NOVEMBER 25, 2019 Serving the East Bay Catholic Community Since 1963 Copyright 2019 FACE Seeks to Match Grant on Giving Tuesday

St. Vincent de Paul

Envelope Inside

By Michele Jurich applicant’s religion, gender, ethnicity or Staff writer citizenship. FACE — Family Aid Catholic Education Applicants qualify based on fam- — is participating in Giving Tuesday on ily income. FACE uses the low-income Dec. 3 with a major incentive. qualification level. Of the U.S. Department An anonymous donor will match up to of Housing and Urban Development for $35,000 in donations on that day. Alameda and Contra Costa counties. The funds raised will go for financial Seven schools in the Diocese of assistance to qualifying families through- Oakland comprise the Lumen Christi out the diocese; the matching funds will Academies. They are St. Anthony and benefit the students of the Lumen Christi St. Elizabeth schools in Oakland; St. Academies. Cornelius School in Richmond; St. Paul Founded in 1978, FACE provides tuition School in San Pablo; St. Catherine of assistance to students who attend Catholic Siena School in Martinez; St. Peter Martyr schools in the Diocese of Oakland, based School in Pittsburg; and Queen of All on financial need without regard to an (Continued on Page 11.)

Vietnamese Martyrs KATIE RUTTER/CNS KATIE honored at St. Anthony One of the traditional symbols of Advent, which begins Dec. 1. More than 1,000 people participated in the annual Mass and procession to Learn about Advent season honor the Martyrs of Vietnam on Nov. 17 at St. Anthony Church in Oakland. More Staff report third Sunday, Gaudete Sunday, when the than 100,000 Vietnamese Catholics were Beginning the Church’s liturgical year, priest also wears rose vestments at Mass; killed because of their religious beliefs; St. Advent, Dec. 1 (from, “ad-venire” in Latin or Gaudete Sunday is the Sunday of rejoic- John Paul II canonized 117 of them, slain “to come to”), is the season encompassing ing, because the faithful have arrived at between 1798 and 1861, in 1988. Bishop the four Sundays (and weekdays) leading the midpoint of Advent, when their prepa- Michael C. Barber, SJ, presided, accom- up to the celebration of Christmas. ration is now half over and they are close panied by about 15 priests and deacons. The Advent season is a time of prepa- to Christmas. Entertainment and ethnic food followed ration that directs our hearts and minds The progressive lighting of the candles the long procession around St. Anthony’s to Christ’s second coming at the end of symbolizes the expectation and hope sur- school and church and Mass. There are time and also to the anniversary of the rounding our Lord’s first coming into the about 8,000 Vietnamese Catholics in the Lord’s birth on Christmas. The final days of world and the anticipation of his second Oakland diocese. In the photos, Bishop Advent, from Dec. 17 to Dec. 24, focus par- coming to judge the living and the dead. Barber stands with young people, many of ticularly on our preparation for the celebra- Another devotion is the Advent calen- whom dress as saints — Sts. Juan Diego, tions of the Nativity of our Lord (Christmas). dar, believed to have been created in the Patrick, the Blessed Mother, for the day. A Advent devotions include the Advent early 19th century to mark the days of newly designed shrine to the martyrs was wreath to remind us of the meaning of Advent leading up to Christmas. Advent carried in the procession; a youth group the season. Traditionally, Advent wreaths calendars of today usually count down performed traditional dance. See more are constructed of a circle of evergreen the 24 days of December, ending on photos at facebook.com/TheCatholicVoice. branches into which four candles are Christmas Eve. For more information about the Vietnamese inserted, representing the four weeks of Popular amongst children, Advent community contact Sister Rosaline Nguyen, Advent. Ideally, three candles are purple calendars are a joyful activity that helps LHC, at 510-628-2153 or rnguyen@oak- and one is rose, but white candles can children learn about preparing for Jesus’ diocese.org. also be used. birth. Some Advent calendars have doors The purple candles in particular sym- to open that reveal some symbol of Advent bolize the prayer, penance and preparatory or Christmas, while others have symbols sacrifices and good works undertaken that are individually placed on the calendar at this time. The rose candle is lit on the for each day.

On our cover A young boy brings up the gifts to Bishop Michael C. Barber, SJ, at the Vietnamese Martyrs Mass. More on this page. ATD ...... 12 Holiday Guide ...... 11 Bishop’s Column 3 News in Brief ...... 4 Classified ...... 12 Obituary ...... 12 Datelines ...... 13 Simbang Gabi ...... 6 Forum ...... 14, 15 The Church ...... 2 Gift of Giving . . . . . 7-9, 11 Travel ...... 6 ALL: BARBARA YASUHARA/SPECIAL TO THE CATHOLIC VOICE THE TO CATHOLIC YASUHARA/SPECIAL ALL: BARBARA 2 — THE CATHOLIC VOICE THE CHURCH NOVEMBER 25, 2019 OFFICIAL U.S. BISHOPS

Bishop Barber’s Schedule Officers elected at fall general assembly

Nov. 25: Office meetings, Dec. 10: 6: 30 a.m., BALTIMORE — Archbishop Jose H. Chancery, Oakland Mass, presentation for Gomez of Los Angeles was elected to a Catholics@Work, Crow three-year term as president of the U.S. Nov. 26: Office meetings, Canyon Country Club, Conference of Catholic Bishops during Chancery, Oakland Danville the bishops’ fall general assembly in Priests’ Day Lecture, Baltimore. The native of Mexico was cho- Office meetings, Chancery, Mass and dinner, St. sen Nov. 12 with 176 votes from a slate Oakland Patrick’s Seminary and of 10 nominees. University, Menlo 7 p.m., Simbang Gabi Archbishop Allen H. Vigneron of Detroit, Park Kick Off Mass, Cathedral conference secretary and former bishop of Christ the Light, of Oakland, was elected vice president.

Nov. 27: Office meetings, Chancery, BOB ROLLER/CNS Oakland Oakland’s Bishop Michael C. Barber, Oakland SJ, was elected to a three-year term as Detroit Archbishop Allen H. Vigneron, Dec. 11: 9: 30 a.m., CRS Rice Bowl Nov. 28: 10 a.m., Thanksgiving Day chairman of the Committee on Catholic former bishop of Oakland and vice breakfast, St. John Vianney Parish, Mass, Cathedral of Christ the Light, Education. president-elect of the U.S. Conference Walnut Creek Oakland Archbishop Gomez, 67, is the first of Catholic Bishops, speaks from the Office meetings, Chancery, Latino to be elected president. He has floor during the fall general assembly Dec. 1-3: Retreat for the Presbyterate Oakland served as conference vice president for in Baltimore Nov. 12. of the Diocese of Toledo, Ohio the past three years, working alongside 7 p.m., Mass, Our Lady of Dec. 4: Office meetings, Chancery, Cardinal Daniel N. DiNardo of Galveston- of Catholic Bishops told the bishops. Guadalupe, Our Lady of Guadalupe Oakland Houston, the outgoing president. The • Aware of the growing numbers Parish, Fremont Los Angeles prelate has been a leading of Catholics in the country who are of Dec. 5: Office meetings, Chancery, Dec. 12: Office meetings, Chancery, advocate of immigrant rights, often voic- Hispanic origin, the bishops voted to write Oakland Oakland ing support for newcomers as they face a new pastoral plan for Latino Catholics Appreciation dinner with diocesan growing restrictions being implemented that would be produced sometime Diocesan Finance Board Christmas attorneys by the Department of Homeland Security between 2021 and 2024. reception and other federal agencies. • It’s a population that almost every Dec. 6: Office meetings, Chancery, Dec. 13: Office meetings, Chancery, In other activities at the assembly: bishop in the United States comes into Oakland Oakland, including: Priest Personnel • One year after the U.S. bishops contact with: 700,000 young adults brought St. Patrick’s Seminary and Board approved their pastoral letter against rac- into the country as children without docu- University board meeting and ism, the document is hardly just sitting ments. So, it was natural that on the day the 4 p.m., Christmas celebration for concert, Menlo Park on a shelf but is the basis for listening Supreme Court heard oral arguments on the Priests of the Diocese, bishop’s sessions in dioceses around the country an important case involving them, even as Dec. 7: Diocesan pilgrimage and residence and is an educational tool for individuals, they were conducting regular business dur- Mass, Our Lady of Guadalupe, Dec. 14: 10 a.m., Mass, reception, schools and parishes, the bishops were ing the fall meeting of the U.S. Conference Cathedral of Christ the Light, Regina Mundi donors, Cathedral of told Nov. 13. Bishop Shelton T. Fabre of Catholic Bishops in Baltimore Nov. 11-13, Oakland Christ the Light, Oakland Houma-Thibodaux, Louisiana, chairman some bishops were monitoring the situation Dec. 8: 11 a.m., Mass, blessing of of the U.S. bishops’ Ad Hoc Committee before the U.S. Supreme Court. Auction dinner in support of San new Adoration Chapel, St. Mary Against Racism, described the attention • A new “pastoral framework for mar- Damiano Retreat Center, bishop’s Parish, Walnut Creek the letter is getting around the country riage and family life” should be ready for a residence, Oakland in a presentation on the final day of the vote by the U.S. bishops by next November Dec. 9: 9: 30 a.m., Immaculate Dec. 15: 10 a.m. Gaudete Sunday bishops’ annual fall meeting in Baltimore. at the latest, according to Archbishop Conception Day Mass, Moreau Mass, Cathedral of Christ the Light, • A third-party reporting system to field Charles J. Chaput of Philadelphia. It may Catholic High School, Oakland sexual misconduct allegations against even be ready for a vote when the bish- Hayward bishops could be in place by the end of ops meet in June 2020, said Archbishop February, an official of the U.S. Conference Chaput. THE DIOCESE

Dec. 4 at St. Anthony Parish, 971 O’Hara Our Lady of Guadalupe Ave., Oakley, and on Dec. 5 at Our Lady of pilgrimage Dec. 7 Guadalupe Parish, 40374 Fremont Blvd., Diocese of Oakland Construction Update Thousands are expected to take part in Fremont. the Diocese of Oakland’s annual pilgrim- For additional details, contact Hector Nov. 14, 2019 age to honor Our Lady of Guadalupe on Medina, coordinator of Latino ministries, Dear Parishioners and Friends of the Diocese of Oakland, Dec. 7. Pilgrims can begin gathering at St. at 510-496-7224 or hmedina@oakdio- I am pleased to report the Catholic Cathedral Corp. of the East Bay has Louis Bertrand Church, 1410 100th Ave., cese.org. settled its design and construction defects lawsuit involving the Cathedral Oakland, from 7:30 a.m. and will depart — Staff Report Center. The legal process has been complex and time-consuming and involved more than 30 defendants. at 9 a.m. The procession, with floats, All parties have executed a confidential settlement agreement that will result in monetary musicians and costumes, will cover 7.5 Change in dates recovery by the diocese. The settlement funds we receive will reimburse the diocese for all miles on International Boulevard, go past The Solemnity of the Immaculate expenses incurred in the lawsuit and will allow us to make necessary repairs to the Cathedral Lake Merritt, and arrive at the Cathedral Conception is not a Holy Day of obligation Center. We plan to undertake these repairs, including restoration of the B1 parking level, in of Christ the Light about 1 p.m. this year. It is transferred from its usual the next year. I will continue to update you as the repair plans progress. I wish to express appreciation and gratitude to our legal team, engineering and design Bishop Michael C. Barber, SJ, will date (Dec. 8, which is a Sunday) to the experts and our mediation team for their dedicated assistance throughout this process. At the preside at the Mass, which is expected to following day, Dec. 9. All Masses Dec. same time, I also want to thank so many in the diocese for your support and patience during begin at 1:30 p.m. in the cathedral. 8 are celebrated as the Second Sunday this arduous process. Two workshops to prepare for the of Advent including any Sunday Evening Sincerely Yours in Christ, pilgrimage will both begin at 7 p.m., on Masses. Very Reverend George Mockel Vicar General Chair of the Catholic Corp. of the East Bay Plan ahead to get the most for “Let the Catholic voice . . . be spread in every diocese, in every parish, in every association, in every family.” your ad dollars — Pope Paul VI Publisher: Bishop Michael C. Barber, SJ in 2019-2020 Interim Director of Communication The Catholic Voice & Community Relations 2121 Harrison St., Oakland, CA 94612 Associate Publisher, The Catholic Voice: Phone 510-893-5339; Fax 510-893-4734 Helen Osman www.catholicvoiceoakland.org Mailed to 85,000 households [email protected] Editor: Albert C. Pacciorini Email addresses www.catholicvoiceoakland.org/advertise.htm [email protected]; 510-419-1073 Letters to the editor: [email protected] Address change: [email protected] Call the Advertising Dept., 510-419-1081 Advertising Manager: Camille Tompkins Subscription: [email protected] [email protected]; 510-419-1081 Datelines (calendar of events): Issue date Features for 2019 Ad deadline [email protected] Office/Circulation Manager: Sandi Gearhart Around the Diocese: [email protected] December 16* Christmas Liturgies December 4 [email protected]; 510-893-5339 Photos: Issue date Features for 2020 Ad deadline Graphics/Webmaster: Chris Patrick Morgan Submitted photos must be suitable for print [email protected]; 510-419-1076 January 6 Senior Living & Resources December 16 publication. Please refer to our photo guidelines: January 20 Catholic Schools Week/Consecrated Life January 8 Associate Editor/Staff writer: Michele Jurich www.catholicvoiceoakland.org/photos.htm February 10 Weddings & Anniversaries /Bishop’s Appeal January 29 [email protected]; 510-419-1075 Schedule February 24 Pilgrimages & Retreats February 12 Staff writer: Carrie McClish See our publication schedule and deadlines at: March 9 Summer Camps, Schools & Activities February 26 [email protected]; 510-419-1074 www.catholicvoiceoakland.org/pubdates.htm March 23 Holy Week & Easter Liturgies March 11 The Catholic Voice (ISSN 0279-0645) is published for the Roman Catholic Diocese of Oakland twice monthly except in July, August and December (when one issue is published) for $25 a year (outside the diocese, $30). Copyright 2019. *The Catholic Voice — Publication theme subject to change. Adjudged to be a newspaper of general circulation by the Superior Court of Alameda County, Court order No. 365394, The Voice publishes only one issue in July, August and December. dated Jan. 20, 1967. Periodical postage paid (USPS 094-640) at Oakland, California, and additional mailing offices. Postmaster: Send address changes to: The Catholic Voice, 2121 Harrison St., Suite 100, Oakland, CA 94612. NOVEMBER 25, 2019 THE CATHOLIC VOICE — 3 Prayer: the happiest part of being a bishop

