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VOL. 57, NO. 7 DIOCESE OF OAKLAND APRIL 8, 2019 www.catholicvoiceoakland.org Serving the East Bay Catholic Community since 1963 Copyright 2019 Our Lord calls Father Jay home early By Carrie McClish Staff writer Very Rev. James V. Matthews II, who fully used the gifts of a joyous spirit and soothing voice to minister to generations of Catholics throughout the East Bay, died suddenly of an apparent heart attack March 30 in Oakland. He was 70. Father Matthews, affectionally known Funeral to many as “Father arrangements Jay,” had served as All at the Cathedral of the third rector of the Christ the Light Cathedral of Christ the Light in Oakland since Where: 2121 Harrison St., 2015. He was the first Oakland Black priest ordained Parking in the Kaiser Garage in Northern California and the Diocese of Viewing: Sunday, April 7,

CHRIS SILVA/THE CATHOLIC VOICE CATHOLIC CHRIS SILVA/THE Oakland. He would 4-6 p.m. have celebrated the Vigil: Sunday, April 7, 6 45th anniversary of p.m., followed by reception his ordination to the Five good reasons I like being Catholic: priesthood on May 3. Mass of Christian Burial: “Father Matthews’ Monday, April 8, 7 p.m., 5. The was founded by Christ, infectious love for his followed by reception not by a human being, an ex-priest or a king or a man Easter approaches faith, his parishioners claiming to be a prophet. For 1,500 years, if you wanted Interment: Tuesday, The summit of the Liturgical Year is the Easter and his community to be a Christian, you were Catholic. April 9, 11 a.m., St. Triduum — from the evening of Holy Thursday to was a joy and inspi- 4. The Catholic Church is the largest relief and Cemetery, San Pablo the evening of Easter Sunday. Though chrono- ration for me,” said charitable organization in the world. logically three days, they are liturgically one day Bishop C. 3. The Catholic Church is the No. 1 defender of unfolding for us the unity of Christ’s Paschal Barber, SJ, in a statement. “He human rights in the world. Mystery. truly lived what St. John Vianney, 2. We have the Eucharist. We have the body and The single celebration of the Triduum marks the patron of parish blood of Christ. We have the Sacrament of Confession. the end of the Lenten season and leads to the priests, described the priest- We have priests who forgive sins. Mass of the Resurrection of the Lord at the (Continued on Page 12.) 1. You don’t say no to God when he invites you. Easter Vigil. More about Holy Week and Easter Liturgies, (From Bishop Michael C. Barber, SJ’s, homily to soon Pages 7-10. to be Catholics at the Rite of Election, March 16 and Very Rev. James Matthews 17, 2019.) delivers the homily on Palm Sunday 2016.

ALBERT C. PACCIORINI THE CATHOLIC VOICE Everyone dances at annual SPRED gala By Michele Jurich Staff writer SPRED the Word When SPRED celebrates, its hard to contain the joy. For the Special Religious Education Department, What: Dinner-dance fundraiser SPRED the Word is the major fundraiser of the year. For When: May 4 the adult Friends that SPRED serves, 4 p.m. Liturgy it’s prom night, class reunion and 5:15 p.m. Registration and social birthdays rolled into one. 6 p.m. Dinner Everyone dances. Followed by dancing until 8:30 p.m. For the SPRED families, catechists and supporters, it’s a night to take Where: Church of the Transfiguration On our cover stock of a year well lived for the min- 4000 E. Castro Valley Blvd., Castro Valley The death of Our Lord as seen at the Lake County istry dedicated to welcoming people Tickets: $35 for adults, $12 for kids Outdoor Passion Play, celebrating its 39th year. with intellectual disabilities into the life More information on Page 10. of their parish and their church. Register by April 26 at www.oakdiocese.org/ Martinez-Kilty The ministry involves people from spredtherword or 510-635-7252 Bishop’s Column ...... 3 more than half of the diocese – some as catechists and Classified 12 No tickets will be sold at the door some as friends, as the participants are aptly known. Datelines ...... 13 Friends are from 44 different parishes; catechists from Easter Liturgies ...... 7-10 40 parishes. centers host more than one community. Forum ...... 14, 15 In all, 52 parishes are touched by either providing There are SPRED communities for friends ages 6 to Seniors 11 volunteer catechists or SPRED Friends. 10; 11 to 16; 17 to 21; and 22 and older. The Church 2 At SPRED centers at 20 parishes in the Diocese of Each friend is paired with a catechist. For many, it’s a Travel 5, 6 Oakland, these small faith communities gather. Many (Continued on Page 11.)

