” for the sake of her mental decision, which said states may not enact Oct. 24-Nov. 5, 2021 health but that she was aware of the “of abortion regulations that place an “undue Rome-Venice-Florence-Milan-Assisi the caricatures that are floating around” burden” on pregnant women seeking an Spiritual Guide: Fr. Richard Mangini about her . abortion . 13 Days, $5199 (All Inclusive) She said she has made her own When asked about the court’s 2015 choices professionally and personally with Obergefell decision that legalized same- Book Online: www.bit.ly/Mangini2021 balancing her career and her family of sex marriage, Barrett again said she seven children . “I have a life brimming with has “no agenda” and added that she people who’ve made different choices, has “never discriminated on the basis of and I’ve never tried in my personal life to sexual preference ”. She also noted that impose my choices on them and the same challenges to that decision were not likely is true professionally ”. to come to the Supreme Court . Shrines of France bered at Mass and be included in the commemorative program . Nov. 10-19, 2021 continuedSolemn from p.1 ... Memorials may be made online at Paris-Lisieux-Lourdes-Chartres-Ars-Nevers People are invited to consider a gift https://www .osvhub .com/ctlcathedral/ Spiritual Guide: Fr. Jim Schexnayder in honor of a deceased loved one in funds/music-memorial-november-2-all- support of the Requiem Mass and the souls-mass or mailed to the Cathedral par- 10 Days, $4199 (All Inclusive) music ministry of the Cathedral of Christ ish of Christ the Light, 2121 Harrison St ,. Book Online: the Light . Suite 100, Oakland CA 94612 . Memorials www.bit.ly/ShrinesFrance2021 For a memorial gift of $100, a named must be received by Oct . 26 to be included family member or friend will be remem- in the commemorative program . Oberammergau Assumption (28 June) slassumption@sbc- Pilgrimage Parishes ... global .net; Our Lady of Good Counsel (19 continued from p.3 June) olgcsanleandro com;. St . Felicitas Sep. 28-Oct. 7, 2022 Piedmont: Corpus Christi (30 June) (19 June) stfelicitassl .org; St . Leander (19 Munich-Salzburg-Prague-Vienna-Innsbruck corpuschristipiedmont org. June) stleander@sbcglobal net. Pinole: St . Joseph (18 July) sjcpinole . San Lorenzo: St . John the Baptist (26 and much more church June) stjohnsparishslz org. Spiritual Guides: Fr. Richard Mangini Pittsburg: Church of the Good San Pablo: St . Paul (19 June) stpaul- and Fr. Mark Wiesner Shepherd (1 July) goodshepherdpittsburg . churchsanpablo .org 10 Days, $5199 (All Inclusive) org; St . Peter Martyr (1 July) stpetermar- San Ramon: St . Joan of Arc (Outdoor tyr@yahoo .com Masses until further notice) sjasr org. Book Online: Pleasant Hill: Christ the King (5 July) Union City: Our Lady of the Rosary www.bit.ly/CatholicVoice2022, ctkph .org (7 July) olrchurch org;. St . Anne (4 July) www.bit.ly/Mangini2022 Pleasanton: St . Augustine & St . saintannecatholic .org Elizabeth Ann Seton (21 June) catholic- Walnut Creek: St . John Vianney (4 sofpleasanton .org July)sjvianney org;. St . Mary (22 June) Richmond: St . Cornelius (4 July) stcor- stmary-wc .org; St . Stephen (5 July) saint- All departures from SFO neliusrichmond .org; St . David of Wales (1 stephenparish .org; St . Anne (18 October) Questions or to make a reservation by phone: July) stdavidofwales com;. St . Mark (21 (st_annes@comcast .net); June) stmarkrichmond org. Ethnic Pastoral and Cultural Rodeo/Hercules: St . Patrick (1 July) Centers: Our Lady of Immigrants (5 July) (800) 777-7432 stpatrickrodeo org. polishpastoralcenter org;. St . Andrew Kim Not directly sponsored by the Diocese of Oakland or the Catholic Voice San Leandro: Church of the Korean Pastoral Center (2 July) oakcc .org OCTOBER 19, 2020 THE CATHOLIC VOICE — 15 OBITUARIES Sister Ann Weltz, CSJ Sisters’ Motherhouse in Fremont . Sister Carolyn was born A tradition Catholic Daughter Prayer Service and Rose on April 18, 1933, in Contra Costa County, California . She Ceremony preceded her outdoor funeral Mass Sept . 17 at Sister Ann Weltz, CSJ, founder of the Bay Area Crisis entered the congregation from Saint Leander’s Parish in St . Raymond Parish in Dublin . Rev . Erick Villa presided, Nursery, died Sept . 21 in Concord . She was 81 and in San Leandro on January 6, 1953, at the age of 19 . with Revs . Terence O’Malley, Robert Mendonça, Robert her 62nd year as a Sister of St . Joseph of Carondelet . Sister Carolyn, who started out McCann and Lawrence D’Anjou concelebrating . Sister Ann began a faith journey in 1980 creat- in ministry as Sister Jude, served in “Reina’s legacy will not be lost, her stories will forever ing the Bay Area Crisis Nursery catechetical ministry from pre-school be shared — it is written, literally, in her own words, as in Concord . The Bay Area Crisis through adult, as well as teacher for- she penned the first 25 years of Saint Raymond Church,” Nursery, which Sister Ann served mation and administration, pastoral Father Villa said at the Mass . “In a phone conversation I as executive director until 2018, is ministry and RENEW training . She had with her last week, she was excited to write the next the only emergency, 24-hour nurs- also worked with the Jesuit Volunteer 35 years leading to our 60th year as a parish community ery in the Bay Area . Parents facing Program in Portland, Oregon, on June 10, 2021, but the Lord decided it is time, that a crisis, or needing a respite, place and later as Catholic Chaplain at she has already fulfilled her life’s purpose, that she now their children temporarily at the Corcoran State Prison in Corcoran, must return home . And for this, we are forever grateful ”. Concord home, knowing they will be California . After retiring from prison An honor guard of Catholic Daughters lined the path well cared for and loved — free of ministry, she served as a volunteer Court-Appointed from the church patio to the hearse that carried her to charge . That’s been the mission of Special Advocate for children who are wards of the court . Pioneer Cemetery in Dublin . the Sister of St . Joseph of Carondelet for four decades . Sister Carolyn moved to the motherhouse in Fremont In 2013, she and the nursery were honored with the in 2014, where she continued her social justice work Sister Ardeth Platte, OP Northern California Jefferson Award . The following year by serving on the SHF Peace and Justice Committee Dominican Sister Ardeth Platte long considered herself Sister Ann was named Humanitarian of the Year by the and voting our proxies for the congregational socially a peacemaker and devoted nearly 40 years of her life to Contra Costa Board of Supervisors . She was honored responsible investing . She loved cats and other animals, praying and witnessing to end war and rid the world of as one of eight Contra Costa Women as a Hall of Fame and enjoyed literature, writing and family get-togethers . nuclear weapons . Honoree, cited for an ability to ignite and guide passion Because of the sheltering restrictions imposed by the Her actions led to imprisonment multiple times, includ- for service . coronavirus, there will be no service right away . Sister ing for the 2002 defacement of a For Sister Ann, it was not about the many honors she Carolyn’s cremains will be held until we are able to gather missile silo in Colorado in collabora- received over the years . It was about the children and a small group for a service . Burial will be at Holy Cross tion with her best friend, Dominican their families she served through the nursery . Cemetery in Colma . Sister Carol Gilbert, and fellow As the Sisters of St . Joseph of Carondelet wrote in Dominican Sister Jackie Hudson . her obituary, “Anyone who knows Sister Ann would agree Sister Thomas Josephine Sister Platte, 84, died in her sleep that she possessed deep wisdom and compassion . With Lawler, OP at the Dorothy Day Catholic Worker her gentleness and tranquility there was strength and House in Washington early Sept . 