By Most Rev. Michael C. Barber, SJ about the altar, we offer up our prayers and requests on I was interviewed recently by a writer who asked me, behalf of our parish — the Church — and the world. I saw a “What are some of the joys or surprises you’ve experi- bumper sticker once “Prayer changes things.” I believe that. enced as a bishop?” I can testify that your prayers for me and our diocese I would say there are two: are being listened to by the Lord, and many petitions 1. The sense of spiritual intimacy I’ve experienced with granted: Our lawsuit over Cathedral construction defects parishioners of our diocese. When I visit parishes and has been settled amicably; we have had good young men celebrate Mass, I’m amazed at the number of people who enter our seminary program each year; we have been line up afterward to have a word with me. Many confide granted a license by the state of California to open Claire’s in me their personal sufferings or crosses and ask very House for girls who are victims of human trafficking; the particularly for my prayers. I write these down when I get Franciscan Friars of the Renewal have agreed to come home and include the requests in my Mass Intentions. and open a friary and minister in our diocese. 2. The other joy I’ve experienced There are many more. I have to say that the Lord has is the opposite. The people who tell not disappointed me when I’ve gone to Him in great need. me they are praying for me. One fam- Nor will He let you down. ily in particular offers a decade of the And we can help each other. In this issue of The Voice rosary for me every day. you’ll find an envelope in which I invite you to list any One lady asked me what particu- prayer intentions you’d like me to pray for. I keep them lar intentions I had, so she could pray before the Blessed Sacrament in my private chapel and for them specifically. I confided in her. pray for them each day. I include them in my Mass inten- The next year when I returned to that tions. Also, I will take a photo of them, and bring all your Bishop Barber parish, she waited until no one else petitions to Rome in January for my Ad Limina visit with was around, took out her notes, and the pope. told me she had been praying daily for “x, x and x.” I was As a happy part of this five-year duty, it is required so surprised that she remembered, and so grateful for that each bishop pray at the tombs of the Apostles Peter her spiritual support, that I told her “x and x” have been FILE PHOTO and Paul at St. John Lateran, and before the image of granted by the Lord. And she asked what she could add A year ago, more than 1,500 people sent requests Our Lady in the basilica of St. Mary Major. I will joyfully next to her prayer list on my behalf. for prayers to the bishop. He hopes more people will offer Masses at those holy places on your behalf. Places Our Lord said, “Ask and you shall receive, seek and respond this year. where for 2,000 years, the petitions and prayers of many you shall find, knock and the door will be opened to you.” pilgrims have been answered. He told repeated parables about how our Heavenly Father forcing our will on God. He’s still God and we are not. But Yes, I would say that is one of the happiest parts of stands ready to answer us if only we will confide in Him He expects us to come to Him as a Loving Father, and being a bishop. To pray for you. And to ask you, in all my and have faith that He can help us. we His beloved children. It’s why we have the “Prayer of weakness, to pray for me. And please know how very Of course, we have to take care that we are not just the Faithful” at Mass. As a Christian community gathered grateful I am for your spiritual support. Daleiden plans to appeal Planned Parenthood judgment SAN FRANCISCO (CNS) — After a compensatory damages they must pay “This lawsuit is payback for David parts and organs,” said Peter Breen, lead 10-member jury handed down a nearly to cover the costs of increased security Daleiden exposing Planned Parenthood’s defense attorney of the Thomas More $2.3 million judgment against David measures the abortion organization said dirty business of buying and selling fetal Society in Chicago. Daleiden late Nov. 15, a Chicago-based it had to take because of Daleiden. pro-life law firm said it would appeal Because the verdict was handed down the judgment on behalf of Daleiden and under the federal Racketeer Influenced his organization, the Center for Medical and Corrupt Organizations law, or RICO, SAN DAMIANO Progress. the compensatory damages will be tripled, The verdict against Daleiden came bringing the amount of all damages to RETREAT in Planned Parenthood Federation of $2,278,083. America Inc. et al v. Center Advent Opportunities for Medical Progress et al, a civil suit argued before St. Clare’s Judge William H. Orrick “Waiting in Expectation: Mary’s Journey” III in U.S. District Court Retreat Sue Caldera & Kathy Miranda, 12/2 for the Northern District of 2381 Laurel Glen Road California. Soquel, CA 95073 Planned Parenthood Women Saints Advent Series with Jan Stegner and 10 of its abortion affili- December 2019 – March 2020 12/3-12/17 (Tuesdays) ates brought the lawsuit in December 6-8 Men’s & Women’s Silent Retreat 2016 over undercover Daughters of Carmel Nuns Be Still and Know That I Am God investigative videos filmed To register online: www.tinyurl.com/retreatsilent2019 Wednesday Taize Prayer, 12/4-12/18 at 7:00 PM in 2015 by Daleiden and his 650.329.8518 or [email protected] colleague Sandra Merritt “A New Day Dawns” Silent Advent Retreat that showed Planned January 3-5, 2020 Men’s & Women’s Parenthood officials dis- Gina Bauer Ministry Semi-Silent Retreat Sr. Miriam Therese Winter MMS, 12/6-12/8 cussing fees related to fetal To register online: The Rule of the Red Sea https://www.ginabauer.com/retreat-registration tissue. The two posed as 651.278.9677 or [email protected] Christian Meditation Day representatives of a mythi- Members of Hesed Community, 12/7 cal fetal tissue procurement January 24-26, 2020 Men’s & Women’s firm. Fr. Peter Prusakiewicz, CSMA Silent Retreat The monetary dam- Why “Jesus I Trust in You!”? The Divine Mercy and Angels Retreat Advent Hope Day of Renewal ages the jury awarded to Planned Parenthood March 13-15, 2020 Women’s Silent Retreat Fr. Rusty Shaughnessy, 12/9 included $870,000 in Fr. Thomas Hall, CSP (Lent) punitive damages that Hearing God’s Whisper in the Silence More information or register Daleiden, his associates and the Center for Medical 831-423-8093 • www.stclaresretreat.com 925 837 9141 Progress will pay, along E-mail: [email protected] sandamiano.org and on Facebook with another $459,361 in Staffed by Franciscan Missionary Sisters of Our Lady of Sorrows Remembrance Tree Celebration Start a new family tradition and join us for our Annual Remembrance Tree and Candlelight Vigil Prayer Ceremony. Honor the memory of your loved one by placing photos and notes within a personal memorial ornament. (800) 498-4989 | cfcsoakland.org Holy Cross Cemetery | Friday, December 6th | 6:30pm Holy Sepulchre Cemetery | Thursday, December 5th | 6:30pm St. Joseph Cemetery | Saturday, December 7th | Following 11:00am Mass St. Mary Cemetery | Saturday, December 7th | Following 11:00am Mass Queen of Heaven | Saturday, December 7th | Following 11:00am Mass 4 — THE CATHOLIC VOICE NEWS IN BRIEF NOVEMBER 25, 2019 Sheen to be beatified Dec. 21 Dangerous conditions PEORIA, Illinois — With joy and thanksgiving, officials MANILA, Philippines — A Catholic and faithful throughout the Diocese of Peoria and around bishop in the Philippines said an increasing the globe welcomed the announcement Nov. 18 that Pope number of child workers are exposed to Francis has called for the beatification of Archbishop Fulton dangerous working conditions. Ucanews. J. Sheen in Peoria Dec. 21. The beatification ceremony will org reported that Bishop Roberto Mallari take place during Mass at St. Mary’s Cathedral, where the of San Jose, chairman of the bishops’ media evangelist and author was ordained to the priesthood Commission on Catechism and Catholic 100 years ago. “I’ve believed for a long time that Fulton Education, said the situation was alarm- Sheen is a gift to the church, a hero that we Catholics need ing and sad. “The root of this sad reality is in our day,” said Msgr. Stanley Deptula, executive director of poverty and lack of livelihood options,” he the Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen Foundation. Peoria Bishop said, adding that children have the right Daniel R. Jenky described Archbishop Sheen as a kind of to the basic necessities of life that society “American St. Paul the Apostle” because of his “endless has failed to provide. zeal” for evangelization. Seal of confession KAREN CALLAWAY, CHICAGO CATHOLIC/CNS CHICAGO KAREN CALLAWAY, Author criticized MANCHESTER — Catholic priests WASHINGTON — The chief communications officer Chicago youth conference would die rather than break the seal of for the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops criticized a Young people dance and pray Oct. 19 during Holy Fire Chicago confession to report child abusers to the new book on Pope Francis’ papacy for perpetuating “an at the Credit Union 1 Arena. The Oct. 18 and 19 event in police, said an English cardinal. Cardinal unfortunate and inaccurate myth” that Pope Francis is fac- Chicago drew about 7,500 young people from parish religious Vincent Nichols of Westminster told the ing resistance from the leadership and staff of the bishops’ education programs and Catholic schools with their teachers, Independent Inquiry into Child Sex Abuse conference. The author of the book in turn has called the catechists, youth ministers, chaperones and pastors from sev- that the English and Welsh bishops would USCCB statement “carefully constructed if defensive” and eral states to dance, laugh, pray and worship. reject any attempts to compel priests to said it doesn’t dispute the facts of the account he has given. report Catholics who admit to committing At issue is a chapter in “Wounded Shepherd: Pope Francis sexual abuse during confession. and His Struggle to Convert the Catholic Church” by Austen and just democratic systems are central to the assertion Ivereigh. In a chapter titled “A Church of Wounds,” Ivereigh of that dignity and worth,” it said. “However, we move into Not a coup asserts that a draft of U.S. procedure for addressing abuse the election season with concerns about the well-being MEXICO CITY — Bolivia’s bishops called for calm after and cover-up allegations concerning U.S. bishops was to be of our national body politic,” it added, spelling out some the country’s president resigned suddenly in the face of voted on by the bishops at their November 2018 meeting reasons for the unease. swelling street protests over accusations of electoral fraud. “before Rome had a chance to see them first. The Vatican They also insisted the departure of President Evo Morales would be given the documents after the fact,” Ivereigh Pro-life document “is not a coup,” even though the military had urged him to wrote, citing an unnamed source who said, “their strategy NAIROBI, Kenya — Kenya’s Catholic bishops joined step aside. “What happened in Bolivia is not a coup d’etat. was to confront the pope with a fait accompli.” with international pro-life groups in rejecting the final We say it to Bolivian citizens and to the entire international document from an international summit on health rights for community,” the bishops said in a Nov. 10 statement, the Faithful Democracy women and girls because it supported practices contrary same day Morales resigned. WASHINGTON — Six Catholic organizations have to African cultures and religious beliefs. Their objections joined with other religious groups and denominational Nov. 14, the final day of the summit, focused on the End to corruption bodies in endorsing a wide-ranging platform calling for inclusion of abortion as vital to sexual and reproductive BEIRUT — Hundreds of thousands of Lebanese are urgent attention to the nation’s democratic principles rights of women and the opening for the introduction of hitting the streets across the country to demand an end with the national election one year away. The docu- same-sex unions and homosexuality into communities. to rampant corruption and poor public services. Cutting ment, “Faithful Democracy 2020: Restoring the Voters across sectarian lines, they also want the current govern- Covenant,” was released Nov. 5. “Every human being is a Abortion normal ment of entrenched politicians dating back to Lebanon’s person of dignity and worth. In a secular democracy, fair BRUSSELS — Belgium’s Catholic bishops have criti- 1975-1990 civil war era to step down. “There is no trust cized legislation to liberalize abortion by extending in the ‘lords of the civil war,’ that’s what we call them. The the right to 18 weeks’ gestation with just 48 hours way they are ruling the country since (dozens) of years, it of obligatory reflection. In a Nov. 12 statement, doesn’t work anymore — sharing the power on a sectarian the bishops said the proposed measures would basis,” Tarek Serhan, a student at St. Joseph’s University change the meaning of abortion by making it a in Beirut, told Catholic News Service. “normal medical procedure,” and that the changes had not been properly discussed. “If abortion is Jesuits’ social commitment seen as a medical act, it also becomes a right ROME — Celebrating 50 years of the Jesuits’ Social — whoever questions or refuses an abortion will Justice and Ecology Secretariat, more than 200 Jesuits have to answer for it,” the bishops said. and their collaborators met in Rome to give thanks for the past, study the present and discern the future. A big part Cardinal Pell case of the present and future, they said, relies on ministering SYDNEY — The High Court of Australia to young people — especially the poor — and educating has decided to give Cardinal George Pell, 78, young men and women to be responsible citizens commit-

PATRICK G. RYAN, CATHOLIC U./CNS CATHOLIC RYAN, G. PATRICK a final chance to argue against his conviction ted to promoting the common good by working for justice on five counts of child sexual abuse. High Court and safeguarding creation. Jesuit Father Arturo Sosa, Common-good capitalism Justices Michelle Gordon and James Edelman superior general of the order, opened the meeting Nov. 4 Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., delivers a speech on “Human announced Nov. 13 that they referred the by encouraging the Jesuits and the lay men and women Dignity and the Purpose of Capitalism” Nov. 5 at The cardinal’s appeal application to the full, seven- who work with them to seize “this special moment in which Catholic University of America in Washington. He called member court. The unusual move means the God is again speaking to us and inviting us to remember, for a “common-good capitalism” to restore a balance full court will decide whether to hear the appeal to thank, to discern and to take audacious, bold and risky between the extremes of corporatism and socialism that and, if it does, will proceed to hear arguments decisions to accompany Jesus and his people at the fron- he sees as dividing the United States. about why the conviction should be overturned tiers, together with the most excluded, poor and vulnerable.” or upheld. — Catholic News Service