The Catholic Voice invites you to come to a Q & A informational meeting to find out more about upcoming Diocese of Oakland pilgrimages with Fr. Richard Mangini Sunday, May 5, 2019 • St. Parish Hall 5562 Clayton Road, Concord Marian Shrines Pilgrimage: September 23-October 2, 2019 • Q & A Meeting time: 1:30-2:30 p.m. Holy Land Pilgrimage: February 10-19, 2020 • Q & A Meeting time: 2:30-3:30 p.m. R.S.V.P. [email protected] or 510-419-1081 • Light refreshments served 2 — THE CATHOLIC VOICE THE CHURCH APRIL 8, 2019 OFFICIAL

Bishop Barber’s Schedule

April 8: 7 p.m., Mass of April 18: 7 p.m., Mass In Christian Burial, Very Rev. Coena Domini (feast of the James Matthews, Cathedral of Last Supper), Cathedral of Christ the Light, Oakland Christ the Light, Oakland April 9: Office meetings, April 19: Noon, ecumenical Chancery, Oakland Good Friday service, Oakland City Hall Plaza April 11: Office meetings, Chancery, Oakland, including 3 p.m., liturgy of the Passion MICHELE JURICH/THE CATHOLIC VOICE MICHELE JURICH/THE CATHOLIC Priest Personnel Board of the Lord, Cathedral of Part of the crowd at last year’s Good Friday event at Frank Ogawa Plaza in front Christ the Light, Oakland 3 p.m., gathering of the priests of the of Oakland City Hall. diocese: Holy Hour, talk and dinner, April 20: 8:30 p.m., Easter Vigil, Cathedral of Christ the Light, Oakland Cathedral of Christ the Light, Oakland 6:30 p.m., Chrism Mass, Cathedral April 21: 10 a.m., Easter Sunday Mass, Bishop joins Good Friday event of Christ the Light, Oakland Cathedral of Christ the Light, Oakland Seven pastors from Oakland — includ- pastors will proclaim and reflect on the April 12: 9:30 a.m., Office meetings, April 27: 10:30 a.m., Young Ladies’ ing Bishop Michael C. Barber, SJ, of the last seven words spoken by Jesus on the including Call to Orders of transitional Institute, Golden Burse, St. Patrick Roman Catholic Diocese of Oakland — will cross. The event is scheduled to end at deacons to be ordained to the priesthood Parish, Rodeo bring Good Friday to the public square 2:30 p.m. again this year. Last year, Bishop Barber spoke at April 13: 5:30 p.m., Sentinels of Freedom April 28: 10:30 a.m., Divine Mercy Mass, The service — entitled “What’s So the event. He was accompanied then by gala dinner, Blackhawk Museum, Danville Divine Mercy Parish (St. Lawrence Good About Good Friday?” — will begin the Very Rev. James Matthews, rector of O’Toole site), Oakland April 14: 10 a.m., Palm Sunday Mass, at noon April 19 at Frank Ogawa Plaza the Cathedral of Christ the Light. Father Cathedral of Christ the Light, Oakland 5 p.m., Confirmation, Saint Mary’s in front of Oakland City Hall. The seven Matthews died March 30. College, Moraga April 16: Mass, pastoral visit, Missionary Sisters of Charity, St. Mark’s Parish, THE VATICAN Richmond Do not fear difference, but division Appointments Rev. Kwame Assenyoh is appointed Rev. Mendoza Vela has been Catholic News Service temporary parochial administrator of placed on administrative leave from No one should be afraid that God has Catholic Community of Pleasanton. active ministry. allowed there to be different religions in the world, Francis said. Rev. Bich Nguyen is appointed temporary Rev. Van Dinh has had his faculties “But we should be frightened if we are parochial administrator of the Cathedral removed and is suspended from priestly not doing the work of fraternity, of walking of Christ the Light and Our Lady of ministry. together in life” as brothers and sisters of Lourdes parishes. one human family, he said. Deacon Alfonso Perez is appointed As is customary, at his general audi- temporary parochial administrator of ence April 3, the first after his March 30-31 HARING/CNS PAUL Corpus Christi Parish, Fremont. trip to Morocco, Pope Francis reviewed Pope Francis greets a baby during his his visit. general audience in St. Peter’s Square “People might ask themselves, ‘Why at the Vatican April 3. is it the pope visits Muslims and not just Catholics?’” the pope said. Some theologians say it is part of God’s THE DIOCESE Catholics and Muslims are both “permissive will,” allowing “this reality of “descendants of the same father, many religions. Some emerge from the cul- ,” he said, and the trip was ture, but they always look toward heaven Honor our volunteers Good Friday collection another step on a journey of “dialogue and God,” the pope said. The Catholic Voice May 13 issue will Every year on Good Friday, a collection and encounter with (our) Muslim brothers “What God wants is fraternity among recognize some of the diocese’s hard- is taken up in Catholic Churches to sup- and sisters.” us,” he said, which is why “we must not be working men and women volunteers. port the work of the Franciscans working The pope said he wanted to follow frightened by difference. God has allowed These are lay parish, organization and in the Holy Land. Christians there rely in the footsteps of two great : St. this.” But it is right to be worried when school volunteers — not employees, clergy heavily on the help that comes to them , who brought a “message people are not working toward a more or religious — with a record of outstanding during this special day in the Church and of peace and fraternity” to Sultan al-Malik fraternal world, he added. performance and meaningful involvement. our life of faith. al-Kami 800 years ago, and St. John Paul In his audience talk April 3, the pope These people have made a difference in The Franciscan Monastery of the II, who visited Morocco in 1985. clarified that God did not create religious our faith community and have set a stan- Holy Land in America is the home of a Pope Francis said people also may diversity, but rather allows it to happen, as dard for others to follow. worldwide Commissariat of Friars Minor wonder why God allows there to be so he created human beings who possess If you have an unsung hero in your par- and monasteries who function as bridges many different religions in the world. free will. ish (no prior year honorees, please), send between the Holy Land and Christians all the man or woman’s name and contact over the world. The Commissariat offices information, a high-resolution photo of in Washington, DC, coordinate the vital the person, and why you think he or she support for the work of the Franciscans should be recognized, no later than May who work in the Holy Land. 1, to [email protected], or via regular The Franciscans of the Custody of the mail to The Catholic Voice, 2121 Harrison Holy Land have the unique responsibility of Plan ahead St., Oakland 94612. Please contact Al caring for the Holy Places as well as caring Pacciorini with any questions at apac- for the Christians living in the Holy Land. to get the most for [email protected] or 510-419-1073. For more information: myfranciscan.org. your ad dollars in 2019