30 . courage .” Sister Thomas Josephine Lawler, baptized Julia Funeral arrangements were pending Sister Ann was born in Martinez, on March 15, 1939 Jeanette Lawler, died on May 16 at the Dominican Life Oct . 5 because of the Coronavirus and received her elementary education with the Sisters Center in Adrian, Michigan . She was 99 and in the 78th pandemic . of St . Joseph of Carondelet at St . Catherine of Siena year of her religious profession in the Adrian Dominican Sister Platte and Sister Gilbert, Michigan natives and School in Martinez . She remained close to the sisters as Congregation . members of the Dominican Sisters of Grand Rapids spent she attended Alhambra High School . Sister Thomas Josephine was decades crisscrossing the United States opposing war She shared with Sister Mary Anne Bahner, CSJ her born in Chicago to Thomas and and acting to bring life to the biblical call to “beat swords desire to become a Sister . Her mother compromised Josephine (Schriber) Lawler . She into plowshares” by symbolically disarming nuclear weap- by allowing her to go to Mount St . Mary’s College, now graduated from Aquinas High School ons and other tools of war . University, for a year before entering the community in in Chicago and received a bachelor Sister Gilbert said that as recently as Sept . 26, des- 1958 . of science degree in biology from ignated by the United Nations as International Day for Sister Ann served as an exemplary science teacher Siena Heights College (University) the Total Elimination of Nuclear Weapons, her friend at Santa Maria School in Orinda, St . Perpetua School in in Adrian; a master of arts degree in continued her quest for peace by addressing an online Lafayette’s . St . Jarlath School in Oakland and St . Patrick education from Catholic University in Boston University program marking the day . She also School in West Oakland . Washington, DC .; a master of theol- joined a quiet protest that day near the Dorothy Day Then she pursued her dream . ogy degree in applied theology from Catholic Worker, holding a sign urging passersby to sup- After an internship in Tucson, Arizona, Sister Ann put the Graduate Theological Union in Berkeley; and a doctor port nuclear disarmament . her energy into creating the Bay Area Crisis Nursery with of ministry degree in Pastoral Ministry from San Francisco The nuns met in the mid-1970s in Saginaw, Michigan, generous volunteers and donors . The Bay Area Crisis Theological Seminary in San Anselmo . where they were teaching . Sister Platte was principal of St . Nursery has served more than 29,000 admissions in these Sister Thomas Josephine ministered for 28½ years Joseph High School in the working-class city . She had seen almost 40 years . Although Sister Ann left the nursery two in elementary and secondary education in Detroit and how crime and violence were claiming the lives of young years ago, her dream of caring for families and children Owosso, Michigan; and San Francisco, Santa Cruz and people . In response in 1967, she founded and directed St . in crisis continues . Oakland . Joseph Alternative Night School for youth and adults who A funeral Mass was held at St . Bonaventure Church During those years, she was also dean of studies/ wanted to complete their high school education . in Concord on Oct . 16 . Donations in memory of Sister assistant principal in Santa Cruz and Oakland for 13 Sister Platte also began questioning the Vietnam War Ann Weltz may be made to Sisters of St . Joseph Ministry years . Sister Thomas Josephine was assistant provincial after seeing many of the city’s young people who man- Fund, 11999 Chalon Road, Los Angeles, CA 90049 . administrator for three years in Oakland; and served the aged to avoid trouble face unemployment and end up in Through this fund, the heroic work of Sister Ann Weltz elderly for 19 years through Catholic Charities, both in the armed forces, fighting in Southeast Asia . She saw and the Sisters of St . Joseph will continue for those in Oakland, from 1974 to 1989, and Los Angeles . many return home maimed or killed . great need . She was a teacher at St . Louis Bertrand School in Meanwhile, Sister Platte’s work as an educator Her parents Kenneth and Beatrice and her beloved Oakland from 1947 to 1954 . She served as a teacher impressed community leaders, who urged her to run for brother Kenneth have preceded her in death . She is at Bishop O’Dowd High School from 1963 to 1965 and Saginaw City Council . She served as a council member survived by her niece Debra Weltz and her nephew as teacher/dean of studies from 1965 to 1970 . She was from 1973 to 1985 . Robert Weltz . assistant principal/dean of studies in 1970 . She also was coordinator of the Saginaw Home for “Sister Ann loved being a CSJ and gave great love In 1994, she had a book published, “Good News for Peace and Justice for more than 10 years . and energy to her children and their families,” the Sisters Your Autumn Years: Reflections on the Gospel of Luke,” The turning point for Sister Platte and Sister Gilbert wrote in her obituary . “Quiet and reserved, in daily Mass and the accompanying leader’s guide . came when they attended an international conference on she received her strength . May she rest in peace ”. From 1993-2007, she assisted the elderly in spiritual nuclear disarmament in 1978 in New York, where they direction in Los Angeles and in Santa Cruz . Sister became heard from prominent nuclear disarmament proponents, Sister Geraldine Garbarino, SHF a resident of the Dominican Life Center in Adrian in 2010 . who urged attendees to address the challenges such Sister Geraldine Garbarino, a member of the Sisters Sister Thomas Josephine is survived by her nephews weapons posed . of the Holy Family for 77 years, died in the early morning and her Adrian Dominican Sisters . The sisters embarked on a 40-day trek across the coun- hours of Thursday, August 13, 2020 at the age of 96 at With COVID-19 mitigation protocols in place, the vigil try visiting and praying at nuclear weapons related sites . the Sisters’ Motherhouse in Fremont . Sister Geraldine prayer was held May 18 in St . Catherine Chapel, followed “It was a spiritual journey,” Sister Platte later recalled was born on June 10, 1924, in Oakland, California . by a Mass of Christian Burial the next day . Burial was in to CNS . “The journey escalated us into the vow to spend She entered the congregation the Congregation cemetery . the rest of our lives ridding the world of nuclear weapons from Sacred Heart Parish there on Memorial gifts may be made to Adrian Dominican Sisters, and stopping war forever ”. January 6, 1943, at the age of 18 . 1257 East Siena Heights Drive, Adrian, Michigan 49221 . During the 1980s, the nuns worked with a statewide Sister Gigi, as she was popularly peace coalition on a ballot initiative that would have pro- known, started out in catechetical Reina Whitney hibited nuclear weapons from being deployed in the state . ministry, first in San Francisco, then Reina Whitney, a charter member and first regent of In 2000, Sisters Platte, Gilbert and Hudson undertook the dioceses of San Jose, Fresno Catholic Daughters of America Court St . Raymond #2057 the first of their Plowshares actions when they illegally and Reno, before returning to her in Dublin, died Sept . 