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By Michele Jurich Rome from other missionaries who Staff writer have creatively exercised their ministry. The envelope from the Vatican, post- He’s been inspired by stories of marked Oct. 4, was addressed to Rev. missionaries of mercy who have Mark Wiesner’s former parish. He left St. brought Reconciliation to the people. Charles Borromeo Parish in Livermore, One brings Reconciliation to a busy after eight years as pastor, to take up his railway station, setting up two chairs new assignment as pastor of the Catholic so that travelers might have a chance Community of Pleasanton. to stop; another who bought an old When he received the envelope, about ambulance and parks it at strip malls. a month past the postmark, it contained a He sits in the back of the renovated directory of the 911 Missionaries of Mercy ambulance; two assistants wait at a worldwide. table outside to welcome people who Father Wiesner was one of the almost seek Reconciliation. 1,000 priests that Pope Francis commis- He’s experienced people’s need sioned on Ash Wednesday 2016, in what for Reconciliation. the pope had declared to be the Jubilee “From time to time people seek Year of Mercy, to serve as Missionaries out a missionary of mercy for of Mercy. Reconciliation,” Father Wiesner said. A letter was tucked inside the direc- He is looking at ways to attract tory: The Missionaries people to Reconciliation, particularly of Mercy are being those who have been away from the called back to Rome sacrament for “five, 10, 15 years.”

on Divine Mercy HARING/CNS PAUL He’s considering the possibility Sunday 2020. Rev. Mark Wiesner is among the missionaries of mercy who received their commission of “cocktails and confession,” taking The work of mercy from Pope Francis at St. Peter’s Basilica in 2016. a back table at a restaurant for three continues. to four hours, ready to hear confessions. According to the to keep up the ministry of mercy. Catholic Community of Pleasanton, he He’ll even buy the cocktail. Pontifical Council They were called back to Rome on said. The theme for Promoting New Divine Mercy Sunday 2018. — prayer or Evangelization, the Father Wiesner, who next year will mercy — is to missionaries were to celebrate the 25th anniversary of his be determined. Rev. Wiesner The Integral Program be “a living sign of the ordination to the priesthood, calls it “a He will also Father’s welcome to all those in search of great ministry.” give a talk on his forgiveness.” “When Lent began in 2019, we received mercy at St. They should be, according to the job a letter from the Office for the New Joan of Arc description, “inspiring preachers of mercy; Evangelization,” he said, “to exercise our Parish in San heralds of the joy of forgiveness; welcom- ministry as missionaries of mercy.” Ramon in ing, loving and compassionate confessors, The letter also said the Holy Father January, as part who are most especially attentive to the wanted to gather the missionaries together of its GIFT pro- A College within a College difficult situations of each person.” again but didn’t give a date. gram. A parish Great Books, Conversational Inquiry For Father Wiesner, that meant, in Now he’s got the date. mission at St. addition to his duties as pastor of a single- His ministry as a missionary of mercy Anthony Parish priest parish, carving out more time to offer has been visible in the form of parish in Oakley is retreats, reflections and parish missions missions and Lenten evening of reflec- also on his cal- on mercy. The mission took him to various tion he’s offered in parishes. He spoke endar for March parishes across the Diocese of Oakland, on the topic of Mary, the mother of mercy 2020. and beyond. at the Marian Conference in October Father Humanities and the sciences, from As the Jubilee Year of Mercy came to at Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish in Wiesner looks classic to contemporary. an end in 2016, missionaries received a Brentwood. forward to hear- letter from the Vatican encouraging them He is planning a parish mission at ing stories in integralprogram.org 6 — THE CATHOLIC VOICE NOVEMBER 25, 2019 Travel Filipino tradition of Simbang Gabi kicks off Dec. 10 Staff report Regala, [email protected] or 510-582- The Cathedral of Christ the Light, 2121 7282. Harrison St., Oakland, will host the annual • St. Ignatius of Antioch, 3351 Contra kick off to the Simbang Gabi devotion on Loma Blvd., Antioch; Masses, 5 a.m. Dec. Dec. 10 with Bishop Michael C. Barber, SJ, 16-24, followed by traditional Filipino presiding at Mass. breakfast; information: Jun Bajet, 925-354- Mass is scheduled at 7 p.m., followed 3718 or 925-778-6233. by a reception in the Event Center. For • St. Isidore, 440 La Gonda Way, Danville; more information: www.ctlcathedral.org or Mass, 6 a.m. Dec. 21; information, fapsi_ 510-496-7201. Parking is available across [email protected]. 21st Street in the Kaiser Center Garage. • St. Joan of Arc, 2601 San Ramon Valley Simbang Gabi (evening Mass), the Blvd., San Ramon; Masses 7 p.m. Dec. Filipino tradition of a novena of Masses 16-23; 5:30 a.m. Dec. 24 with reception to preceding Christmas Eve, is observed in follow final Mass; information: Anna many individual parishes. It traces its ori- Bantug, [email protected] gin to Mexico, when in 1587, an evening • St. John the Baptist Church, 11150 Christmas Mass was held outdoors to San Pablo Ave., El Cerrito; Masses at 7 accommodate the huge number of people. p.m. Monday-Friday, 5 p.m. Saturday, 6 A century later, missionaries brought it p.m. Sunday (Brazilian), Dec. 15-23. to the Philippines, where it was expanded Reception follows Mass. Information, Mer

into nine consecutive Masses before VOICE CATHOLIC PACCIORINI/THE C. ALBERT Engalla, [email protected] or St. Christmas as a way of teaching the people At the kickoff event, members from different parishes will carry parols, a tradi- John the Baptist Church, 510-232-5659. about the birth of the Messiah. tional lantern used to light the way to the church for Simbang Gabi. • St. Joseph Basilica, 1109 Chestnut St., Celebrating the Masses before dawn Alameda; Masses at 5:30 a.m. Dec. 15-23; allowed the farmers, mostly men, to come Senior/Hospitality Center; information: Fremont; Masses at 5:30 a.m. Dec. 16-24; information: 510-995-9420. to church with their families and start the Thelma Desiderio-Valera, 510-914-4076, followed by breakfast; information: Pat • St. Leander, 550 W. Estudillo Ave, San day with worship before they went off to their [email protected]. Saturnio, 510-468-7321. Leandro; Masses at 5 a.m. Dec. 16-24; fields. The Christmas Eve Mass is called • St Francis of Assisi, 860 Oak Grove • Immaculate Heart of Mary, 500 Fairview Filipino priests of the diocese have been Misa de Gallo, Spanish for “rooster’s Mass.” Road, Concord; Masses, 5:30 a.m. Dec. Ave, Brentwood, Masses, 5 a.m. Dec. invited to preside the daily dawn Mass Filipino immigrants bring the tradition 16-24; breakfast will be served after all 16-24 with reception after every Mass. followed by a breakfast to be held at Ryan with them as they move to, or work in, Masses; information: Tony Lansang, Information: Lee Blackshear, 925-437- O’Connell Hall. The Santnig Choir of the foreign countries. [email protected], 925-330-9391 9654 or [email protected]. church will lead the singing for the nine- The following parishes had scheduled or Beng Beza, [email protected], • Most Holy Rosary, 1313 A St., Antioch; day novena. Information: Mildred Alamo, events and submitted them to The Catholic 925-285-2613. Masses at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 15-23, followed 510-483-3885 or Tess Morales, 510-826- Voice by Nov. 15. Parishes that have not • Catholic Community of Pleasanton, St. by a reception each day in the Parish 8528. yet submitted their Simbang Gabi events Augustine Church, 3999 Bernal Ave., Center building at 21 E. 15th St., Antioch; • St. Margaret Mary, 1219 Excelsior Ave., may submit their information to The Pleasanton; 6 a.m. Dec. 21; breakfast and information: Angie Verdun, 925-586-3165. Oakland; Missa Rorate: Votive Mass in the Catholic Voice no later than Nov. 30 for fellowship follows in the Parish Hall; informa- • St. Anne, 32223 Cabello St., Union City; Extraordinary Form in honor of the inclusion in the Dec. 16 issue. Be sure tion: Remy Carpizo, [email protected]. Masses at 5:30 a.m. Dec. 16-24; informa- Blessed Virgin Mary in Advent; 6 a.m. Dec. to include the parish name, type of event • Christ the King, 199 Brandon Road, tion, Zella Yanos, [email protected], 16-24 (Mass begins at 5:15 a.m. Sunday, (full nine-day novena, triduum or other), Pleasant Hill, Masses at 6:30 p.m. Dec. 510-471-7766. Dec. 22; information: Rev. Glenn Naguit, dates and times of Masses and parish 15-23, except at 6 p.m. Dec. 15 and 23. • St. Bonaventure, 5562 Clayton Road, [email protected]. contact person and means of contact Mass on Dec. 19 will be in the gym. A light Concord; Masses at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 15-23; • St. Patrick, 825 Seventh St., Rodeo; (phone number or email address). Send supper in the parish hall will be served information: Allain and Arlyn Capinpin, Masses 5 a.m. Dec. 16-24; information, that information via email to Al Pacciorini, after each Mass. The last Mass celebration 925-325-2320, arlynncapinpin@ymail. Connie Bautista, 510-799-4406 or [email protected]. will be followed by dinner and entertain- com, or Alex and Carolyne Cosas, 925- [email protected]. Simbang Gabi parish events include: ment. Information: Abe Miralles, 925-381- 408-0978, [email protected]. • St. Philip Neri-St. Albert the Great • All Saints Catholic Church, 22824 5898, or Imelda Santos, 925-623-7340 or • St. Clement, 750 Calhoun St., Hayward, Parish, Masses at St. Albert the Great, 1022 Second St., Hayward; Masses 6 a.m. Dec. [email protected]. Masses 5:30 a.m. Dec. 16-24, followed by Holly St., Alameda; 5 a.m. Dec. 16-24; infor- 16-24; breakfast follows each Mass in the • Holy Spirit, 37588 Fremont Blvd., breakfast in McCollum Hall. Contact: Jean mation, Jenny Feliciano, 510-373-5200.

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CALL FOR INFORMATION AND RESERVATIONS Marianna Pisano at Unitours Inc. [email protected] 1-800-777-7432 (9:00a.m. – 5:00 p.m. EST) BOOK ONLINE : http://bit.ly/ShrinesFrance2020 To receive a mailed brochure contact: Camille Tompkins at The Catholic Voice 510-419-1081 or [email protected] NOVEMBER 25, 2019 THE CATHOLIC VOICE — 7 Gift of Giving

Bingo! 60 coats! Pupils from St. Raymond School in Dublin assemble Bingo cards for the Halloween-themed Pasta & Bingo Night sponsored by the Knights of Columbus. Along with a pasta meal, the Knights offered free dessert to anyone donating a coat. According to event chair, Shannon Eldridge of St. Raymond School, 60 coats were collected for donation to St. Vincent de COURTESY PHOTO COURTESY

COURTESY PHOTO COURTESY Paul. Livermore Knights donate ultrasound machine Members of the Livermore Knights of Columbus went on a road trip to celebrate their latest charitable work. The Knights visited the Support Circle Pregnancy Clinic in Oakland for a ribbon-cutting ceremony of the new ultrasound machine that they donated. Support Circle staff gave the Knights a tour of the clinic and showed them the features of the new machine, along with some images that it had already taken. All services are offered at no cost to patients. This initiative is part of the Knights of Columbus Pro-Life Program. The goal is to save lives and help women choose life by giving them the opportunity to view their unborn children on ultrasound machines at pro-life pregnancy centers. Bibles for fourth-graders Grand Vincent Borgese, center, holds a “Thank You” note from the fourth-grade class at St. Raymond School,

Dublin, after the PHOTO COURTESY Knights of Columbus of St. Raymond Parish Food for fire victims presented personalized The Tri-Valley Interfaith Food Drive, mobilized to bring much-needed ready-to-eat Bibles to each member of food to the community impacted by the Kincade Fire in Sonoma County, filled two the class. With Borgese is large trucks with 13,000 pounds of food from Nov. 1-3. The food was collected at Warden Derick Reyrao, St. Raymond Parish in Dublin. The food drive’s partner was the Redwood Empire left, and teacher Morgan Food Bank, which serves Sonoma County. In the photo from left, Mike Matheny,

Lander, right. PHOTO COURTESY Mark Lander, Anil D’Souza and Chuck Haupt.

Like Sister de Lourdes and Sister Florence Kruczek (right), 91, some 30,000 senior Catholic sisters, brothers, and religious order priests have spent their lives doing the Lord’s work. Most served for little or no pay, and now their religious communities do not have enough retirement savings. Your gift to the Retirement Fund for Religious offers vital support for necessities, such as medications and nursing care. Please be generous.

Roughly 94 percent of donations directly aid senior religious.