“Let the Catholic voice . . . be spread in every diocese, in every parish, Mailed to 85,000 households in every association, in every family.” — Pope Paul VI www.catholicvoiceoakland.org/advertise.htm Publisher: Bishop Michael C. Barber, SJ Interim Director of Communication The Catholic Voice Call the Advertising Dept., 510-419-1081 & Community Relations 2121 Harrison St., Oakland, CA 94612 Associate Publisher, The Catholic Voice: Phone 510-893-5339; Fax 510-893-4734 Issue date Features for 2019 Ad deadline Helen Osman www.catholicvoiceoakland.org April 29 Summer Camps & Schools/CYO Wrap Up April 17 [email protected] Email addresses May 13 Catholic Volunteers Tribute May 1 Editor: Albert C. Pacciorini [email protected]; 510-419-1073 Letters to the editor: [email protected] May 27 General News May 15 Address change: [email protected] June 10 Graduation Tributes May 29 Advertising Manager: Camille Tompkins Subscription: [email protected] June 24 Senior Living & Resources/CYO Wrap Up June 12 [email protected]; 510-419-1081 Datelines (calendar of events): [email protected] July 8* Religious Jubilarians Celebrations/Vocations June 26 Office/Circulation Manager: Sandi Gearhart Around the Diocese: [email protected] August 12* Religious Jubilarians Celebrations July 31 [email protected]; 510-893-5339 Photos: September 2 Fall Festivals/College Information Guide August 21 Graphics/Webmaster: Dexter Valencia Submitted photos must be suitable for print September 16 Catholic High Schools Information Guide September 4 [email protected]; 510-419-1076 publication. Please refer to our photo guidelines: October 7 Elementary School Guide/Respect Life September 25 Associate Editor/Staff writer: Michele Jurich www.catholicvoiceoakland.org/photos.htm October 21 National Vocations Awareness Week/ October 9 [email protected]; 510-419-1075 Retreats/Pilgrimages Schedule Staff writer: Carrie McClish See our publication schedule and deadlines at: November 11 Senior Living & Resources/Holiday Guide October 30 [email protected]; 510-419-1074 www.catholicvoiceoakland.org/pubdates.htm November 25 Gift of Giving/General News November 13 The Catholic Voice (ISSN 0279-0645) is published for the Roman Catholic Diocese of Oakland twice monthly except in December 16* Christmas Liturgies December 4 July, August and December (when one issue is published) for $25 a year (outside the diocese, $30). Copyright 2019. Adjudged to be a newspaper of general circulation by the Superior Court of Alameda County, Court order No. 365394, *The Catholic Voice — Publication theme subject to change. dated Jan. 20, 1967. Periodical postage paid (USPS 094-640) at Oakland, California, and additional mailing offices. The Voice publishes only one issue in July, August and December. Postmaster: Send address changes to: The Catholic Voice, 2121 Harrison St., Suite 100, Oakland, CA 94612. APRIL 8, 2019 THE CATHOLIC VOICE — 3 Faith and hope in the midst of trial By Most Rev. Michael C. Barber, SJ downs of everyday life. Our diocese has suffered some tragic Cardinal Newman in his sermon news lately. We lost five priests in quick “Equanimity” has some good advice. If you succession. Two were pastors who died are worried and upset about something, he in office, “with their says, think of what that issue would mean boots on”: Rev. Paul to you if you were on your deathbed right Minnihan and Very now. Would it still be as important? Would Rev. Jay Matthews. you still be as upset? If not, then maybe Our loving God is it’s better to let it go. the author of life and I was so pleased by the success of our “24 death, so the passing Hours for the Lord” devotion recently. On the of these two priests first weekend in Lent, 10 of our parishes were was part of His plan. open for 24 Hours of Eucharistic Adoration Hard for us, yes. But as and Confession. All day and all night, priests Bishop Barber Christ said: “You know were available in these 10 churches. neither the day nor the And people came at all hours to be hour when the Son of with the Lord — as He asked His disciples Man is coming” (Matt at the Agony in the Garden “to pray and 25:13). I miss both of keep watch with Me.” Pope Francis asked these Fathers — as each diocese to have one church open