5 . She was 95 . entered Peterson Air Force Base in Colorado Springs, home diocese of Oakland in 1963 . Rosemarie Ortiz, known as Reina, joined the Junior Colorado, and sprayed a fighter plane with their blood . In 1979 she served at the Alameda Catholic Daughters of America Court They were arrested and jailed, but charges eventually Naval Air Base in Alameda, minister- San Diego de Alcala in 1938 . were dropped . ing to the sick and aging . After one year there, she moved She kept her membership cur- Not long after, in 2002, the trio cut a fence to gain on to Our Lady of Grace Parish in Castro Valley, where rent in her San Diego court after entry to a Minuteman III nuclear missile site near Greeley, she continued her ministry to the sick and elderly until her her move in 1960 from San Diego Colorado . They prayed in front of the silo and then poured return to the motherhouse in Fremont in 1997 . She did to Dublin . She was the driving force blood on it . volunteer ministry with homeless people for awhile until in establishing a new court at St . Closely following the events of 9/11, federal prosecu- she was no longer able to serve outside the community . Raymond Parish in 1972 . tors charged them with obstructing national defense and Sister Geraldine is remembered for her creative writing She was the first regent, a repeat- damaging government property . They were convicted and adventures in a class she took in Fremont, sharing the ing regent, chair or member of every sentenced to between 30 and 41 months in federal prison . results with Sisters at the dining room table during meals . committee over the years . “She was The imprisonment did not deter Sister Platte as she con- She was always ready, on a special occasion or no special the quintessential Catholic Daughter and much beloved tinued to oppose war and periodically faced arrest and jail . occasion, to send a greeting card with a piece of candy by the CDA members, the parish community and the com- The nuns’ imprisonment also led to their advocacy for or pretty picture to anyone, with a kind and cheerful mes- munity at large as she was one of the first residents of reforms in the operation of federal prisons . Their efforts sage and the conclusion, “God bless you and me, too!” Dublin,” said Nita Volker, her longtime friend and Catholic were the subject of a 2006 documentary, “Conviction ”. Because of the sheltering restrictions imposed by the Daughters associate . Born on Good Friday, April 10, 1936, in Lansing, coronavirus, there will be no service right away . Sister In 1960, the Whitney family led the first wave of 40 Michigan, Sister Platte entered the Dominican order in Geraldine’s cremains will be held until we are able to families who moved to San Ramon Village, now known 1954 at age 18 and was a member of the order for 66 gather a small group for a service . Burial will be at Holy as Dublin years . She received a teaching degree from Aquinas Cross Cemetery in Colma . Mrs . Whitney was an advertising account executive at College in Grand Rapids . The Catholic Voice, retiring in 1992 . The two friends moved to the Jonah House community Sister Carolyn Whited, SHF She is survived by her children Chris Whitney, Cathy in Baltimore in 1995, where they continued their nuclear Sister Carolyn Whited, a member of the Sisters of the English, Ken Whitney, Teresa Whitney and Jerry Whitney disarmament work with fellow Plowshares activists . They Holy Family for 67 years, died in the early morning on of Martinez, 10 grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren and moved to the Catholic Worker community in Washington Labor Day, September 7, 2020 at the age of 87 at the one great-great granddaughter . in December 2018 . 16 — THE CATHOLIC VOICE OCTOBER 19, 2020
Pregnancy centers offer resources to make informed decision By Nancy Cecconi pregnancy centers, this landmark ruling also Special to The Catholic Voice expanded protection for the free speech “So is that one of those places where rights of medical professionals, Christian they try to talk you out of having an abor- counselors and churches . This decision thus tion?” I can remember a friend asking me set a precedent and allowed Support Circle years ago . After explaining that most wom- to continue its services and outreach without en do not seek out pregnancy consultation further interference from San Francisco . centers unless they are very undecided, The most recent threat to providing and need support, the response was the services in the digital age is very well high- usual skeptical, indifferent, “Mm, hmm ”. lighted by a November 2019 article in the In a perfect world, every woman has Wall Street Journal entitled, “How Google a perfectly planned pregnancy, with the Interferes with Its Search Algorithms and perfect support system as they await the Changes Your Results: the internet giant birth of their perfect child . uses blacklists, algorithm tweaks and an And then there’s the reality… . army of contractors to shape what you see .” The number of unintended pregnancies The article reported: Despite publicly in the United States varies widely depend- denying doing so, Google keeps blacklists ing on who is doing the reporting, but can to remove certain sites or prevent others range to upwards of 40%, according to the from surfacing in certain types of results . CDC’s most recent statistics . Also interest- These moves are separate from those ing and concerning is the current birthrate, that block sites as required by U S. . or which continues to fall, and since 2016 has foreign law, such as those featuring child been at below-replacement level (2 1). to abuse or with copyright infringement, and 1 7. per women of childbearing years . from changes designed to demote spam But the focus here is to report on a sites, which attempt to game the system development for those women and men con- to appear higher in results . fronted by the unexpected, often perplexing, Like many other life-affirming pregnancy but always profound, experience, of bearing centers, Support Circle found itself at the a child, whether for the first time or after wrong end of this bias, and was suffering many times, and regardless of their situation . from low patient numbers due to an inability What’s most important for those women, of women in distress trying to find them, and men, when they don’t have strong because they didn’t provide abortions . support systems, which many others take Executive Director Albert Lee and his for granted? The answers are as unique staff made continued, thorough, up-to-date, as the clients who face them, yet the need conscientious and tech-savvy efforts to endures for the time, space and support confront this challenge . Supporters knew needed to make their decision . the blacklisting was unfair, especially in And why go to a clinic for such things? the face of overwhelmingly positive reviews Foreign to some, but not so to others in an from past and present clients, and indeed increasingly depersonalized and complex the clinics have properly addressed this and world, is the loneliness many women feel are continuing to move forward to provide when there seems no one equipped to much-needed services . really listen and to answer questions . New affiliation Support Circle assistance So here we are, in the fall of 2020, and Since 1985, Support Circle pregnancy Support Circle Pregnancy Clinics with its centers, formerly known as First Resort, decades-long history of serving women has been serving women in their three Bay and men in crisis, is pleased to announce Area clinics, in Oakland, San Francisco they are still at work for women and babies and Redwood City . Support Circle was and are expanding their services . Another the first pregnancy center to begin offering large pregnancy center known as Real ultrasounds and is a leader and a pioneer in Options operates in the South Bay and has that area . Numerous approaches have been been seeking similar objectives: to expand taken over the years, such as church-based the scope of medical services offered to baby showers and distributing many supplies patients, add appointment availability, and for new moms, as well as referrals for hous- obtain AAAHC accreditation as an ambu- ing, where to go for counseling for abusive latory health center . When Real Options relationships, STD testing, (now being offered Mountain View clinic had to close, it started a there) and post-abortion counseling, such as conversation whether the two organizations the Rachel’s Vineyard healing retreats . could accomplish their plans faster and with Probably the longest-standing and most more momentum united, than separately, helpful service begins with the increasingly and the answer was a resounding yes! rare, live-person-on-the-phone