“ Live with good humor and just do the Lord’s work,” says Franciscan Sister To donate: de Lourdes Okoniewski (left), 87. Diocese of Oakland Ofﬁ ce for Mission Advancement 2121 Harrison Street, Suite 100 Oakland CA 94612 Retirement Fund Make check payable to Diocese of Oakland/RFR. for Religious Or give at your local parish December 7–8. Please give to those who have given a lifetime. retiredreligious.org

©2019 United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, Washington, DC. All rights reserved. Photo: Jim Judkis 8 — THE CATHOLIC VOICE NOVEMBER 25, 2019 Gift of Giving COURTESY PHOTO COURTESY As seen in December 2018, the delivery day takes a community — in this case, The Catholic Community of Pleasanton — to load the bags bearing gifts for 400 families in about 10 parishes in the Diocese of Oakland. Community effort makes holiday merrier for 400 families

By Michele Jurich hundreds of bags of gifts are loaded onto Staff writer the trucks. When you’re preparing to make The Christmas work begins in Christmas merrier for others, your work September, reaching out to St. Vincent begins early and earnestly. de Paul conferences and staffs at the For the past 20 years, The Giving Tree parishes they serve. at the Catholic Community of Pleasanton “When the families find families they’re has provided Christmas gifts for needy bringing forth,” Rasmussen said, “they fill families in the Diocese of Oakland. out forms with needs, wants and wishes.” “We support between eight and 10 Some of the recipient families request parishes in the diocese,” said Roxanne gift cards, she said. Rasmussen, Giving Tree coordinator. The work is mostly behind the scenes “That’s about 400 families.” until early November. This year, those families will have their The Giving Tree — with family enve- Christmas wishes fulfilled by families, lopes — was in the vestibule of the church- COMMUNITY OF PLEASANTON GRAY/CATHOLIC MATT organizations, faith formation classes es for two weekends in mid-November August Reinig puts the finishing touches on a bike that was delivered as part of and Small Christian Communities at the — before the Black Friday sales. The Giving Tree at Catholic Community of Pleasanton last Christmas. He is part Pleasanton parish. The recipient families range in size from of a two-man team, with Dennis Roberts, that assembles almost all of the bikes. The signature gift at the parish just may one person to 10. well be the bicycle. “The family that adopts them buys off The Pleasanton parish families buy the ing lot, there’s joy — “We made it!” — as The goal of the Pleasanton Catholics is: the list,” she said. “Our families take it to gifts, wrap, tag and bag them, and bring well as planning. “I start making notes for “Everyone who asks for a bike can receive heart,” she said. them back to the parish, over the course next year,” Rasmussen said. a bike,” Rasmussen said. Larger families are often adopted by of eight days before delivery day. Rasmussen said she became involved There are 100-plus, Rasmussen said, groups, including RCIA and small Christian On that day, a fleet of trucks arrives with the Christmas giving ministry when ranging from bikes for kids to bikes for Communities, as well as neighborhoods. at the parish to load up the bags of gifts, she joined the parish. She started as adults who need transportation to work. The gifts are anonymous. The gift tag and sparkling bicycles, for delivery to the a volunteer, and over the years pro- “It’s an amazing sight to see the hun- will have the recipient’s name but the receiving parishes. gressed to managing a phase of it, and dred bikes we line up, ” she said, as they “from” is left blank. It takes about four to five hours to load in the last four or five years, became the await being loaded onto trucks for delivery “We don’t write who it’s from so the the trucks. coordinator. to their recipient parishes. parent family member can decide if it’s “We have tons of volunteers who want “We learn a little bit every year,” she said, There’s a lot of work that goes on from Santa, or parents or Grandma,” to help,” Rasmussen said. acknowledging the core team and volun- leading up to the day the bicycles and Rasmussen said. As the last truck leaves the parish park- teers who do the work in what some call everyone’s favorite ministry. “We couldn’t manage it without everybody’s help.” The family roots of The Giving Tree run deep. Often families will shop together for gifts and wrap them. “I’ve got two kids who have grown up with it,” Rasmussen said. “The family we adopt are similar ages” to her children, who are now grown. The Giving Tree’s mission is a joyful one. “If we as a parish can help others have a brighter Christmas,” Rasmussen said, “that’s what it’s all about.” Rev. Mark Wiesner, pastor of the Catholic Community of Pleasanton has experienced both sides of The Giving Tree. “When I was an associate in Pleasanton,” he said, “I was on this end, seeing parishioners donate hundreds and hundreds of gifts. That was an amazing experience to see their generosity.” In later years, he was at a parish that was on the receiving end. “I would distrib- ute the gifts to the families,” he said. In doing so, he said, he would see “the joy, the disbelief, the gratitude on the parents’ COURTESY PHOTO COURTESY faces” as they received the gifts. Santa’s helpers at work, 2018: ‘If we as a parish can help others have a brighter Christmas, that’s what it’s all about,’ “It was,” he said, “so much like the said Giving Tree coordinator Roxanne Rasmussen. holiday spirit should feel like.” NOVEMBER 25, 2019 THE CATHOLIC VOICE — 9 Gift of Giving Gift of Giving Wish List for 2019

The groups listed below responded to a request by Contact: Krista Lucchesi, director, 510-534-8540, rent increases, job loss, substance abuse, and mental The Catholic Voice to provide information and needs of ext. 369. health challenges. Our mission is to support women and their organizations: children in their transition to independence by creating and Next Step Learning Center maintaining a nurturing, cooperative living environment Alameda County An older youth and adult literacy, high school equiva- that provides resources, hospitality, and respect. Community Food Bank lency preparation, high school diploma completion and Need: Gift cards (Safeway, Target, Walmart, Ross, college transition program operated by the Sisters of the Trader Joe’s), household goods (bleach, wipes, dish- ACCFB serves 1 in 5 Alameda County residents by Holy Names. washing liquid, detergent for washing clothes, toilet paper distributing 30 million meals, through more than 200 Need: Volunteer tutors, especially for Tuesday eve- and paper towels); personal care items (shampoo, deodor- community partners, as well as mobile market and school nings; cash donations for literacy books; financial assis- ant, shower gel, lotion), baby items (diapers and wipes); programs. tance for students unable to afford a bus pass or to pay canned goods (green beans, cranberry sauce, peas, black In 2016, ACCFB was named Feeding America Food cost of high school equivalency examination fees. eye peas, corn, pinto beans); children’s clothing (coats, Bank of the Year. For 12 consecutive years, Alameda Where: 2222 Curtis St., Oakland 94607 pants and jackets). County Community Food Bank has received Charity Contact: Lisa Stringer, executive director or Peggy Where: 6423 Colby St., Oakland 94618 Navigator’s top rating — Four Stars — ranking the orga- Presley, program director, 510-251-1731 Contact: 510-658-1380 nization among the top 1 percent of charities nationwide. Website: www.oakehouse.org Learn more at www.accfb.org Nights on the Streets — Need: Monetary donations; non-perishable food items; St. Mary’s Center volunteer time. Catholic Worker St. Mary’s Center is a community of hope, justice Where: 7900 Edgewater Drive, Oakland 94621 Hospitality to the Body of Christ (the homeless and and healing that serves at-risk seniors and preschoolers Contact: www.accfb.org or 800-870-3663 needy in local communities) by providing food, clothing, in the heart of Oakland. We strive to improve quality of shelter, counseling and referral and assisting others who life through counseling, shelter, nutrition, advocacy and Bay Area Crisis Nursery do so. social support. The Bay Area Crisis Nursery’s mission is child abuse Need: Prayers for health, guidance and the support of Need: Monetary donations; coffee and coffee cups; prevention. The only crisis nursery in the Bay Area, it our continuing works of mercy; financial support for our 23rd new socks and underwear (in package) for adults; large provides short-term residential care for children to give year of hospitality for our unsheltered brothers and sisters; print books; clean, gently used, warm clothes especially parents time to focus on solving a crisis and for parents volunteers to prepare and service thrice-weekly “soup nights” large sizes. under extraordinary stress that need a break and sup- each winter (this includes cooking 10 gallons of soup and Need for A Friendly Manor (a drop-in center for port. Knowing their children are safe, the parents can distributing the same evening); servers for our Sunday homeless women): women’s underwear; adult diapers; make better use of other services to resolve crisis like breakfast served al fresco at two locations in Berkeley. (Our socks; women’s toiletries (deodorant, razors, feminine homelessness, mental or physical illness and a myriad bishop, Michael C. Barber, SJ, comes and serves this event hygiene products), washcloths, hand towels, raingear, of other unexpected emergencies. — get to know and serve with your bishop.). Sleeping bags work wardrobe. Need: Jo Jo Siwa toys and clothing; PAW Patrol toys are always needed and forever in short supply. A structure Address: 925 Brockhurst St., Oakland 94608 and clothing; Spiderman toys and clothing; pajamas, capable of housing 8-10 workers and guests including an Contact: 510-923-9600, ext. 222 or development@ robes and slippers; superhero action figures; multicultural expanded kitchen; a food storage area and extended bath- stmaryscenter.org. Please contact before drop-off. Barbie dolls; bikes, scooters; sports equipment; head room/shower facilities to supplement existing shelter and phones; games for PlayStation 4 and Xbox 1; arts and hospitality facilities in the East Bay. St. Vincent de Paul crafts kits; painting kits; drawing kits; books; blocks; LEGO Mail address: P.O. Box 11312, Berkeley 94712-2312 toys; music toys; Slime; Play-Doh toys/sets. Contact: J.C. Orton, coordinator, 510-684-1892; of Contra Costa County Deliver to: 1506 Mendocino Drive, Concord. [email protected] Founded in 1964, the Society of St. Vincent de Paul Contact: Jessica Rodriguez, program manager, 925- assists vulnerable residents during the holidays and may 685-6633 or [email protected] Oakland Catholic Worker be the only special holiday meals or gifts received by a A hospitality house for Latin American immigrants low-income family. The holiday programs are offered from Birthright of Brentwood and refugees which has as its mission, “living sim- our centralized Pittsburg Family Resource Center and our A nonprofit crisis pregnancy center offering free, ply and communally in a community of multicultural 29 parishes located throughout the county. Collectively, confidential, non-judgmental service to pregnant volunteers and guests; helping those most in need; SVDP’s programs provide holiday help to more than women. We operate with the belief that “every woman supporting an extended community in keeping itself 14,000 county residents. has the right to give birth, and every child has the right organized and healthy; changing the unjust structures Thanksgiving Dinner: served on Thanksgiving Day to be born.” of our society.” (Nov. 28) at St. Vincent de Paul’s Free Dining Room at Need: Monetary donations, maternity clothes; diapers Need: Financial donations to assist our many needs; 1415 Simpson Court, Pittsburg. A special holiday meal of size 3, 4 or 5, wipes, volunteers. food donations, such as rice, beans, and canned goods; turkey and all the trimmings for 120 guests, many of our Mail address: 857 Second St., Suite, D, Brentwood, cleaning supplies; gift cards for Smart and Final, Safeway, regular Pittsburg Free Dining Room guests. 94513 Home Depot and Office Depot. We accept donations on Thanksgiving and Christmas Food Gift Cards Contact: Deena Foley or Rose Deitz, 925-634-1275 our website, oaklandcatholicworker.org, and we also Program: provides a $50 food gift card to 75 families at or [email protected]. accept donated cars. We need volunteers to help prepare Thanksgiving and 75 families at Christmas. This program and serve hot meals from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Mondays and provides needy families extra food during the holidays. Mercy Brown Bag Program Wednesdays, and to help with our grocery distribution Holiday One Warm Coat: provides the distribution of Sponsored by Mercy Retirement & Care Center, this from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursdays. We sometimes need over 7,000 coats to the needy throughout the county in program provides bags of nutritious groceries to more volunteers for our ESL program. November and December. than 5,000 needy seniors twice monthly, free of charge. Where: 4848 International Blvd., Oakland 94601 Need: Volunteers, cash donations, food donations for The program helps seniors make ends meet, retain their Contact: 510-533-7375; oaklandcatholicworker@ our food pantries health, and stay in their own homes. yahoo.com. Where: SVdP, 2210 Gladstone Drive, Pittsburg 94565 Need: Cash donations, large-sized paper or plastic Contact: Barb Hunt, 925-439-5060; or send checks bags, produce bags, Ziploc bags and strong volunteers Oakland Elizabeth House to Society of St. Vincent de Paul of Contra Costa County to help with groceries on our mobile grocery truck twice Oakland Elizabeth House is a 12- to 18-month transi- (SVdP) Attn: Christmas Program, 2210 Gladstone Drive, a month. tional housing program for women and children who expe- Pittsburg 94565. Where: 3431 Foothill Blvd., Oakland 94601 rienced homelessness because of domestic violence, Donate online: www.svdp-cc.org

times over the course of his treatment, combined with the constant presence of Teen spends his final an adult companion, Mel, hired by the family, gave the young man the spiritual and organizational support to make his days reaching out mission possible. Nicholas and Mel headed out each day to vulnerable, poor to “bring food and God” to those in need of both. By Christina Gray “He had no time left, but all the time in Catholic San Francisco the world” to be a presence to the vulnerable SAN FRANCISCO — When 19-year-old Nicholas and the poor, Peters said. Peters of San Carlos understood that his life would not be “I will never forget the morning I came a long one, he decided to spend the days that might be into Nick’s room and he looked at me with left to him ministering to the forgotten and the hopeless the biggest smile on his face,” she said. on the streets of San Francisco. “He told me he had the best sleep he ever “Nicholas’ biggest mission was spreading God’s word had because he knew that a homeless man and giving dignity to the homeless,” his mother, Becky named Joseph was warm, safe and dry.” Peters, said in a message she delivered at the Society of Nicholas and Mel had found a motel room St. Vincent de Paul of San Mateo County’s annual awards for Joseph for the night. He spent the next luncheon in September. week working on a resume for Joseph. The organization recognized Nicholas’ legacy of And then there was Anabel, a homeless Christian love by renaming its youth service award the mother who had lost custody of her child Nicholas J. Peters Ozanam Spirit Award. The award, because of drug abuse and told Nicholas which recognizes service to the poor and needy by that she was convinced God didn’t love her youth, pays tribute to Frederic Ozanam, a French uni- anymore. versity student who in 1833 founded the Society of St. “After Nick assured (her) of God’s love, Vincent de Paul to confront the dire poverty he saw on she returned home to her parents’ home and the streets of Paris. began recovery,” Peters said. The Peters family belongs to St. Charles Parish in PETERS FAMILY/CNS COURTESY Jennifer Kau, a registered nurse at Lucile San Carlos. Nicholas and his sister, Lauren, attended Nicholas Peters, suffering from terminal cancer, lays hands on a Packard Children’s Hospital at Stanford St. Charles School from kindergarten through eighth woman named “Frisca,” a homebound parishioner of St. Charles University, where Nicholas was treated, grade. Parish in San Carlos. wrote him a letter to express how his loving From January to July of this year, when Nicholas suc- courage had “changed me forever.” cumbed to the liver cancer he was diagnosed with at age When he felt he had still more to offer, she said, he “Nicholas, without ever intending to,” she wrote, “you 16, Peters said her son spent up to 40 hours a week or would head to the urban parks nearby afterward with have taught me that the measure of who we are lies more with the homeless or homebound, volunteering at soup-kitchen leftovers. in the person we choose to be as we face our darkest soup kitchens, homeless encampments and senior centers. Nicholas’ reading of the Bible cover to cover 15 days.” 10 — THE CATHOLIC VOICE NOVEMBER 25, 2019 Holiday events

See more events in Datelines on Page 13.