COURTESY PHOTO COURTESY they were close to me for this devotion. We had 10, thanks to the as bishop, confided generosity of these 10 pastors. Two auxiliaries for U.S. military in me, and I in them. Other good news: We had three “Rites archdiocese ordained They were “men of of Election” services in the Cathedral to Communion” — agents Rev. Minnihan welcome those preparing for Baptism, Oakland Bishop Michael C. Barber, SJ, was among 15 bishops and 180 priests of healing and recon- Confirmation or Reception into the Catholic who attended the double ordination ceremony of two new auxiliary bishops ciliation — not voices Church. Almost 600 catechumens and can- for the Archdiocese for the Military Services on March 25 in the Basilica of of division. In a word, didates had their names read out; joined the National Shrine of the in Washington, DC. With they were priests after by sponsors, friends and families as more Bishop Barber, after their ordination, are Bishop William J. Muhm, 61, left, the Heart of Christ. than 1,200 people filled the cathedral. and Bishop Joseph L. Coffey, 58, right. The Archdiocese for the Military My friends: Father The Holy Spirit is alive and active in our Services has five auxiliary bishops. Bishop Barber served more than 20 years Paul Minnihan had only diocese. And good people are responding. as a chaplain in the Naval Reserve, retiring last year with the rank of captain. one week to prepare It is also true that we as a diocesan for his death, after his family have suffered trials recently. Three diagnosis. Father Jay of our priests have gotten into serious Very Rev. Matthews died at the trouble, as you have seen by the coverage Matthews dinner table, having just in the secular media. celebrated the 5:30 p.m. Saturday Vigil Mass. Though there be a storm at sea, and We have to be ready when He comes the bark of Peter is rocked, we do not lose for us. For some, that means writing out hope. We do not lose faith. Christ promised their last will, appointing an executor, to be with His Church “until the end of the making your funeral plans. But more ages.” And so I pray: importantly, it means “having peace of Lord have mercy. Lord, purify your soul” — having a clean conscience. We get Church. Lord heal anyone hurt by priests or that by going to Confession. And we get representatives of the Church. Lord, send that peace by making amends to anyone us good and holy young women to serve whom we have offended. Best to do that as Sisters and young men to serve as while we still have the chance. Priests, Deacons and Brothers. Lord, help Most of us tend to carry around a lot of all of our priests to be faithful to their vows “baggage” — angers, grudges and hurts. and their commitment. Lord, show us Your And we are tempted to add to that score mercy, and grant us Your salvation. May the as we endure the “slings and arrows of upcoming Holy Week services and rituals outrageous fortune” through the ups and console each of you with the love of Christ.