encounter, As of this month, Support Circle will followed by a face-to-face appointment with be merging its offices with Real Options a registered nurse and licensed counselor . Pregnancy Clinics to assist women facing This simple old-fashioned approach has life-changing decisions, of all their preg- helped thousands of women unpack the nancy options while offering quality medi- complex issues affecting their lives, has cal care . The existing clinics will continue resulted in many children being saved from in Central San Jose, East San Jose and abortion, medical questions answered, and Union City . The closed Mountain View clinic a good start on prenatal care . will merge with the Redwood City clinic of The clinics now are staffed with a team Support Circle, and the latter’s Oakland of RNs, nurse sonographers, optimal health Clinic, the busiest of all, will now operate coaches and patient service managers to under the Real Options name . provide obstetric ultrasound, pregnancy Services will include not only pregnancy verification, pregnancy consultation, patient testing and ultrasound imaging, but pre- advocacy, practical support, STI testing ventive reproductive health care such as and treatment, abortion pill reversal, and breast exams, STD testing and treatment general well-woman care . and abortion pill reversal, and well-woman In their efforts to serve women, Support care . The merged organization will have Circle has faced extraordinary obstacles . the capacity to hire a doctor, either an OB/ Beginning in 2011, San Francisco enacted GYN or family practitioner, to provide more an ordinance trying to restrict the clinics comprehensive care to patients . on the grounds that their advertising was Best of all this solves the blacklisting “misleading … by . . omission,” intended as problems, because providing these ser- a punishment for not advertising that they vices enhances the internet searcher’s don’t provide abortions . In 2015, a lawsuit ability to find them, by not getting caught in was filed against the city on the grounds the limited category of “abortion providers .” that coerced speech is not free speech . The No doubt the abortion debate will rage US District Court ruled against the clinics, on, through elections, Supreme Court as well as the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals, nomination battles, and overseas funding in 2017, upholding the lower court ruling . debates . In a world where the level of dis- course has reached a low-point evidenced Supreme Court ruling by the tenor of talk in the average blogo- The lawsuit reached the US Supreme sphere, the life-affirming pregnancy centers Court about the same time as a similar exist to rise above it all . case from California, NIFLA vs Becerra . Their voice is not to shame the woman, NIFLA, the National Institute of Family nor to block her legal rights to choose but Life Advocates, took on Attorney General simply to give her the time, space and sup- Xavier Becerra’s AB 775, the so-called port she needs . It’s their way of saying, “We Reproductive Fact Act, again trying to force care about you, your child and your choice . California’s 150 life-affirming pregnancy What can we do to help?” centers to advertise what they don’t provide . Nancy Cecconi is a member of the The case went to the Supreme Court, Catholics Care ministry of the Diocese of which in June 2018, issued a historic rul- Oakland. October is Respect Life Month. ing in favor of pro-life pregnancy centers . Additional resources are available at https:// In addition to protecting the work of the oakdiocese.org/catholics-care. OCTOBER 19, 2020 AROUND THE DIOCESE THE CATHOLIC VOICE — 17 Joy for the Journey First Communion at Assumption Special to The Catholic Voice Spiritual survival during the pandemic, reduced employment, unrest in our streets and enforced reduction of public worship in many places throughout the world requires the Christian to master techniques for triumphant living . In these times, Rev . Robert Mendonça offers “Joy for the Journey: The Royal Road in Time of Distress,” a step along the road to peace and joy — even in dark times . Father Mendonça was ordained a priest of the Diocese of Oakland in 2000 . He has served at St . Charles Borromeo and St . Michael parishes in Livermore and St . Raymond Parish in
Dublin . PHOTO COURTESY The book responds to the Rev. Bob Mendonça’s book, “Joy for the Journey: observation that although The Royal Road in Time of Distress,” is avail-
Christian joy is the lifeblood of able for pre-order on Amazon.com. The resourc- COURTESY/CHURCH OF THE ASSUMPTION our faith, many of us still do not es in his (retirement) book are grounded in the Church of the Assumption in San Leandro celebrated First Eucharist cel- demonstrate that joy . Holy Word of God and from the author’s varied ebrations back to back on Sept. 19 and 20. Under the loving care of their “Many years ago, I opened experiences and extensive education, reports catechists, parents and teachers, the children were well prepared for their the magazine Commonweal to Rev. Erick Villa, pictured in the sanctuary of St. special day. see a group picture of the U S. . Raymond Church in Dublin, where both serve. Catholic Bishops . Their faces expressed the weight of the world, or pessimism about tive travel along the way of truth . the problems of the world ”. The resources in this book are grounded in the Holy They did this while standing under a banner that read: Word of God and from the author’s varied experiences Share our joy! and extensive education . The author begins a meditation about why we accept The book is available for pre-order from Amazon .com . lifeless responses to the most remarkable story ever told, Look for it by its full name, “Joy for the Journey: The to the celebration of the hope of the world . Royal Road in Time of Distress .” The author said 50% of “Joy for the Journey” counters that inconsistency . The the royalties on each pre-ordered book will be donated Royal Road is a metaphor for constant, safe and produc- to St . Raymond Parish, where he is priest-in-residence . Peacemakers pray for racial atonement
Special to The Catholic Voice The Peacemakers Group of St . Joan of Arc Parish in San Ramon, spirituality and social justice ministry, has been studying the root causes or racism in society and its devastating impact on people of color . Their studies led them to explore and acknowledge racism in themselves, and in societal and religious institutions JOAN OF ARC JOAN OF and structures . As a result of such . raised awareness, the group came to the realization that each of them was in some way complicit — consciously or unconsciously, intentionally or uninten- tionally — with supporting the systems and culture of racism . Feeling the need to atone for their failures in this area, the Peacemakers held a Prayer Service for Racial Atonement on Sept . 22, asking for
God’s mercy and forgiveness for ST GROUP, COURTESY/PEACEMAKERS wrongs they had committed . The ser- The Peacemakers Group planted a purple rose of Atonement near the vice consisted of Scripture readings, entrance of St. Joan of Arc Church in San Ramon. reflections and music, and included God’s call “to act justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly These ashes were then used as the first soil amend- with God” (Micah 6:8), as they strive to address racism ment when a purple-colored rose of Atonement was on a daily basis . planted in the ground near the main entrance of the A litany of atonement was also recited during the church . This rose bush will stand as a visual symbol to all service; each member recited their sins of omission regarding God’s forgiveness of individual and collective or commission regarding racism, and wrote them on sins in the area of racism, and the transformative power a piece of paper . All of these “written sins” were then of God’s mercy to turn remorse into action against all burned into ash . forms of discrimination and injustice .