Sunday, Dec. 1 Creche Festival. 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the parish hall at St. Edward Church, 5788 Thornton Ave., Newark. Tree Lighting and Caroling Night at Assumption Parish. 5 to 6 p.m. at 1100 Fulton Ave, San Leandro. Guitarist Michael Denton to lead the caroling. Hot chocolate and cookies will be available at the outdoor “Ski Chalet” booth next to the parish. Sunday, Dec. 8 Breakfast with Santa/Fundraiser for Fire Victims at Assumption Parish. 8:30 a.m. to noon in the gym at Church of the Assumption, 1100 Fulton Ave., San Concert at Sacred Heart Leandro. Tickets: $8 adults, $5 students/ Jesse Manibusan, the singer-songwriter seniors. Santa will be visiting from 9 a.m. and musician known for such worship to noon. Photos with Santa will be available songs as “Open My Eyes” and “Hold for a $5 donation. Also $5 mimosas and On To Love,” will make a return visit $1 DIY hot chocolate; proceeds will assist to Sacred Heart Church at 4025 Martin victims of California wildfires. Luther King Jr. Way, Oakland, where he Dec. 8, 15 will join the choir at the 10 a.m. Mass “Through Advent to Christmas” on Dec. 8. After the liturgy, Manibusan, Concert with Choral Music, Handbell who graduated with a master’s degree Ringing, Gregorian Chant. Dec. 8: 2:30 in Multicultural Ministries from p.m. at Cristo Rey Carmelite Monastery PHOTO COURTESY the Franciscan School of Theology, Chapel, corner of Stanyon and Fulton, San then in Berkeley, will conduct a mini- Francisco; Dec. 15: 2:30 p.m. at National concert. Helping veterans Shrine of San Francis, corner of Vallejo at Queen of All Saints School in Concord celebrated its annual Veterans Day Columbus, San Francisco. Featuring the assembly on Nov. 8. The school has a tradition of making handcrafted blankets Golden Gate Boys Choir and Bellringers. and delivering them to the Martinez VA Medical Center as well as hosting a Free admission, donations accepted. Tickets: $25 in advance, $35 at the panel discussion on campus with local service men and women about their Information: www.ggbc.org. door. Portion of proceeds to benefit experiences in the military. For this year’s panel discussion, the school was Thursday, Dec. 12 the parish’s African American Series. able to recognize two current faculty members for their service to our country. Our Lady of Guadalupe Holy Mass. 7 Information: https://stcolumba-oak.com/ Preschool teachers Tracy Martin, left, and Kristina Spink both discussed with p.m. at St. Augustine Church, 400 Alcatraz many-sounds-of-christmas-concert or pupils about their time in the military and the source of their patriotism. Ave., Oakland. Including flower procession; 510-654-7600. Martin served in the Air Force and Spink in the Marines. “The Miracle of Tepayac” play by Jude Saturday, Dec. 14 Solorio, followed by fiesta. Vintage Christmas Concert. 7:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 13 at St. Bonaventure Church, 5562 Clayton Sixth Annual Many Sounds of Road, Concord. Admission: a “free will Christmas Concert. 7 p.m. at St. offering” will be used to buy toys for the NEED HELP Columba Church, 6401 San Pablo Ave., children that come to the food pantry with Oakland. Featuring Classical, Gospel, their parents. Information: www.vintagetrio. Jazz, Spiritual and Hip-Hop artists. com. ON THE STAIRS? An Acorn Stairlift is the perfect solution to use the USF remembers El Salvador’s stairs if you suffer from: ü Arthritis or COPD Jesuit martyrs, blesses new shrine ü Joint pain in your feet, knees or back Catholic San Francisco remember the martyrs, said Jesuit Father ü Mobility issues when Members of the University of San Donal Godfrey, who presided at the Mass. using the stairs Francisco community gathered at St. In his homily, Father Godfrey remem- Ignatius Church Nov. 17 to remember the bered a trip 27 years ago from San ACCREDITED A+ BUSINESS Rating lives and take inspiration from the legacy of Francisco to Las Vueltas, a small town in ® the six Jesuit priests and their two compan- El Salvador. ions assassinated in El Salvador in 1989. “I shall always remember the amazing SPECIAL OFFER A Mass marking the 30th anniversary hospitality and warmth of the people, then of the massacre at the Jesuit university living without paved roads, running water CALL NOW TO RECEIVE in San Salvador was followed by a can- or electricity,” he said. dlelight procession with white wooden Father Godfrey, who later took two .00* crosses inscribed with the victims’ names, immersion trips to El Salvador with USF $250 the dedication of a new campus memorial students, staff and faculty, said the mar- TOWARD THE PURCHASE OF to the 1989 victims and remembrance of tyred Jesuits “were dragged out of their A NEW ACORN STAIRLIFT! St. Oscar Romero and four church women home in the middle of the night to be mas- who were also victims of El Salvador’s sacred by Salvadoran soldiers trained and 1980-1992 civil war. supported indeed by the United States. We 1-855-996-9979 With a prayerful planting of crosses at now know their main target was the rector *Not valid on previous purchases. Not valid with any other offers or discounts. Not valid on refurbished models. the UCA Martyr Memorial — named for of the Jesuit university, and it was impor- Only valid towards purchase of a NEW Acorn Stairlift directly from the manufacturer. $250 discount will be applied to new orders. Please mention this ad when calling. AZ ROC 278722, CA 942619, MN LC670698, OK the University of Central America, where tant there be no witnesses to his murder.” 50110, OR CCB 198506, RI 88, WA ACORNSI894OB, WV WV049654, MA HIC169936, NJ 13VH07752300, PA the atrocity took place — the gathering cel- Father Godfrey said that the lives PA101967, CT ELV 0425003-R5, AK 134057. ebrated the lives of extraordinary men and of these martyrs “make barbarity per- women “who made a conscious choice to sonal. They be a voice for the poor and the oppressed.” interpret El Salvador’s consul general, Ana for us the Valenzuela, spoke briefly about the need to Gospel.” Cemetery to inter remains of 11 who went unclaimed

Staff report One of the corporal works of mercy — burying the dead — will take place at 9:30 a.m. Nov. 26 at Queen of Heaven Cemetery in Lafayette. A committal service will be led by Deacon Dave Holland as the cremains of 11 people who died in Contra Costa Experienced County from August 2018 to June 2019 are placed into Serving the Bay Area the All Souls Remembrance Crypt in the Mausoleum of High Quality Home Trusts & Estates Attorney the Evangelists. Care Since 1996 The 11 have come to the cemetery through the Contra MBA, CPA, Esq. Costa Coroner’s Office. Jeffrey Hall “When the county can’t find relatives,” said Susan Hart, • Revocable Trusts family service adviser at Queen of Heaven Cemetery and • Wills and Probates Funeral Center, “they are turned over to us. We guarantee • Trust Administration not to turn anyone away.” Attendant CNA Respite Care The committal service is open to anyone who might 415-759-0520 | www.irishhelpathome.com For a free 30 minute consultation be able to attend and participate in prayer. HCO License #384700001 925-230-9002 “We ask for your prayers for these individuals who came to us with no identifiable family members,” said Hart. IrishHelpAtHome www.HallLawGroup.com NOVEMBER 25, 2019 THE CATHOLIC VOICE — 11 Gift of Giving

FACE .... FACE by the numbers Continued from p. 1 $1.5 million in grants awarded 2019-20 FACE Awards: 649 Saints School in Concord. Includes: For the 2019-20 school year, 137 of 79 elementary school Awards with the 321 FACE grants made to elementary BASIC Fund supplement school students in the diocese were stu- 321 FACE school elementary awards dents in the academies. 244 FACE High School Awards FACE made grants this school year to 5 Named Scholars students in each of the nine high schools FACE elementary wait list: 130 and in 33 of the 39 elementary schools in FACE high school wait list: 472 the diocese. This marks FACE’s first venture into the To give on Giving Tuesday: https:// social media-based Giving Tuesday. faceofoakland.ejoinme.org/giv- “It’s right after Thanksgiving,” said ingtuesday Terri Porter, FACE director. “We’re hoping Source: FACE people have the heart of giving right at the holiday time.” To assist in the effort, the FACE board 2019, Giving Tuesday spun out into its own members will meet at St. Anthony School, organization. where students will give them a tour of FACE’s signature event is its annual their Oakland campus, which was refur- FACE GALA, which is scheduled for April bished this summer thanks to a grant from 4, 2020, at Scott’s in Jack London Square, the Shea Family Foundation. St. Peter PHOTO COURTESY Oakland. Martyr School also received a grant for its An eighth-grader and kindergartner walk down the hall of St. Anthony School in Porter and Colette Samimi, develop- Pittsburg campus. Both schools are Lumen Oakland. It is one of the Lumen Christi Academies, which will benefit from the ment associate, have been visiting the Christi Academies. Giving Tuesday matching grant. schools this fall, getting to know principals, Each board member will bring to the faculty and students. meeting a list of 10 friends to contact to ask willing to attend the FACE Gala and to oakdiocese.org. Such visits, Porter said, inspire her to if they can make a gift on Giving Tuesday. promote FACE. This year, too, FACE partnered with go out “with even more passion” for the The association with Giving Tuesday is “All of them commit to that,” Porter said. the San Francisco-based Basic Fund to mission of FACE. just one of the ways in which FACE is grow- The named scholarships are The supplement some of the FACE awards. Last year, Porter brought in 55 new ing opportunities to support families who Tina Tyler FACE of the Future Annual Donors who wish to give on Dec. 3 may donors to FACE; a recent newsletter seek Catholic education for their children Scholarship; The Kelly Family FACE of the do so at https://faceofoakland.ejoinme.org/ brought in donations, including from some but would not otherwise be able to afford it. Future Annual Scholarship; and three The givingtuesday. who have not donated in years. When Porter joined FACE as associate Epsilon Beta Boule Foundation FACE of Giving Tuesday was founded in 2012 “Kids. Education. Serving the under- director late last year, she developed the the Future Annual Scholarships. by New York’s 92nd Street Y in partnership served,” she said. “Who doesn’t want to named scholarship program. This year, The commitment to establish a named with the United Nations Foundation. In July do that?” there are five named scholarships sup- scholarship for an elementary school porting two high school students and three student is a gift of $5,000; $7,500 for a elementary school students. high school student. “The goal is to have the donor and the Those who commit to the named student build a relationship,” Porter said. scholarships, Porter said, have attributes SVdP Contra Costa joins Recipients send a letter to FACE, “thanking in common: “I really want to make a dif- the donor and letting the donor know how ference. I believe in Catholic education. I impactful the scholarship was.” believe in serving the underserved.” The students will host the donor for Those interested in additional informa- Giving Tuesday effort lunch at school and give the donor a tour tion on named scholarships may contact of the campus. Students must also be Porter at 510-267-8314 or email tporter@ Staff report two anonymous donors. St. Vincent de Paul of Contra Costa The SVdP Family Resource Center County is joining in the global Giving in Pittsburg hosts a free medical clinic Tuesday effort on Dec. 3. and dental program for the uninsured, “St. Vincent de Paul is so excited to be a daytime homeless shelter, a hot meal How to take part in Thanksgiving involved with Giving Tuesday this year,” program, an emergency food program said Claudia Ramirez, executive director. and provides a transitional job training Staff report one needing Thanksgiving dinner in “We try to help our community members program for residents returning to the There will be room at the table for all Dublin, Pleasanton, San Ramon and in the most efficient and effective way workforce. Additionally, more than 780 vol- those seeking Thanksgiving dinner, with Danville. Additional information and vol- possible — by tailoring our assistance to unteers trained by St. Vincent de Paul, the no reservation required at several sites unteer signup information are available at their specific needs. That takes a lot of “Vincentians,” operate from 29 branches around the Diocese of Oakland. Some www.tvc-thanksgiving.com. resources, and every little bit helps.” and provide person-to-person assistance sites may still need volunteers to prepare • Greater Richmond Interfaith Program Those who are interested in joining St. to people in need. or serve meals. All of them would welcome (GRIP) will serve Thanksgiving dinner Vincent de Paul of Contra Costa County’s Founded in 2012, Giving Tuesday has monetary donations. from 11:30 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. Nov. 28 at Giving Tuesday initiative can visit svdp-cc. inspired millions of people to support the • St. Vincent de Paul of Alameda 165 22nd St., Richmond. Volunteers and org/giving-tuesday. Donations made to the causes; more than $400 million was raised County’s Free Dining Room will serve donors may contact GRIP at 510-233- organization on Giving Tuesday will be online in 2018 to benefit a broad range of Thanksgiving lunch from 10:45 a.m. 2141. matched, dollar for dollar, up to $1,000 by organizations. to 12:45 p.m. Nov. 28 at 675 23rd St., Oakland. Donations are welcome A One Night at St. Vincent de Paul of FAMILY CHRISTMAS CONCERT Alameda County, 2272 Holiday with Michael Russell O’Brien San Pablo Ave., Oakland 94612. Volunteer slots Guide Friday, December 13, 2019 at 7:00 p.m. are filled for Thanksgiving St. Felicitas Catholic Church Day, but other volunteer Please patronize 1662 Manor Blvd. San Leandro, CA 94579 opportunities await. All new these religious volunteers must contact advertisers during Advance Tickets: $10/ $12 at the Door the volunteer team at 510- the Christmas Sponsored by Catholic Daughters #2400 877-9252 or volunteer@ season Contact: Kim Oliver 510-940-5949 svdp-alameda.org before or [email protected] being scheduled. • St. Vincent de Paul of Contra Costa County’s Family Resource Center Celebrate the Season will serve Thanksgiving dinner from 11 a.m. to The Gift Shop at with VINTAGE 12:30 p.m. Nov. 28 at 2210 C