Mercy Center Art Gallery prents…40 DAYS with paintings by Sally K. Green

March 4 - April 30, 2019 Mercy Center Art Gallery 9AM to 5PM daily Take an intimate walk beside Jesus on the Way of the Cross to help you look at your own journey. A meaningful process will guide you. Consider insight and wisdom from other spiritual leaders across time. Learn from The Woman at the Well, , Apostles Peter, Andrew, Thomas, and others. Be inspired by Fr. Augustus Tolton’s human qualities that brought him from SLAVE to PRIEST. All are welcome. No fees. Be STILL, Open your HEART, Discover WISDOM and INSIGHTS to Keep, THINK and QUESTION, Meet FELLOW TRAVELERS, RENEW Yourself

Mercy Center Create your own journey… Learn more about all of the 1868–2018 Mercy Center Retreats: http://mercy-center.org/calendar.html Reserve an overnight guest room for Holy Week silence and sacred liturgies. Call us: 650-340-7474 • 2300 Adeline Drive, Burlingame, CA 4 — THE CATHOLIC VOICE APRIL 8, 2019 Lessons learned from life vigil Encountering God Staff report talents that “complete” our group. through praise During the 40 days leading to Easter, • I give thanks for the man who does from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily, except Sundays, our printing for free, for the many people About 150 people joined a prayerful, peaceful vigil is kept near the who just show up, dropping off small gifts, together March 23 for Planned Parenthood clinic in Walnut Creek. treats, cups of coffee to us, or just words of a bilingual Praise and Jodie Russi, a leadership team member of the encouragement. They help us keep going. Worship concert, which took 40 Days for Life vigil, offers the lessons she • I give thanks to those who will juggle place at Bishop O’Dowd has learned from standing on the sidewalk: schedules at the last minute to fill an empty High School in Oakland. 1. I have learned to try and remain slot that has unexpectedly shown up! Leading the congregation calm in the face of adversity, realizing that • I give thanks to Walnut Creek Police in worship was SkaAmen, a most angry people are reacting that way Department who drive by, checking that Tracy group that performs because they are scared and feel threat- all is safe. Christian reggae and rock. ened not by us, but by the situation they • I give thanks to the young people, and are in. They only take it out on us! the families with babies who have joined ENRIQUE RODRIGUEZ/SPECIAL TO THE CATHOLIC VOICE THE ENRIQUE TO CATHOLIC RODRIGUEZ/SPECIAL 2. I have learned to ask for and trust the us on the sidewalk this campaign! What a protection of our Blessed Mother, St. Michael, joyful lift you give us; not to mention what a and our Father in heaven while out there. beautiful presence you are on the sidewalk. This is not to say I am not careful in • I give thanks to the power of the movie being aware of my surroundings and tak- “Unplanned.” In just two days since the ing precautions to stay safe, but I have a movie’s release, we have had at least five greater sense of calm while out there when or six more people join us on the sidewalk I place myself under divine protection. I liter- in prayer who have not come out before! ally have told God, if you have me out here And, I pray that even more will be moved. in Your name, I trust that You are with me! 4. I have learned to express even more 3. I have learned that there is great compassion to the women who work in power in prayer. Planned Parenthood. I do not think most I have seen this unfold through the saves understand the truth behind the mam- we have had, and through the many things moth abortion industry they are working Middle that have “gone right” for our group while for. And, I pray for their conversion and out on the sidewalk during this campaign: enlightenment. • I give thanks for the wonderful tree 5. Finally, I have learned to have HOPE that provides protection from the rain, and while out there. shade from the sun. It is a hope that only faith in a loving School Day • I give thanks for this group of “angels” God can bring; a hope that good will tri- who are working together to coordinate umph over evil; and a hope to persevere, this campaign vigil. So much dedication confident that we ARE touching lives and APRIL 11 4:30-6:30 in this small group, each bringing unique making a positive difference. Fifth, sixth and seventh grade girls are invited to a special preview of high In Thailand school life. Start the afternoon Students in the Saint Mary’s College High Thailand with an excerpt of Once On Immersion group worked at the La Salle Bamboo School for This Island, Holy Names’ Burmese refugee children on the border with Myanmar in early spring musical. Engage March. The students built a large chicken house for the school with Holy Names from the ground up, right, and got to see the first eggs laid. The