Assisted Living | Memory Care | 5 Star-Rated Skilled Nursing Mass of Remembrance will benefit from the sale of crafts, includ- ing pressed flowers in glass and metal The Catholic Community of frames, and glass bottle beads and dream Pleasanton will celebrate a virtual Mass catcher . Priced from $20 to $30 . Email Founded in 1872 by the Sisters of Mercy of Remembrance at 7 p m. . Nov . 5 . The gabrielprojectfundraiser@yahoo com. or and located on this lush campus since Mass of Remembrance is a special lit- 925-428-7009 . Pick up at Holy Rosary 1907, our holistic approach to wellness urgy to celebrate the lives of our loved Parish in Antioch; UPS shipping for an ones’ who have gone before us to live additional charge is available . includes a diverse range of life enrichment in the light of the Lord . You will be able Hand-crafted items are among the activities and best-in-class quality care. to view this celebration by logging on to available at the Dominican Sisters of catholicsofpleasanton .org . Find the Mass Mission San Jose’s annual Holiday of Remembrance, click on it and you will Boutique, offered online through Nov . • Full-time spiritual staff find the worship aid and the readings . You 14 . Don’t miss the boutique’s signature • Access to our wellness program will be able to view the Mass on YouTube, items, including olive oil, fruitcake … and rehabilitation services Facebook or on the website . If you have it’s the season . Pick up your purchases questions: Mary at 925-699-0199 . at the Dominican Motherhouse, 43326 Mission Circle, Fremont from 10 a m. . to Crafts for causes 4 p m. . Nov . 21 and 22 . Shipping can be Call today to schedule a visit The Immaculate Heart of Mary Crafters arranged for some items . Consult the and feel the Mercy Difference will present their Holiday Boutique Oct . 30 website . To shop: https://dsmsj-boutique . to Nov . 1 at the parish, 500 Fairview Ave ,. myshopify .com . 3431 Foothill Blvd., Oakland Brentwood . Hours are 2-5 p m. . Oct . 30; Virtual Workshops 9 a m. -5. p m. . Oct . 31; and 8 a m. -2. pm . 510.534.8540 Nov . 1 . The boutique will feature handmade The Dominican Sisters of Mission San www.mercyretirementcenter.org items and plants . There will be a raffle for a Jose are offering four virtual workshops [email protected] hand-sewn quilt and a wall hanging . this fall . Topics include racism and com- Elder Care Alliance, a nonprofit organization, is cosponsored by the Sisters of Mercy of the Americas West Midwest Community & the Sierra Pacific Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. RCFE Lic # 015600255. COA #245 SNF #CA020000237. The Gabriel Project, which offers sup- passion, as well as Bible study and Lectio ©2015 Elder Care Alliance port to pregnant women and their babies, continued on page 18 18 — THE CATHOLIC VOICE OCTOBER 19, 2020 Christ the King Passionist Retreat Center ful white statue of St . Paul of the Cross, A prayerful, founder of the Passionist Charism, greets everyone . Hundreds of people who have inspiring, welcoming attended retreats at Christ the King have shared their feelings of being on “holy environment ground” as they enter the private driveway . Christ the King is a spacious and Special to The Catholic Voice comfortable retreat center that has single- Christ the King Passionist Retreat room accommodations with private baths Center is a Catholic faith based organiza- for up to 65 guests, conference rooms, tion nestled on 29 acres in the center of full-service dining room, and a chapel . Citrus Heights . Our mission, in the spirit of The beautifully landscaped grounds have the Passionist Charism, exists to promote several areas for quiet meditation and personal reflection and spiritual growth of prayer, including a Memorial Garden dedi- all who come, according to their needs, by cated to St . Paul of the Cross, Stations of creating a safe, welcoming and prayerful the Cross, Fatima Shrine and Holy Family CENTER RETREAT THE KING PASSIONIST COURTESY/CHRIST environment and providing ministries of Prayer Garden . In 2019, a basketball Christ the King Passionist Retreat Center in Citrus Heights. inspiration, education and guidance . court was built on the property to provide options for the growing youth popula- midweek retreats and days of recollec- Christ the King serves the Diocese of tion in order to support and encourage tion . Programs such as married couples Sacramento, Reno and Stockton, by Christ the King the physical activities that are built into retreats, engaged retreats, 12-step offering and/or hosting parish weekend Passionist Retreat Center schools’ retreat programs . Christ the retreats, weekly AA meetings, directed retreats, young adults programs (such as King is truly a sacred place that lifts the retreats, bereavement retreats, Triduum Young and Married), married couples and 6520 Van Maren Lane spirits and calms the souls of all who and New Year’s Eve retreats have added engaged encounters retreats . Citrus Heights CA 95621 come here . to the variety of spiritual growth opportuni- During the COVID-19 pandemic, the 916-725-4720 Since 1950, the Passionists and ties offered at Christ the King Passionist Retreat Center continues to be open and www .christthekingretreatcenter .org Christ the King team have sponsored Retreat Center . is responsive toward the current times and retreats, days of prayer and other In addition, we offer the use of our guidance . New protocols put into place spiritual programs to enable all those grounds and facilities to hosted groups . for groups and retreatants include social The center is a place of quiet, where who are seeking a deeper relationship Some of these groups include deacon and distancing, mask wearing and increased people can slow down, forget the busy- with God to experience His presence in priest retreats, study days, Catholic school sanitization and cleaning of all areas within ness of their day-to-day, and connect with the peace, beauty and wonder in this and parish programs . Various Christian the buildings and grounds . Staff members the divine . As you pass through the tunnel remarkable place . churches enjoy the hospitality of the are available to answer any questions of oleanders reaching high toward the Each year, approximately 3,000 men Retreat Center when they conduct their about hosting groups and taking a retreat sky and turn slightly to the right, a beauti- and women attend the weekend retreats, own workshops, seminars and retreats . during this time with COVID-19 .
The magazine’s tribute to her, written by Julián Castro, former U S. . secretary Sister Pimentel of Housing and Urban Development, said that her work has “taken on greater impor- on Time 100 list tance in the era of Donald Trump, and for good reason ”. By Carol Zimmermann “As he has acted with cruelty toward Catholic News Service migrants, she has acted with compassion .,” WASHINGTON — Sister Norma Castro said . “As he has preyed on the Pimentel, a Missionary of Jesus and vulnerable and sought rejection, she has executive director of Catholic Charities preached community and acceptance . As of the Rio Grande Valley, has received he has promoted fear, she has taught love .” numerous awards over the years for her He also said her “boundless hope and work in Texas with migrants along the fearless compassion have earned her the U S. -Mexican. border, and she can now moniker of ‘the pope’s favorite nun’” and add a new title to her list: one of Time she will “keep changing the world, one act magazine’s 100 most influential people of kindness at a time ”. in the world . JOHNSTON/CNS BARBARA As a daughter of Mexican immigrants, In a Facebook message Sept . 