San Damiano Retreat S

Gladstone Drive, Pittsburg. O

Donations are welcome A at St. Vincent de Paul of N

Contra Costa County, 2210 M C

Gladstone Drive, Pittsburg Christmas Open House T 94565. Those interested S E

in volunteering at the din- December 8, 3 PM – 5 PM I ing room may contact R Loaves & Fishes of Contra R T Costa County at 925-687- H

6760 from 9 a.m.-2 p.m., Cider & Cookies C Mondays-Fridays (except holidays), or email info@ 10% off Advent Items VINTAGE: Maryann Tarantino, Joyce Martinez, & loavesfishes.cc.org. Santiago Martinez with John Jordan, Donnie Fisi, • The Tri-Valley Outreach Elaina Martin, & Pat Martin Thanksgiving Dinner will be Saturday, December 14, 2019 served from noon to 4 p.m. Christmas Cards, Nativities, Ornaments & More! 7:30 PM Nov. 28 at in Moran Hall at St. Raymond Parish, 11555 710 Highland Drive, Danville St. Bonaventure Church Shannon Ave, Dublin. It’s SANDAMIANO.ORG 925-837-9141 5562 Clayton Road, Concord, CA the eighth year for this Admission: Free community event that wel- Like us on Facebook at comes families, seniors, M-Th & Sat 8:30 AM–4:30 PM • Fri 8:30 AM-6:30 PM • Sun 8:30 AM-2:30 PM http://www.facebook.com/VintageHarmonicTrio Contact us at www.vintagetrio.com military, singles and any- 12 — THE CATHOLIC VOICE NOVEMBER 25, 2019 COURTESY PHOTO COURTESY Gunnar Hall, left, and Isla Cuellar, ride tricycles in the outdoor play area. COURTESY PHOTO COURTESY Saluting those who serve St. Philip Neri rolls out preschool Retired submarine Capt. Tom McCaffrey and his wife, Karen, hold up a rep- Special to The Catholic Voice areas of development — cognitive, lin- lica of a submarine, made out of Twinkies and chocolate, given to him by the St. Philip Neri School in Alameda guistic, social, emotional, fine and gross Knights of Columbus in Dublin. The Nov. 9 fish fry at St. Raymond Parish opened a new preschool program this fall. motor skills and creativity, grounded in was dedicated to those who served; 27 veterans ate as guests of the Dublin The play-based program also inte- Catholic identity. Council. McCaffrey is moving on from district deputy in the Tri-Valley to the grates daily art and music, science and Along with the shared playground, the Knights of Columbus headquarters in New Haven, Connecticut. math, faith formation and practical life. preschool has its own outdoor area for chil- The preschool — with 3- and 4-year- dren to play and explore. The indoor space, olds has 12 children enrolled and is part completed this summer, is a colorful and OBITUARY of St. Philip Neri’s Early Elementary wing sun-filled learning environment designed that houses the preschool, transitional for preschoolers. priests to be ordained by Bishop Floyd kindergarten and kindergarten classrooms To schedule a tour or learn more, go Rev. Robert Charm Begin, first bishop of the Diocese of and play areas. to https://spnalameda.org or dial 510- Rev. Robert W. Charm, a retired Oakland, before Bishop Begin’s death on Teachers help preschoolers in key 521-0787. priest of the Diocese of Oakland and a April 26, 1977. former pastor at St. In addition to serving as pastor at Lawrence O’Toole St. Lawrence O’Toole Parish, (from Church in Oakland, 1987-1999), Father Charm had been an died Nov. 6 at the age associate pastor at St. Joseph Parish of 75. Pinole (1976-1977); St. Leander, San Father Charm was Leandro (1977-1980); Church of the Good born in Oakland and Shepherd, Pittsburg (1980-1983); and at educated in Virginia. St. Joachim, Hayward (1983-1997). He was graduated He also served as chair of the diocesan with a Bachelor of Liturgical Commission’s Committee on Arts degree from Christian Initiation. In a reflection he wrote Villanova University on the occasion of his 40th anniversary

COURTESY PHOTO COURTESY and with a Master of Arts degree in of priestly ministry, Father Charm noted Russian History at Case Western Reserve that the commission had been able to Assumption Parish honors veterans University in Cleveland. He was a doc- publish the first diocesan guidelines on the The Parish Pastoral Council and Rev. Leonard Marrujo made it a top prior- toral candidate in Russian History at the process of Christian initiation in the U.S. ity to honor veterans and their friends and families at the Masses celebrated University of Illinois before completing “Bringing the celebration to the renewed during the weekend of Nov. 9-10 at Church of the Assumption Parish, San his studies at St. Patrick’s Seminary in Liturgy to the People of God was of great Leandro. Veterans and support groups in the San Leandro community were Menlo Park. spiritual enrichment to me personally — invited to attend Mass and receive a special blessing for their service. After He served his deacon year at St. and in times of ministerial difficulties — it Mass, the parish hosted “USO-style” coffee and donuts to thank the veterans Joseph Parish in Pinole before he was has always been the Lord and His people for their service. Special prayer cards and poppies were also presented to ordained to the priesthood at St. Lawrence who has supported me,” he wrote. veterans in attendance. O’Toole Church in Oakland on April 22, The funeral Mass took place Nov. 18 at 1977. He was one of a final group of five Corpus Christi Church in Piedmont.