Engineering students in a PHOTO COURTESY travelers also toured Bangkok’s NASA inspired STEM activity and Grand Palace and Wat Prakeaw (temple of the Emerald Buddha), Reclining Buddha, Temple of Dawn and the famous Bangkok floating market. Brother play side by side with Monarch David Caretti of Saint Mary’s, Brother Philip Bancha of La Salle Sangkalaburi and Saint Mary’s faculty/staff members Greg Kelly (front row in sunglasses) student-athletes! The evening and Azure’D Nunley ’00 (back row next to Brother David) are pictured with will conclude with time to enjoy the Immersion students. the HNHS cafeteria’s taco bar! Full Service Printing and Publications Business Cards • Postcards • Flyers • Banners • Presentation Folders • Magazines Catalogs • Newspapers • Programs • Invitations • Envelopes • Memory Books THIS EVENT IS FREE FOR ALL MIDDLE Color and Black & White Copies and More. • 5-color and 6-color printing SCHOOL STUDENTS Go online and • 3 web publication presses www.catholicvoiceoakland.org VOL. 56, NO. 9 Envelope support inside,

Serving the East BayDIOCESE Catholic OF Community OAKLAND since 1963 see ad on Page 3 request a quote • 3 digital presses with VDP MAY 7, 2018

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AL Students from St. Elizabeth Elementary School in Oakland greet arrivals to the FACE Gala, at which Family Aid to Catholic Education celebrated its 40th anniversary. Among those at the event was Sister Rose Marie Hennessy, OP, who served as principal of the school, and as superintendent of the diocese’s Department of Catholic Schools. FACE at 40: Gratitude, and looking forward By Michele Jurich Even before Staffthey gotwriter through the doors at the annual gala that supports Family Aid Catholic Education, the benefactors came face to face with FACE. Greeters, from Grades Two through Eight, dressed in their St. Elizabeth She recalled that, she, too, had come to a FACE event as a student. Elementary School uniforms — plaid skirts or dark pants, and blue sweaters — shook This year, 29 pupils at St. Elizabeth Elementary are among the 489 students hands, looked their guests in the eye, The evening’s special honoree was who are receiving FACE grants to help smiled and welcomed them. the Most Rev. John S. Cummins, emeritus them attend Catholic school in the Oakland bishop of Oakland, under whose leadership A pair of greeters nimbly retrieved Noemi Ruvalcaba diocese. In the high schools, 348 students nametags for the guests. FACE has blossomed. After the gathering are receiving grants. Keeping a watchful eye over the eager Ethan Flores sang “Happy Birthday,” in honor of his 90th Vanessa Cordova is in her first year of More than 4,000 students who have birthday in March, Bishop Cummins shared young group was the kindergarten teacher teaching at St. Elizabeth elementary. Her applied for FACE grants, and have quali his recollections of FACE and his apprecia at St. Elizabeth School. family was assisted by FACE during her fied for them, are on the waiting list. tion for the FACE founders, “who represent She, too, was a face of FACE. years at St. Elizabeth Elementary and High The annual spring gala, FACE’s larg the best of our diocese in so many ways.” schools. She graduated from Holy Names est fundraising event each year, packed - - University and her first teaching position is He recalled Barbara Morrill and Sister the event center at the Greek Orthodox Sebastian Adza, CSC, told him they at the school she entered in Fifth Grade. Cathedral in Oakland on April 21. The - wanted to help inner-city schools by taking On our cover gala honored the founders of Family Aid up a second collection in all the parishes. More than 100 delegates from the Catholic Education and those who have Diocese of Oakland joined with “My immediate reaction was: You won’t SAN DAMIANO nurtured it through the decades. get enough money.” about 1,000 others at the regional meeting of V Encuentro, an effort to FACE found other ways over the years, bring together the Church and the Two join leadership team including grants from local foundations, Latino Catholic community. More on Pages 3 and 11. (Continued on Page 12.)