22 Sister Norma Pimentel, a member of the Missionaries of Jesus, is pictured along Sister Pimentel frequently crossed the about the honor, she gave credit to all a border wall between Texas and Mexico in late February 2018. border back and forth from Brownsville to those who work with her in the Diocese Matamoros, Mexico, to be with family on of Brownsville, Texas, “restoring human immigrants in a virtual town hall meeting would get lost in all of this . It would be all both sides of the border . She was born dignity to those in need ”. featured on ABC’s “20/20 ”. That same about me and all the sensational attention in Texas while her parents were awaiting “It is a recognition of the generosity year she was named one of Our Sunday that is given to me ”. response from U S. . authorities on their of the people of the Rio Grande Valley Visitor’s 2015 Catholics of the Year and For the past three decades, Sister application for residency . and from throughout the United States . won a nomination for “Texan of the Year ”. Pimentel has been supporting more than In her reflection on immigrants in Together we recognize that we have a Last year, after being presented with 100,000 migrants seeking refuge in the the book “A Pope Francis Lexicon,” she responsibility . We are a people of God, the Sister Margaret Cafferty Development U S. . along Texas’ border with Mexico wrote: “I am a U S. . citizen by ‘chiripa’ — people driven by the presence of God of Peoples Award from the U S. . bishops’ with emergency food, shelter, housing sheer chance,” noting that she grew up in ourselves and in others . When we Catholic Campaign for Human Development, assistance, clinical counseling and preg- in two countries, Mexico and the United see human suffering, we cannot turn our Sister Pimentel, who also has received the nancy care . States . backs, we must respond,” she said . University of Notre Dame’s prestigious And she hopes that her name, in the Laetare Medal and Catholic Charities USA’s magazine among athletes, politicians, “Keep the Dream Alive” award, credited activists and entertainers, will “bring more prayer with keeping her grounded . Pope Francis Legal Clinic understanding and help people see more “It’s key for who I am today and what clearly what we can each do to respect all I do,” she said, adding that if she “didn’t Free Legal Consultation human life, especially the most vulnerable .” make the time to wake up early in the Experienced Lawyers In 2015, Pope Francis personally morning to go to Mass and do my prayers The Diocese of Oakland • 2121 Harrison Street, Oakland thanked Sister Pimentel for her work with and end with my prayers at night, I think I www.oakdiocese.org • 510-893-4711 • Advanced Health • Personal Injury • Housing • Estate Care Directives • Employment • Divorce • Probate ly/2020LectoDivina • Worker’s Comp. • Immigration • Criminal • Real Property Disputes Racism – The Struggle for the Soul continuedATD from p. 17 of a Nation: Pausing at the Intersection Call 510-893-4711 to make an appointment Open: Tuesday & Thursday Divina, Praying with the Sunday Readings . of Greed, Power And Virus . Four-Part or online at www.oakdiocese.org 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. For additional information on the offerings, Series on Zoom . Nov . 2, 9, 16, 23, 7-8:30 call 510-933-6360 . p m. . $15 per session or $50 for series . The offerings include: Includes materials that will be sent to Boundless Compassion . A personal participants . Register by Oct . 30 at http:// transformation process for deepening bit .ly/2020Racism . Full Service Printing and Publications compassion and for making compassion a The next issue of The Catholic Voice Business Cards • Postcards • Flyers • Banners • Presentation Folders • Magazines way of life . Oct . 27, Nov . 3, 10, 17, 24, Dec . will be dated Nov. 23. We’ll be happy to Catalogs • Newspapers • Programs • Invitations • Envelopes • Memory Books 1 and 8, 10:30-11:30 a m. . $50 . Register receive your news and events. Please by Oct . 23 at http://bit .ly/BndlsCmpsn2020 . send submissions to Michele Jurich, Color and Black & White Copies and More. Please purchase the book “Boundless interim editor, [email protected]. • Die Cutting, Foil and Embossing • Full bindery and Compassion” beforehand and read the Please put ATD in the memo line. finishing • Mailing services • Graphic design Copyright 2018 introduction . MAY 21, 2018
DIOCESE OF OAKLAND
VOL. 56, NO. 10 Bible Study – Search the Scriptures Serving the East Bay Catholic Community since 1963 Three to be www.catholicvoiceoakland.org ordained Call us or go online to know the Truth . Scripture background MARIO’S LANDSCAPING on May 25
By Michele Jurich for upcoming Sundays . Facilitator: Sister Best and Affordable in OaklandStaff writer On May 25, three men will be ordained to the priest- hood at the Cathedral of Christ the Light in Oakland. They are Rev. Mr. Jimmy Macalinao; Rev. Mr. Jose and request a quote Arturo Bazan; and Rev. Mr. Mario Rizzo. Not only does the date mark the fifth anniversary of the Marcia Krause, OP . Every Tuesday, 9:30- ordination and installation of Bishop Michael C. Barber, SJ, who will ordain the three who will serve as diocesan priests, May 24 is Deacon Rizzo’s birthday and May 26 is the day Deacon Bazan was baptized. Yard service for the Bay Area And, in a first for the Diocese of Oakland, a permanent deacon is being ordained to the priesthood. “I am blessed and thankful to be given an opportunity as the first single permanent deacon ordained priest in 11 a .m . on Zoom . Registration is required our diocese,” said Deacon Macalinao, who has stud- ied for the priesthood at Pope John XXIII Seminary in Massachusetts. Gardening * Hauling * New Lawns He had been in diaconate formation for five years, and after ordination on Nov. 16, 2013, served as a deacon for two years at St. Joseph Basilica Parish in Alameda. “I really enjoyed my diaconal ministry because I to receive the materials . Register at http:// had many occasions to serve those in need in different situations. Through my involvement in various ministries
ALBERT C. PACCIORINI/THE CATHOLIC VOICE CATHOLIC PACCIORINI/THE C. ALBERT it helped me to accompany people in their joys and St. Catherine of Siena School in Martinez is one of the seven elementary schools to be part of the Lumen struggles,” he said. Tree Service * Cleanups Christi Academies. But he felt the call to do something more. “My call to priesthood was inspired by a power- ful question that awakened my mind and pierced my bit .ly/2020_OL_BibleStudy heart: “Why don’t you do more?” This urgent call was nourished and fortified by prayers and my encounters of those people who were suffering, especially the sick at Lumen Christi Academies hospitals and convalescent homes.(Continued Moved byon thePage Holy 14.) in San Leandro and four at St. Jarlath School in Oakland Spirit to serve in a special way as a priest, I applied in Sprinkler Systems * Maintenance — give him firsthand knowledge of the challenges school leaders face. By Michele Jurich “There’s so many responsibilities, so many balls you’re Lectio Divina – Praying with the Sunday get firstStaff writer executive director juggling, sometimes those responsibilities will pull you away from the magic that happens in the classroom,” he Rodney Pierre-Antoine is the founding executive direc- said. “I look at Lumen Christi Academies as an opportunity tor of the new Lumen Christi Academies, a network of for the whole to strengthen and support the individual seven elementary schools within the Diocese of Oakland. schools and school leaders.” Pressure Washing “Rodney’s deep faith and commitment to Catholic edu- In his role of executive director, Pierre-Antoine will Deacon cation will help us create a sustainable, thriving network be able to tell the story of Lumen Christi Academies to Deacon Rizzo Readings . Facilitator: Sister Marcia potential partners and stewards in the mission. Bazan so all our children can receive the very best academic “Part of my role is to reach out to the broader com- Deacon and faith formation,” Bishop Michael C. Barber, SJ, said Macalinao in announcing the appointment on May 9. munity to find benefactors and foundations who see this Pierre-Antoine, who has served as a Catholic educator as a transformative model, to see our programming as Ordination in the East Bay Area for most of his career, began work innovative, and who continue to support our efforts to May 25, 7 p.m. in his new role May 14. make our schools stronger.” When: The Cathedral of Christ the Light, 2121 21093 Forbes Avenue, Hayward, CA 94545 “I am passionate about my com- In addition to his years in the Oakland diocese, Pierre- Where: Rev. Mr. Jimmy Macalinao, Rev. Mr. Krause, OP . Every Thursday, 9:30-11 Call: 510-862-4079, 650-630-1671 mitment to co-creating an exceptional, Antoine served as director of the Notre Dame ACE Harrison St., Oakland Academies, a national network. To be ordained: Christ-centered community for stu- ”We are ready to Launch Lumen Christi Academies,” dents and families,” Pierre-Antoine José Arturo Bazan, Rev. Mr. Mario Rizzo said. “I am excited about this oppor- he said. “We’re looking for partners who will walk with us Bishop Michael C. Barber, SJ, presiding tunity to lead the launch of the Lumen in this ministry, who will support the initiatives that have Christi Academies, an innovative Pierre-Antoine been developed, and the mission that will continue to be model of Catholic education that can developed. Phone 510-887-5656 • www.folgergraphics.com Part of being innovative, he said, “is that you’re seeking a m. . on Zoom . Registration is required to serve as a thriving example of excel- See charts Business ID #301763 lence for our Church.” on Page 11. continual improvement.” That growth requires an investment not only of time, On our cover The seven schools in the Lumen St. Catherine of Siena parishioners mounted a Christi Academies are: Queen of but funding for professional development, tools and cur- huge procession through downtown Martinez on riculum. All Saints, Concord; St. Anthony, “There’s going to be a need to fund the innovation that April 28 to mark the parishes’ 145th anniversary. Oakland; St. Catherine of Siena, is taking place,” he said. More on Page 6. Martinez; St. Cornelius, Richmond; Visiting the schools is next on his calendar. receive the materials . Register at http://bit . St. Elizabeth, Oakland; St. Paul, San Pablo; and St. Peter “Right now, my priority is to get to know the schools,” ATD...... 12 Martyr, Pittsburg. Classified...... 