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PRAYER TO THE Thank you St. Peregrine for Thank you St. Jude for NADIA ALI LOEWE, M.S. GALE M. HAUX, M.S. HOLY SPIRIT your intercession on behalf prayers answered. Licensed Marriage and Licensed Marriage & Family Holy Spirit thou who make me see everything and show of my nephew Patrick. D.P. Family Therapist Therapist me the way to reach my ideal. You who give me the divine J.E.T. Adult, Adolescent, Child, Specializing in ... gift to forgive and forget the wrong that is done to me Couple & Family Therapy. • Marriage & Family and who are in all instances of my life with me. I, in this Affordable sliding scale. Relationships short dialogue, want to thank you for everything and Located in Pleasanton. • Anxiety & Depression confirm once more that I never want to be separated from Publish a Novena 925-226-6011 • Conflict Resolution you, no matter how great the material desires may be. 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NOVEMBER 25, 2019 DATELINES THE CATHOLIC VOICE — 13 u NEW EVENTS Sunday, Jan. 19 Catherine of Siena: Mystic and Prophet — A Sunday, Dec. 1 Workshop with Brother Don Bisson, FMS. 9:30 Walking meditation commemorating World a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Mercy Center, 2300 Adeline AIDS Day with Joy Evans. 9:30 a.m. to noon Drive, Burlingame. Workshop theme: The deeply at San Damiano Retreat, 710 Highland Drive, touching, intimate bond between Mother and Danville. Register with Joy Evans at www. Child, became the metaphor for Catherine’s life joyevansmsw.com/events. of prophetic prayer. Cost: $75 nonrefundable registration; $88 registration and lunch. Information: Sunday, Dec. 8 650-340-7474 or www.mercy-center.org. Saint Mary’s College High School, Berkeley, Admissions Open House. 1 to 2:30 p.m. Sixth, Jan. 31 to Feb. 2 seventh and eighth grade families can meet the Women’s Christian Fellowship Retreat. At St. school administration, faculty, coaches and tour the Clare’s Retreat Center, 2381 Laurel Glen Road, campus. Reservations are not required. The cam- Soquel. The theme of the 26th annual retreat is pus is close to BART and AC Transit. Information: “Be Still and Know that I Am God.” Rev. Richard www.saintmaryschs.org or 510-559-6240. Mangini, former pastor at St. Bonaventure Parish in Concord, will direct the retreat through con- Tuesday, Dec. 10 templative prayer experiences that invite us to Catholics@Work. 7 to 8:15 a.m. at Crow Canyon “be” in the presence of God and draw us closer Country Club, 711 Silver Lake Drive, Danville. to His loving heart. Registration forms can be Speaker: Most Rev. Michael C. Barber, SJ, bishop found at the parish office and the parish website. of Oakland. Tickets: $25 member, $35 non-mem- Questions? Andrea, 925-529-7675 or Joy at ber. Information: 415-235-3513 or visit catholics@ 925-673-7025. work.org. Mass at 6:30 a.m. COURTESY PHOTO COURTESY Monday, Dec. 16 Saint Mary’s College concert u TAIZÉ Tips for Change Dinner benefitting San Damiano (An ecumenical, candlelit service of prayer in Retreat. 5 to 8 p.m. at Gianni’s Italian Bistro, 2065 The Saint Mary’s College Chamber Singers and the Glee Club will present a con- simple chant, Scripture readings, silent worship San Ramon Valley Blvd., San Ramon. Reservations: cert that will include both secular and religious music as well as some Christmas and veneration of the cross.) 925-0820-6969 or www.giannissanramon.com. selections at 8 p.m. Dec. 5 and 7. The concert, which will include a string section and jazz rhythm section to accompany the singers, will be in the College Chapel, Dec. 4 to 18 Dec. 30 to Jan. 1 1928 Saint Mary’s Road, Moraga. Admission is free, but contributions are welcome 7 to 8 p.m. Wednesdays at San Damiano Retreat, 710 Highland Drive, Danville. Free “Every Ending is a New Beginning.” New Year’s to help send the Choir to Belgium for the July 2020 World Choir Games. No tickets Retreat with Rev. Rusty Shaughnessy, OFM. At San event. Information: www.sandamiano.org or call Damiano Retreat, 710 Highland Drive, Danville. required, but please arrive 30 minutes early because parking and seating is limited. 925-837-9141, ext. 315. Cost $245 (private room) or $215 (shared room). For parking on a basketball game day (Dec. 5), please indicate you are here for Information: www.sandamiano.org or 925-837- the concert to avoid the $10 parking fee. Information: Tara Sundy, 925-631-4670 Saturday, Dec. 14 9141, ext. 315. or www.stmarys-ca.edu/choir-concert-1 8 p.m. at St. Mary Magdalen Church, 2005 Berryman St., Berkeley. Tuesday, Dec. 31 Blvd., San Leandro. Tickets are $10 in advance. rosary for men. Food and drink follow. Contact: New Year’s Eve Retreat with Rev. Bartholomew Contact: Laura Vacca, 510-418-6841. [email protected]. Sunday, Dec. 15 Hutcherson, OP. 7 to 10:30 p.m. at Dominican 6 p.m. at Resurrection Episcopal Church, 399 Center, 43326 Mission Circle (entrance off Mission Saturday, Dec. 14 Thursdays Gregory Lane, Pleasant Hill. Ecumenical services Tierra), Fremont. Register by Dec. 28 at http://bit. Praying in Advent — facilitated by Sister Ingrid Holy Hour for Vocations. 7 p.m. at Corpus Christi are held on the Third Sunday at a participating ly/2019NewYrRtrt or 510-933-6360. Clemmensen, OP. 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Dominican Parish, 37891 Second St., Fremont. 510-790-3207. area church. Center, 43328 Mission Circle (entrance off Mission WINGS — Women in God’s Spirit. 9:30 to 11:30 Tierra), Fremont. Register by Dec. 10 at http://bit. Friday, Dec. 20 u a.m. at St. Charles Borromeo Church, Borromeo ADVENT/ ly/2019PrayAdvent or 510-933-6360. Hall, 1315 Lomitas Ave., Livermore. Theme: Pass It 8 p.m. at St. Joseph Basilica, 1109 Chestnut St., On. A different speaker each week with a spiritual Alameda. Every fourth Friday, (every third Friday CHRISTMAS Wednesday, Dec. 18 or humanitarian message, followed by discus- in November and December). www.facebook.com/ Christmas Concert and Sing Along. 7 p.m. at St. sion and small group sharing. Information: www. TaizeOnTheIsland. EVENTS John the Baptist Church, 264 E. Lewelling Blvd., stcharleslivermore.org/WINGS.asp. 8 p.m. in the chapel, Dominican Sisters of San Lorenzo. Featuring our English and Spanish Mission San Jose, 43326 Mission Circle (off Nov. 26 to Dec. 17 Choirs, Children’s Choirs, St. John’s Catholic Mission Tierra), Fremont. Third Fridays. www. Four-week Advent Series — The Women Saints School Choir and special guests. Free admission. u EVANGELIZATION msjdominicans.org or 510-933-6360. of Advent. 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesdays at San Proceeds benefit St. John the Baptist Church. The Berkeley Chapter of St. Paul Street Damiano Retreat, 710 Highland Drive, Danville. Information: 510-351-5050. Evangelization is a grass-roots organization that Hear about St. Margaret of Scotland (Nov. 26), take seriously the Christian mission to spread u SUPPORT St. Cecilia (Dec. 3), St. Lucy (Dec. 10) and St. Saturday, Dec. 21 the good news. We do it in a non-confrontational Adelaide (Dec. 17). Presenter: Jan Stegner. $35 per Les Fils Medievals — 13th and 14th Century session (lunch included) or $140 for entire series. approach out on the streets. Planning and train- GROUPS Music from France Celebrating the Mother ing meetings are held at 7:15 p.m. on the last Information/reservations: phone 925-837-9141 or and Savior Child. 8 p.m. at St. Mary Magdalen www.sandamiano.org. Wednesday of the month in the back portable at Second and Fourth Church, 2005 Berryman St., Berkeley. Works from St. Joseph the Worker Church, 1640 Addison St., Mondays Sunday, Dec. 1 the Cantigas de Santa Maria, the Llibre Vermell, the Berkeley. Contact: David Brandt, dave.brandt456@ Roman de Fauvel and works by Dufay, Binchois and gmail.com or 510-384-7215. St. John Vianney Grief Ministry. 7:30 p.m. in Lessons and Carols. 4 p.m. at St. Ignatius of Anchieta. Featuring the Schola Magdalena: Letitia Mullins Common, 1650 Ygnacio Valley Road, Antioch Church, Antioch. St. Ignatius of Antioch Berlin and Francis Feldon, recorders; Roy Whelden, Walnut Creek. Facilitator: Jerry Mellin. Information: will host The American Guild of Organists, San vielle, viola da gamba; Amy Brodo, viola da gamba; Eileen Matthews, 925-939-8199 or etmatthews@ Francisco Chapter (SFAGO) with a production of Cheryl Ann Fulton, harps; Andy Canepa, conduc- u EVENTS sbcglobal.com. Lessons and Carols, featuring Don Pearson on tor and percussion. Tickets: 15-$35. Discounted Second Wednesdays organ and the St. Ignatius Choir. This is a presenta- advance tickets: https://medievalthreads.bpt.me. Bingo. 6 p.m. in the Stack Center at Our Lady of Tuesdays tion of Advent/Christmas scripture with the Choir Grace Parish, 3433 Somerset Ave., Castro Valley. Divorce Support Workshops. 7 p.m. at St. and assembly response singing Traditional Carols Sponsor: St. Maximilian Kolbe Council 16770 Joan of Arc Parish, 2601 San Ramon Valley of the Season. u SPIRITUALITY Knights of Columbus. Blvd., San Ramon. This is a video series by DivorceCare. Questions/registration, email Monday, Dec. 2 Nov. 25, Dec. 2, 9, 16 Rosemarie McKenney, [email protected]. Waiting in Expectation: Mary’s Journey Advent Weekly meditation groups in the John Main, u RETREATS Retreat with Sue Caldera and Kathy Miranda. OSB, tradition. 5:30 and 7:30 p.m. Mondays in Fourth Wednesdays 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. at San Damiano Retreat, the Keeley Center, St. Charles Borromeo Church, Nov. 29 to Dec. 1 Family Caregiver Support Ministry. 7 p.m. in 710 Highland Drive, Danville. Cost: $55 (lunch 1315 Lomitas Ave., Livermore. Claire La Scola, Attitude of Gratitude as Thanksgiving with rooms 214 and 215 in the Ministry Center at St. included). Information: www.sandamiano.org or 925-447-9800 or [email protected]. Thomas Gorham and Sabrina Bolus of Options Isidore Church, 440 La Gonda Way, Danville. 925-837-9141, ext. 315. Recovery. San Damiano Retreat, 710 Highland Family caregivers are invited to our monthly meet- Nov. 26, Dec. 3, 10, 17 Drive, Danville. Cost: $245 (private room) or $215 ings which include prayer, handouts on caregiving Dec. 6 to 8 Men of St. Joseph meeting. 7 to 8 a.m. Tuesdays (shared room). Information: www.sandamiano.org and discussion related to coping when caring for “A New Day Dawns” Silent Advent Retreat with in St. Anthony room at St. Mary of the Immaculate or 925-837-9141, ext. 315. loved ones. Dave Clare, 925-314-5784. Sister Miriam Therese Winter. At San Damiano Conception Church, 2039 Mt. Diablo Blvd., Walnut Retreat, 710 Highland Drive, Danville. Cost: $245 Creek. Information: michaelgallagher1025@ Dec. 4, Jan. 8 Thursdays (private room) or $215 (shared room). Information: outlook.com. Days of Prayer at Santa Sabina Retreat. 9:30 Widows/widowers grief support group. 5 p.m. www.sandamiano.org or 925-837-9141, ext. 315. a.m. to 2:15 p.m. at 25 Magnolia Ave., San Rafael. at Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish, 500 Fairview Nov. 26, Dec. 9 Dec. 4: Andrew Colnaghi, OSB Cam; Jan. 8: Ave., Brentwood. Sandy Heinisch, 925-513-3412 Saturday, Dec. 7 Fil/Am ministry. 7:30 p.m. second and fourth Christina Atienza, OP. Information: 415-457-7727 or [email protected]. Christmas Presence: A Gathering of Hope, Tuesdays, St. Clement Parish Center, 750 Calhoun or www.santasabinacenter.org. Parents Who Have Lost a Child Grief Support Peace and Love. 7:30 p.m. at St. Bonaventure St., Hayward. Simon Medrano, 510-303-2965. Group. At Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish, 500 Church, 5562 Clayton Road, Concord. This Fairview Ave., Brentwood. Sandy Heinisch, 925- Advent/Christmas Concert, a musical retelling of Dec. 6 to 8 Nov. 27, Dec. 4, 11, 18 513-3412 or [email protected]. the Christmas story, will feature St. Bonaventure’s Silent Retreat for Men and Women. At St. Clare’s Resurrection Choir and Orchestra with special Perpetual Help Devotion Baclaran format. Retreat House, 2381 Lauren Glen Road, Soquel. guest, The Heavenly Harmony Children’s Choir. 8:15 a.m. Wednesdays after last morning Mass, Conducted by the Daughters of Carmel Nuns. $225 Third Thursdays A free will offering will be collected. Refreshments Our Lady Queen of the World Church, 3155 per person (single occupancy/private bathroom); Military Peer Support Group. 7 to 8 p.m. in the will follow in the Hospitality Room. Winterbrook Drive, Bay Point, 925-550-0679. $200 per person (single occupancy/shared bath- rectory at St. Augustine Church, 3999 Bernal Ave., room); $185 per person (double occupancy/shared Pleasanton. Veterans share life challenges and Dec. 7 and 8 Sunday, Dec. 29 room). Registration will close on Nov. 25. Register opportunities. Contact: Dom Pietro at 925-462- at tinyurl.com/retreatsilent2019. Information: 650- St. Gerard Women’s Club Christmas Bake Sale Family Rosary Program. 3 p.m. at St. Edward 4665 or [email protected]. 329-8518 or [email protected]. and Raffle. In the Community Room at St. John Church, 5788 Thornton Ave., Newark. A rosary Church at 264 E. Lewelling Blvd., San Lorenzo, prayer service hosted by Knights of Columbus Men’s Recovery Retreat — Non-Silent Retreat Second Saturdays after the 4:30 p.m. Mass on Dec. 7 and after all Council 11790. Held on the last Sunday of the for Men. At Jesuit Retreat Center of Los Altos, 300 St. John Vianney Loss of Child Grief Ministry. the Masses starting at 7:30 a.m. Dec. 8. There will month. Information: Mike, 510-912-0442. Manresa Way, Los Altos. Facilitator: Peter McGoey. 10 a.m. in the Lower Mullins Common Library, 1650 be a continental breakfast on Dec. 8 and the raffle Let’s reflect on our shared pilgrimage toward free- Ygnacio Valley Road, Walnut Creek. Facilitator: will be held after the 11:30 a.m. Mass. (You do Jan. 19, 2020 dom and serenity. Costs: $240 commuter; $310 Jerry Mellin. Information: Eileen Matthews, 925- not have to be present to win.) All proceeds go to Masses in Tagalog. Every third Sunday (except non-commuter. Information: 650-917-4000 or www. 939-8199 or [email protected]. St. John Church. Information: Juanita Velasquez, in September and December) at 3:30 p.m. at St. jrclosaltos.org. 510-688-0669. Michael Church, 458 Maple St., Livermore. A pot- luck reception follows the Mass in the parish hall Saturday, Dec. 7 u REUNIONS Sunday, Dec. 8 at 326 Maple St., Livermore. Information: www. When We’re Triggered We Have Spiritual Saint Mary’s College High School, Berkeley. Display of Christmas Nativity Scenes from stmichaellivermore.com/Filipino or 925-447-1585. Resources — A Workshop with David Richo. Class of 2008, late November. Class of 2009, Around the World. 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. at St. Elizabeth 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Mercy Center, 2300 Adeline Dec. 21. For reunion details and homecoming Seton Chapel, 4001 Stoneridge Drive, Pleasanton. Mondays Drive, Burlingame. Join us for a new workshop information, contact Azure D. Nunley ’00, director of Sponsor: Italian Catholic Federation. Information: Rosary in Spanish. 7:30 p.m., St. Joseph Parish based on his upcoming book, “Triggers: How We philanthropy and alumni engagement at anunley@ Nancy Navarini, 925-640-6334 or na.navarini@ Center, 2100 Pear St., Pinole. 510-741-4900. Can Stop Reacting and Start Healing.” Registration: stmchs.org or 510-559-6206. gmail.com. $75. Bring a bag lunch. Information/registration: Christmas Open House at San Damiano. 3 Wednesdays 650-340-7474 or www.mercy-center.org. to 5 p.m. at 710 Highland Drive, Danville. Free Meditation of the next Sunday Gospel and Next Voice: Dec. 16. Submis sions by cider, cookies and 10 percent off Advent items. Coronilla in Spanish. 7:30 p.m. at St. Joseph Jan. 9 to 13 Dec. 4 to Carrie McClish, 2121 Harri Information: 925-837-9141 or www.sandamiano.org. Parish Center, 2100 Pear St., Pinole. 510-741-4900. Discernment Retreat. At El Paso, Texas (U.S.- son St., Suite 100, Oakland, CA 94612; Mexico border). Come and discern if you are called [email protected] (text/photos); Friday, Dec. 13 First Wednesdays to international mission with Maryknoll Sisters and Evening of Christmas Hymns and Humorous Catholic Men’s Night. 7 p.m. at St. Mary of the Maryknoll Lay Missioners. Cost: $160 (financial phone 510-419-1074; or by fax at 510- Stories with singer Michael Russell O’Brien. Immaculate Conception Parish, 2039 Mt. Diablo assistance available). Information: email retreats@ 893-4734. 7 p.m. at St. Felicitas Church, 1662 San Leandro Blvd., Walnut Creek. Adoration, Confession and mklm.org or 914-467-8857. Apply by Nov. 15. 14 — THE CATHOLIC VOICE FORUM NOVEMBER 25, 2019 VANTAGE POINTS The Amazon synod: a masquerade sodden with clichés

By George Weigel During the 2001 Synod of Bishops, Cardinal Francis George of Chicago, who’d suffered through a lot of synodal speech- ifying and small-group discussions over the years, made a trenchant observation: “Jesus Christ didn’t intend his Church to be governed by a committee.” Indeed. The mechanisms of consultation that exist in the Church — from parish councils through diocesan pastoral councils to the Synod of Bishops — exist to strengthen the governance of the Church by its pastors: priests in their parishes, bishops in their dioceses, the Bishop of Rome in terms of the universal Church. The Synods of 2014, 2015, 2018 and 2019, however, suggest that the Weigel committee model deplored by Cardinal George has morphed into something arguably even worse: the masquerade model, in which a “synodal process” of “walking together” provides cover for effecting serious changes in Catholic self-understanding and practice for which there is little or no doctrinal, theological or pastoral warrant.

In the Final Report of the recent HARING/CNS PAUL Amazonian Synod, this masquerade Pope Francis talks with Cardinal Lorenzo Baldisseri, secretary-general of the Synod of Bishops, at the start of the final model was described in language sodden session of the Synod of Bishops for the Amazon at the Vatican on Oct. 26. with clichés: “To walk together the Church today Villanova’s Massimo Faggioli, writing in “La consulted about the issues at Synods expression.” This, I’m sure, would come needs a conversion to the synodal experi- Croix International,” recently made several 2014 and 2015 (the nature of marriage as news to the African bishops warned ence. It is necessary to strengthen a culture claims about synodality, none of which and sacramental discipline)? against consorting with American bishops of dialogue, reciprocal listening, spiritual stands up to what the courts would call Leaders of some of the most evan- at Synod-2018, as it would to the members discernment, consensus and communion “strict scrutiny” by those actually present gelically successful youth ministries in of the final-report drafting committees to find spaces and modes of joint decision in Rome during recent synods: the United States were noticeably absent at Synod-2015 and Synod-2018, who and respond to pastoral challenges. This “… Francis has turned the synods into from the preparations for Synod-2018. complained about the manipulation of the will foster joint responsibility in the life of the real events.” Baloney. The synods led by According to several Amazonian Synod process by the Synod general secretariat. Church in a spirit of service. It is urgent to Cardinal Lorenzo Baldisseri, chosen by spin-doctors, 87,000 people were con- Serious consultation and collaboration work, propose and assume the responsibili- the Holy Father as secretary-general of sulted prior to the development of that are essential to effective pastoral leader- ties to overcome clericalism and arbitrary the Synod of Bishops, have been at least synod’s working document. But how can ship, including the leadership of the Bishop impositions. Synodality is a constitutive as orchestrated as their predecessors. a local Church unable to tell us how many of Rome. But over the 50-plus years of its dimension of the Church. You cannot be a And after there was serious pushback to Catholics there are in Amazonia cred- existence, no one has figured out how to Church without acknowledging an effective the manipulation of Synod-2014 by the ibly count the precise number of people make the Synod of Bishops really work. exercise of the sensus fidei (sense of the Synod general secretariat, care was taken “consulted” (much less tell us how well- Propaganda about “synodality” that func- faith) of the entire People of God.” at the Synods of 2015 and 2018, and at catechized those people are)? tions as rhetorical cover for the imposition Leaving aside the question of how an the recent Amazonian regional synod, to And how was it that 87,000 Amazonians of the progressive Catholic agenda on “effective …. sense of the faithful” involving ensure that voices potentially disruptive spoke in progressive German Catholic the whole Church is not an improvement 1.2 billion Catholics could be measured, of the Synod-managers’ plans were not accents, emphasizing “issues” that may on that track record; it’s a masquerade, much less “exercised,” what does this prominent among the invited. be agitated in the Biergärten of Munich behind which is an agenda. gobbledygook mean? Confusions on “They [the recent synods] have been but that seem somewhat removed from that front were amplified by a prominent prefaced by a serious consultation of the the real-world pastoral challenges of the (George Weigel is distinguished senior celebrant of the cult of synodality, whose faithful at the local level.” Really? Can you, Brazilian rainforest? fellow and William E. Simon Chair in prose parses but whose grasp of the real- gentle reader, name anyone in your circle “The actual Synod gatherings …. in Catholic Studies at the Ethics and Public ity of recent synods seems deficient. Thus of Catholic friends who was seriously Rome have featured genuine freedom of Policy Center.) LETTERS