12 Pierre-Antoine is brimming with enthusiasm for Lumen he said, adding that he would be meeting with principals Datelines ...... 13 Christi Academies. “The mission is one that brings stu- and pastors in the coming weeks. Before the end of the Forum ...... 15 dents closer to Christ, helping them realize their gifts and school year, he said he plans to meet families at each of the schools. News in Brief ...... 4 talents, helping them realize the gifts and talents come The academies offer the opportunity to explore: How from above, and they are responsible to utilize those gifts Obituaries ...... 12 can we learn from one another? Seniors ...... 10-11 to serve others,” he said. “This gives us a chance to leverage the expertise and Its mission statement, he said, “aligns so well with The Church...... 2 the wisdom of the collective in a more strategic way than everything I’ve always been about as a Catholic school Travel ...... 7 educator: to form scholars who will be leaders for tomor- we have in the past,” he said. Lumen Christi Academies row.” provide “a great opportunity to become a more robust, “I’m on fire for the mission,” the new executive direc- progressive learning community.” Lumen Christ Academies are embracing the growth tor said. “My job is to steward the mission forward, to be a champion for that mission, to support principals in mindset, Pierre-Antoine said. “Where we are today is not their school community in realizing that mission, while where we are going to be tomorrow.” spreading the good news of what’s happening at each of these schools.” Pierre-Antoine’s service as a principal in the Diocese of Oakland for eight years — four at St. Felicitas School OCTOBER 19, 2020 FORUM THE CATHOLIC VOICE — 19
LETTERS Safe at home care and help the most, and without it, tend to taking what they need, even into violence . I have not resented the government policies that But even they, although saying protests and violence Want to write? prevent us from opening our Churches . They are based is what happens when you have nothing, were puzzled Letters to the editor provide a forum for readers to on the opinions of doctors and scientists and meant to about the protests and off-put by the violence in the engage in an open exchange of opinions and concerns protect us . I think the live-streamed Masses have been streets of their cities . in a climate of respect and civil discourse . The opinions extremely valuable and have kept us connected to the So we all concluded that there must be some other expressed are those of the writers, and not necessarily Church . Some churches have managed to creatively element that is organizing and funding the violence, taking of the Catholic Voice or the Diocese of Oakland . While place the cameras so that you are at the altar intimately advantage of the peaceful protests to infiltrate and incite a full spectrum of opinions will sometimes include those participating in this sacred act of worship . to riot and violence and destruction . which dissent from Church teaching or contradict the I now attend a streamed Mass daily . I can also “virtu- We all concluded that this violent element has to be natural moral law, it is hoped that this forum will help ally visit” cathedrals, monasteries, churches and chapels stopped . our readers to understand better others’ thinking on crit- around the world for a Mass in English through the use of We are calling upon our local government and oth- ical issues facing the Church . Mass-online org. . The English Masses are offered many ers to take charge, and to quit wringing their hands and times throughout the day and in other languages as well . walking in circles while their cities burn . Contributions to Reader’s Forum should be limit ed The beauty, music and interesting homilies have been Larry Burke to 250 words . Letters must be signed and must delightful . It has been uplifting to see how truly united Pleasanton include the writer’s address and phone number for Catholics are in their worship . By the numbers verification purposes . All letters are subject to Locally, I have also been able to receive Sunday editing . Writers are generally limited to four letters Communion outdoors on the patio immediately after a It seems there was a Catholic protest march Sept . 20 in any 12-month period . Mail your letter to: The streamed Mass . I am grateful for the modern technology in San Francisco . Marchers were seeking to have the Catholic Voice, 2121 Harrison St ,. Suite 100, Oakland, along with the priests, liturgists and musicians that have severe restrictions on church attendance eased . KCBS CA 94612 . Fax: 510-893-4734 . Our e-mail address nurtured us so well during this difficult time . carried the event briefly on its hourly news . At 2 p m. . is: Forum@oakvoice .org . Kate Greene they reported that “thousands” of Catholics took part . By Berkeley 3 p m. . it was “hundreds” (Perhaps some went home?) There was no report of vandalism, looting, attacks upon addressing such societal issues as “armed conflict, hous- Hear ‘Mother Earth’ police . Hmmmmmmm . It isn’t as if Catholics haven’t suf- ing, health care, immigration ”. Nancy Crabtree’s point for including only the unborn fered their share of discrimination in this country . Maybe So I have my own leading questions: child (Letters, Sept . 21) in her understanding of what pro- they are simply people who obey the law . Don’t we need • Which political party’s Ku Klux Klan fanatics terrorized life means was one I had not heard before and presented more such people? And shouldn’t we respect and listen and lynched Blacks well into the 20th century? an interesting argument . to them? • Which organization then became the party of abortion When I read what she wrote, my mind jumped to Charlotte Ellis (and its racial disproportions), “same-sex marriage,” and another important issue, climate change . It occurred to me Santa Rosa restroom/locker room access based on self-asserted that “Mother Earth” also has no voice of her own . When “gender identity”? God created the heavens and the earth, He entrusted Life after birth • Which allegedly Catholic presidential candidate and those He created to live upon it to nurture it, care for it, To my Catholic family that has decided the current his party now demand tax-funded abortions at any love it and honor it . Unlike a human mother, the earth has administration is the best choice because of pro-life rights fetal-development stage, renewed funding for Planned no voice except us here now to speak for her . for the unborn: Parenthood and other international abortion advocates While this issue does not override the real issue of As mothers, we know prenatal care is very important . — and tax-funded “gender transition” as well? abortion, it certainly should be of alarm and concern This administration seeks to end WIC, food stamps, the • Which candidate and party want to force even Little that all the current environmental protections are cur- Affordable Care Act and stimulus help . Sisters of the Poor to provide contraceptive coverage? rently being undone . For years in the United States and Please ponder in your heart and intellect how this • Which candidate and party fight genuine school choice? around the globe, the protection of our precious earth stance is “voice for the unborn ”. • Which party threatens to pack the Supreme Court with was established policy . Phyllis Stevens “pro-choice” (pro-abortion) activists? For the past four years, those protections, proven by San Ramon • Which party, influenced by Marxist inclinations, could science to help slow global warming, have been system- readily make us another Venezuela? atically stripped away . This year, more and more damag- Opposites • Which party and presidential candidate take opposing ing fires, floods and hurricanes are on the rise . It seems The pro-life positions of the two presidential tickets approaches in these and other critical issues? as though Mother Earth is indeed trying to speak, and it couldn’t be more opposite . Michael Arata is deeply concerning that in the United States it seems The Democratic platform under Biden includes eutha- Danville we now choose to close our ears and hearts to her pain . nasia, assisted suicide, same-sex marriage and abortion God loves the unborn child . If we don’t protect the up until the moment of birth . His environmental policies earth now, there will be no habitable earth for the children are built on the population control principles of abortion of future generations . It’s our choice . and contraception – he and his VP are the most pro- Judi Venuto abortion candidates the country has ever seen! San Leandro Trump and Pence, on the other hand, have so far been the most pro-life administration and defenders of people of Make it inclusive faith in American history . Consider a few accomplishments: I applaud the Bishop’s move on the formation of a the Mexico City policy, defunding UNPFA, a new Title X task force for racial justice . I would just like to remind rule, defunding Planned Parenthood, the HHS waiver for the Church, however, that not only Blacks are victims of low-income women, and establishing a federal office to discrimination . We have seen Asians being abused by protect the conscience rights of healthcare workers . Blacks as well, blaming them for the COVID-19 virus . We The Catholic bishops of the United States said, “No have seen on social media how whites were physically public official, especially one claiming to be a faithful and attacked by Blacks . Black cops were also being harassed serious Catholic, can responsibly advocate for or actively by Black protesters . We know that right now the liberal support direct attacks on innocent human life ”. Biden media is focusing on Black discrimination . But I hope this should not be professing to be a practicing Catholic . task force will be an inclusive one because, in so many How can any Catholic, in good conscience, not con- ways, this racism affects all races . sider the above as determining factors when casting their Rita Fitzpatrick vote? The law is a teacher, and the Supreme Court, under Pleasanton Trump, could reverse Roe v . Wade . With the issue of abor- tion returned to the States, chastity could be rediscovered What we heard and, with it, a rebirth of Christianity . What a thought! In a June letter to the editor, I said that our mixed-race Jack Hockel extended family was listening carefully to our communi- Walnut Creek ties . Well, we have listened and talked with our neighbors More questions in each of these communities, and we are still puzzled Pete DeLisi, seeking “wise and faith-filled” election per- about the protests, and horrified about the violence that spectives from bishops, posited moral-dilemma questions is part of these protests . which implicitly favored his preferred (though unnamed) Roughly 90% of the people our family talked with candidate (Forum, Sept . 21) . were satisfied with the police presence and activity in As it turned out, appearing just above DeLisi’s letter their neighborhoods . was an introduction to “Forming Consciences for Faithful Of course, there is always in the human element those Citizenship,” a quadrennial pre-election guide published that have a difficult time self-starting, and morph into by U S. . bishops . thinking they are owed something, and blame anything That document identifies abortion on demand and handy for their troubles . “redefining marriage” [to normalize a “same sex” ver- Our family listened to these people also; many of sion] among “intrinsically evil acts, which can never be these not working due to the COVID-19 restrictions, all approved .” on welfare of some kind, which had run out . Similarly precluded is the ideology which “falsely pres- Not a happy situation, but with no direction or help, ents ‘gender’” as just a “social construct . . at variance” they continue wandering and wondering when things with “biological reality ”. would change . In contrast: Prudential judgment, informed by Church These people are the portion of society that need the teaching, can result in differing means of optimally
How can we help? Let us know. (510) 267-8334 Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. Every other month: (facilitated) survivor Insurance Brokers of California Inc. support group meetings held at: James Buckley Santa Maria Parish Library (upper tier) Kenneth Banks 1255 Battery Street, Suite 450 40 Santa Maria Way, Orinda San Francisco, CA 94111 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Ph: 800-877-9300 CA License #0726293 TheThe first first Saturday of of AprilDecember Remembering those who we have laid to rest in our Catholic Cemeteries during the month of September
✝ HOLY SEPULCHRE Connie Ulibarri John Healey Jeanette Adi Jean Vetro Gilberto Isidro Lisa Aguiar-Cromer Helen Weber Rosie Kashu Jose Anaya Sidney West Edward William Leal Jessika Anderson Alina Natalia Lopez ✝ Dolores Andrade QUEEN OF HEAVEN Juan Carlos Lopez Maria Banuelos Kelly McIntyre Avila Floriana Mary Lucido Victor Bao Mary Anne Balestrieri Barbara Nell Lynds Maria Barragon Genevieve Below Eduardo Medina Helen Bettencourt Policarpio Beltran Marianna Elizabeth Mercurio Michael Blackwell Edward Bennett Frank Nicoletti John Blasquez Elizabeth Bennett Ramon Orta Alba Carias Charles Brady Jose Pedroza JOIN US FOR OUR VIRTUAL Artemio Carrasco James Brennan Betty Jane Peoples Faye Chambers Shirley Cosgrove Robert S. Peoples FIRST SATURDAY MASS Sophia Chavez Ann Hartigan Victor Reynoso Ana Chevez Maureen Maltz Roger Sanchez John Cordeniz Paul McCaughey Rosalie Marie Sangimino Leon Cox II Maria Montoya Vilma Aracely Solano-Aguilar WHEN: Loretta Crosby Yvette Ozorio Ed Thomas Virgilio David Carolyn Rovere Connie Zendejas Paul De Vinny George Ruzich Saturday, Nov. 7 | 11:00 A.M. ✝ Patrick Doyle James Sherman ST MARY Doris D’Souza Anthony Springer Canuto Lorono Aranaydo, Jr. Janine Dulkevich John Stein Fortunata Arucan WHERE: Donald Emery Dante Storelli Alejandro Barajas Roberto Estrada Barbara Terry Dolores N. Carpio https://vimeo.com/event/365902 Alvaro Flores Jose Villasenor Cino (Gino) Chegia Ricardo Flores Shawn D. Donahue ✝ Coral Freschi ST JOSEPH Patrick Dundon Pablo Fuenzalida Maria Albanes Evolia Gentry John Gallardo Ketty C. Boeri Victor H. Guerra Tania Guerrero John J. Davi Dayalin Gutierrez Magdaleno Mickey Jimenez Ho Ba Dong Maria Engracia Jimenez Margaret Jordan Robert Donzelli Mary Knetzger John Jorgensen Sr. Myrtle Edgerly Cecilia Magdaleno Delgadillo Eric Lange Leatalua Faleafine Alex Oro Minerva Joan Linson Anicia Garcia Jay P. Murphy Francine Lopez Inami Rose I. Gurrier Daniel Orth Monique Lopez Puertas Agnes O. Gonzales LaVerne Peralta Rosa Linda Luna Paul V. Hebert Thomas Perez Gonzales James Lyons Gerardo Hernandez Elizabeth Petersen Maria Marques Ricardo T. Herrera Kenneth L. Petersen Ruben Mendez Shiela Hooper-Wynn Lily Pham Sabina Mendoza Kroh A. Keoseang Walter A. Wagoner James Mojarro Isabel Loayza ✝ Gerard Nate Benjamin Maravilla ST MICHAEL Michael Nickle Eddie J. Martinez Jr. Floare Avram Mary Nunes Jesus C. Militar Ralph Royce Broadhurst Frank Nunes Juan Montano V.P. John Richard Obra Betty J. Ney Harmon Jeff Moncada Patricia Opsahl Cristobal Nunez Reyes Hattie Margaret Royce Ruben Orozco Jose L. Rodriguez Benjamin Zavala Edna Pali Kevin Santisteban Luis Pande Keo Sivilay ✝ ST AUGUSTINE Oscar Portillo Jimmy R. Soto Robert Germain Athenour Nancy Potts George Tate Maria Avalos Isabel Ramos Lieu Quy Tran Angela Gerardini Patricio Reyes Jr. Juan C. Valdovinos Raul Martin Herbert Rodrigues Christina Valencia Antonia Rodrigues ✝ CHRIST THE LIGHT ✝ Maria Rodriguez HOLY CROSS Melanie Capretta Lena Rosellini Darwish Abu-Ghaben Denise A. Gums Elizabeth Rowe Stella Marie Barrera Rafael Medrano Lorenzo Samudio James Giacomo Boccio Luz Zamboanga Henry Santos Arturo Cabrera Roger Skarston Diane Carpenello Leona Sosa Eduardo Carranza Canales Violet Souza Lupe Francisca Casillas Anna Tchikh Carmen Katherine Cattolica Rogelio Torres Jesus Ceja Gloria Trinchero Michael Dominic Ferreira Manuel Ulibarri Joseph Gonsalves