What became of sin? I fear that younger generations have Francis allowing married men to become 1139 at the Second Lateran Council that After a recent Sunday Mass, my wife lost the meaning of sin and its signifi- priests in the Amazon. But having married the Church definitively took a stand in favor turned to me and said, “I wish instead of cance for both our Church and our society. priests is not unprecedented in Church his- of celibacy, mainly because of a decline in focusing on our sins, they would start Mass Several months ago, in a conversation with tory and at this time there is a great need priestly morality. Since then, the topic has more positively.” In turn, this led us to a a young, faith-practicing woman, I casually for priests in the Amazon. been discussed many times. For example, discussion about sin and what has hap- mentioned to her that the Church histori- There were a couple of church councils in 1970, nine German theologians, includ- pened to it. This is actually not a new topic. cally has considered premarital sex and in the 300s recommending that priests be ing Joseph Ratzinger (the future Pope The heading of this letter, for example, cohabitation sinful. Her response to me celibate, at least in certain regions or in Benedict XVI), signed a letter calling for a comes from the title of a book written was, “That is so old-fashioned.” certain circumstances, but it wasn’t until (Continued on Page 15.) in 1973 by the noted psychiatrist, Karl We live in different times, and since the Menninger. In his book he wrote: 1960s, we have seen a dramatic value shift “The word ‘sin,’ which seems to have from the old authority-centered days. In disappeared, was a proud word. It was those latter days, sin did matter. once a strong word, an ominous and The shift to person-centeredness serious word. It described a central point brought with it an erosion of absolutes. CLEARANCE! in every civilized human being’s life plan The person judged what was right and and life style. But the word went away. It what was wrong for him; truth became 1 has almost disappeared — the word, along relative, as St. John Paul II suggests. Now ⁄2 PRICE with the notion. Why? Doesn’t anyone sin Once that begins to happen, however, anymore? Doesn’t anyone believe in sin?” the Church doesn’t just lose the concept Only $10.00 each for remaining In 1998, St. John Paul II added to this of sin; it also begins to lose its authority DELUXE EDITIONS of the 2019 discussion in his encyclical, Fides et Ratio in other matters. (Faith and Reason). In it, he decries our Perhaps, we need to return to the Oakland Diocesan Directory loss of the notion of conscience. philosophical roots of our faith. It would be “Conscience is no longer considered great if once in a while we discussed the Information about administrative offices, in its prime reality as an act of a person’s philosophical basis of what we believe from schools, service organizations and religious intelligence, the function of which is to the pulpit. People would learn, for example, orders of men and women in the diocese, apply the universal knowledge of the good that if we turn to the natural law, wrong- in a specific situation and thus to express doing occurs if the end or fundamental plus an alphabetical telephone directory. a judgment about the right conduct to be purpose for which something was created chosen here and now. Instead, there is a is violated. We used to call the latter act $ $ tendency to grant to the individual con- “sinful.” Now, in the case of sex, we call it 10.00 each ( 7.50 each for orders of five or more) science the prerogative of independently “old-fashioned.” Price includes postage and handling determining the criteria of good and evil Pete DeLisi Order from The Catholic Voice and then acting accordingly. Such an Fremont outlook is quite congenial to individualist 2121 Harrison St., Oakland, CA 94612 ethics, wherein each individual is faced Amazon priests Payment must accompany orders. with his own truth different from the truth I know that many in the Church are Please make check payable to The Catholic Voice. of others.” unhappy about the possibility of Pope NOVEMBER 25, 2019 FORUM THE CATHOLIC VOICE — 15 LETTERS

(Continued from Page 14.) believe in human rights. He is a com- new discussion of the law of celibacy. So Letters to the editor provide a forum for readers to engage in an open exchange pletely unsuitable president. Alas, all the the practice of universal celibacy is not of opinions and concerns in a climate of respect and civil discourse. The opinions Democrat precandidates (at least, as far something that is unchangeable, and it expressed are those of the writers, and not necessarily of the Catholic Voice or as I can make out), are directly opposed has not always been mandated. the Diocese of Oakland. While a full spectrum of opinions will sometimes include to human rights: they all want abortion Pope Francis is not considering chang- those which dissent from Church teaching or contradict the natural moral law, it for any or no reason at public expense. ing the rule for having married priests in is hoped that this forum will help our readers to understand better others’ think- The voter may next year be faced with a the Amazon on his own but is responding ing on critical issues facing the Church. choice between the completely unsuitable to a plea from the bishops in the Amazon and the utterly diabolic. Politics should be who have compelling reasons for asking put a law-abiding citizen at a significant Escobar (Forum, Nov. 11). She claimed: a debate among proponents of differing for this change. disadvantage in many a tactical situation. “Married men should never become opinions about the best ways of securing There are so few priests in the Amazon President Trump has handled many priests” and “A wife and family would take human rights. that the Catholics there cannot attend multimillion dollar deals all over the world, away his priorities and attention from our Alas, we have got ourselves into a Mass or even receive the sacraments with many people, from many different Lord’s church.” situation of having to choose the lesser more than a few times a year. It is not sur- cultures. If he was not a man of great intel- The fact is that the Catholic Church of evils. We should not let the urgent drive prising that many Catholics in that area are ligence, this would not be possible. already allows married men to become out the important, nor should we indulge in leaving the Church and joining evangelical Lastly a political party that condones priests and has done so for centuries. identity politics. We are in a bad situation. churches instead. late term, and after birth abortion, and The Catholic Church consists of much John A. Wills A majority of the 180 Amazonian bish- euthanasia, would seem to be deviating more than the Latin Rite with which most Oakland ops (who understand the situation first- from Jesus’ commandment to love thy of us are familiar and to which most of us hand) voted to allow married men who are neighbor. belong. The Eastern Rite churches, which Priests with backbones already deacons to be ordained as priests William Ellis are in full communion with the pope and It is really exhilarating to know that in the remote parts of the Amazon. Is this Walnut Creek are fully Catholic, have always made the some of our Catholic priests have back- extreme or unreasonable? practice of celibacy to be voluntary and bones and do not supplicate to politi- Isn’t it more important that Catholics Interesting article not mandatory. If a man wishes to be a cians who claim they are Catholics but in that region have priests to minister to As an urban planner, the article, married priest he must be married prior to are not following our major tenents like them than it is to keep an antiquated and “October: Month to count heads in par- ordination. He may not marry subsequent the anti-abortion Canon Laws of our changeable rule that was instituted centu- ishes,” (Voice, Oct. 21), was extremely to ordination nor become a bishop. Church. I write to The Voice earlier this ries ago for a very different demographic? interesting. We know from other sources Pope Benedict XVI (not a fuzzy liberal, year (Forum, April 29) about not giving We are fortunate to have Pope Francis (e.g., the Pew Trusts, etc.) that for every he) established Personal Ordinariates communion to people like Rep. Nancy leading our church. He upholds the basic person who joins the Roman Catholic (Anglicanorum coetibus) in 2009 to Pelosi, D-San Francisco, or New York truths of the Church while at the same Church in the U.S., six others leave. receive into the Catholic Church married Gov. Andrew Cuomo who are raging pro- time speaking out for peace with justice So it is not surprising that our parishes priests from Anglican, Methodist or a abortionists and claim to be Catholics but and responding with mercy to all in our are sharing in that loss. In some ways, member of an ecclesial communion that are “Catholics in name only.” rapidly changing world. our diocese may be more prone to lose includes those of Anglican heritage who I want to give accolades to priests that Dennise Burgess members than some others because we expressed a desire to join the Catholic count. There are many; I will give some Castro Valley are a special locus of the rapid change Church and continue to serve as mar- names at this time: that is affecting all our lives. ried priests. Rev. Robert Morey of St. Anthony Long overdue The article raises unanswered ques- Currently there are three Personal Church, Florence, South Carolina, who Bravo to Catherine Norman (Forum, tions. Our diocese seems to have no Ordinariates, which are church jurisdic- would not give Communion to Joe Biden, Oct. 21). She wrote a sensible letter that is policy (at least in the public domain) about tions similar to a diocese. The Personal who now says he supports abortions. long overdue. It is time for an honest and what to do about the priest shortage, and Ordinariate of Our Lady of Walsingham Father Morey still had the graciousness open debate on this subject. Instead we especially about the sizable number of serves Catholics with an Anglican tradi- “to keep Mr. Biden in my prayers.” have name calling and censorship. pastors we have already lost and the large tion in England and Wales; the Personal Another outstanding priest is Cardinal That is no way to get to the truth. number of priests who may retire in the Ordinariate of the Chair of St. Peter covers Raymond Burke, the former St. Luis arch- Scientists like Norman are being treated next few years. the United States and Canada; and the bishop, who would not give John Kerry shamefully and that needs to stop. To an outside observer, the plan Personal Ordinariate of Our Lady of the Communion in 2004 when Kerry came out Nancy Hudson seems to be that the diocese merges Southern Cross serves Australia. Bishop supporting abortion. Concord parishes whenever a pastor dies or oth- Stephen J. Lopes, a former priest of the In 2008, Bishop Joseph Francis erwise departs. That does not seem to be Archdiocese of San Francisco and protégé Martino, who is in Biden’s area of Several issues a sustainable strategy, so we may need a of recently deceased Cardinal William Scranton, Pennsylvania, said that Biden The policy of separating children from different one. Levada, is the current Ordinary of the US would not be able to receive Communion their parents, when illegally crossing the Importantly, we must concentrate on Ordinariate. in the Diocese of Scranton. border, began in the George W. Bush the notion that people place their first Jim McCrea Virginia’s Democratic senator, Tim administration, not President Trump’s. allegiance in their own parishes, not nec- Piedmont Kaine, faced criticism for his role in sup- Attorney General Sessions merely said essarily in the diocese or an abstraction porting abortion by individual priests, but he thought that a diligent enforcement of called “the Catholic Church.” This is all Lesser of two evils I do not know if any stopped giving him the law would help deter any responsible the more true today, because so many Teresa Bolla of Martinez (Forum, Nov. communion. I certainly hope so. parent from undertaking so dangerous a Catholics have now chosen their parish 11) feels alienated by the Church’s sup- Now I know there will be some journey. which may or may not be the one to which port for a conservative agenda. She is Catholics wanting to say that I am too Kathy Kenslow (Forum, Oct. 7) also they “belong” geographically. Treating mistaking some pro-Trump letters in The conservative as a Roman Catholic, but to seems uninformed about the sexual parishes as simple “branch offices” of Voice for the hierarchy’s pronouncements, them I say, one either believes in the laws exploitation of these children, and their the diocese that can be opened or closed I rather think. of our Church or they can form another being used to smuggle drugs, as well as on a whim is a bad idea; it also flies in She is quite right in her condemnation church, that is not Catholic. dangerous and violent criminals into this the theological face of the notion of the of President Trump as not being pro-life, The choice is theirs. Like the old saying country. Church as the People of God. but that has nothing to do with conserva- goes: “You can’t eat your cake and have it These are three more reasons why a There is a hint in the article that much tism, progressivism or whateverism. too.” In other words, we must follow Canon responsible government would want to of the growth in some parishes may be due In the United States, high-schoolers Law, and follow Catholic tenets, or we can separate these children from those who to the Latino population, and conversely, are taught the Suarezian doctrine (which have so many branches, with different might harm them to make sure that these much of the loss is in the white population. they may be told is a Lockeian doctrine) faiths like many Protestants have done. children are with a caring adult, not some- (This needs to be checked. Perhaps the that the purpose of government is to I pray for these politicians that they will one who has rented them for a criminal reasons have to do with housing avail- secure such God-given human rights as come back into the fold. purpose. ability or other factors.) those to life, to liberty and to property. It Ray Brown As to universal background checks, If that is so, WHY is it true? Another would be better if they were instructed Pittsburg the lapses in the Dylan Roof case shows question that comes to mind is this: What more deeply in this doctrine (perhaps the National Instant Background Check has happened when parishes have been reducing the time currently spent on System has too much data to handle as is. merged? Has attendance risen, fallen or GLBxyz rubbish). One of the problems that faced our remained approximately the same (as If we follow the Spanish Jesuit, Want to write? intelligence services before the 9/11 the sum of the attendance at the prior Francisco Suarez, the first condition of Contributions to Reader’s Forum attacks was that they had so much infor- parishes)? good governance must be that govern- should be limited to 250 words. mation they couldn’t analyze it properly. Also, other indicators of parish health ment itself not violate human rights, and Letters must be signed and must Now with universal background checks, need to be considered, such as daily any honest person must admit that the include the writer’ s address and there are problems with the list being Mass attendance or charitable works by present administration, by defunding the phone number for verification incomplete or inaccurate (Sen. Edward M. each parish. abortion industry, has done well. The presi- purposes. All letters are subject Kennedy was once not allowed to board a Writer Carrie McClish has given us a dent must have some thoughtful advisers to editing. Writers are generally commercial airliner because an Edward M, good starting point for a discussion about to whom he at least occasionally pays a limited to four letters in any Kennedy appeared on a no-fly list. It was the future of our diocese and its parishes. little heed. 12-month period. with great difficulty that the late senator Let’s begin that discussion. He does not have the attention span was able to correct that error.) These are Michael J. Cassidy required to understand that he ought also Mail your letter to: The Catholic Voice, at least two problems associated with a Oakland to address the issues Bolla brings up. The 2121 Harrison St., Suite 100, Oakland, Universal Background Check System. The conclusions of the Glendon Commission, CA 94612. Fax: 510-893-4734. FBI announced in January 2019 it will no Married priests when it reports, may help him (or his suc- longer process appeals for those wrong- Heated arguments are usually based cessor) to do so. That does not mean he Our e-mail address is: fully caught in the NCIS System. on emotion and rarely on facts. This came will please Ms Bolla in all ways. [email protected] And a low capacity magazine would to my mind as I read the letter from Denise President Trump himself does not

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