ATD for Catholic schools ...... 12 Bishop’s Column ...... 3 Classified...... 14 Two veteran Staff Catholic report educators, Parish changes 21093 Forbes Avenue, Hayward, CA 94545 Datelines ...... Jocelyn Pierre-Antoine and Ken Willers, Forum will become associate superintendents Two religiousStaff orders report that have ...... provided leadership for parishes in News in Brief 13 for the Diocese of Oakland Department Obituaries ...... 4 of Catholic Schools on July 1. Catholic schools the Oakland diocese will be leaving 15 the parishes. Seniors ...... Pierre-Antoine, the principal of St. changing After 154 years, the Dominican The Church 14 School in Hayward, is the new associate Travel ...... 2 superintendent: Leadership for Mission • New high school leadership Fathers are withdrawing from Most ...... 11, 12 Volunteer Tribute ...... and Professional Learning. Ken Willers, • Lumen Christi Academies launching Holy Rosary Parish, Antioch, effec Phone 510-887-5656 • www.folgergraphics.com principal of the School of the Madeleine tive June 30, and after 39 years, 6, 7 RETREAT in Berkeley, is the new associate super the Precious Blood Fathers are 8, 9 - intendent: Leadership for Innovation and — Page 10 withdrawing from St. Edward’s Both have received awards from the Parish, Newark, also effective Growth. National Catholic Educational Association. - June 30. Pierre-Antoine helped develop a K-8 Bishop Michael C. Barber, SJ, The Catholic Voice & Unitours, Inc.Christian Q & OutreachA Informational Program that received Meeting appointed new clergy to both parishes, and announced oth May 19, 2018 at St. Bonaventure – Classroom(Continued on Page B1 10.) er staff changes. See Page 2 for details. St. Bonaventure • 5562 Clayton Road, Concord -

Holy Land meeting: 12:30 – 2:00 p.m. RSVP: [email protected]. Paul Pilgrimage: 2:00 – or3:00 510-419-1081 p.m. Holy Week Retreat with San Damiano Friars & Staff Light refreshments served 4/18 – 4/21 Contemporary Women in Spirituality Series with Jan Stegner 4/23 – 5/14 (Tuesdays) LGBTQ Day of Dialogue with Janet Gardner, 4/28 Please Join Us Free Spring Working Retreat with Fr. Rusty Shaughnessy & Janet Gardner, 4/28 – 5/2 Saturday April 27 Divine Mercy Conference Adult Children of Alcoholics Retreat with Tom Gorham 9:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. at 3725 High St. & Staff from Options Recovery, 5/24 – 5/26 Divine Mercy Vigil 5:00 p.m. at 3700 Dorisa Ave.

Sunday April 28 Solemn Celebration of Divine Mercy Mass with Bishop Michael C. Barber, SJ 10:30 a.m. at 3725 High St. (Bilingual)

More information or register Divine Mercy Parish 710 Highland Dr., Danville, CA 925 837 9141 510-530-0761 divinemercyoak.org sandamiano.org and on Facebook APRIL 8, 2019 THE CATHOLIC VOICE — 5 Pilgrimages Join us in Israel in February 2020 By Rev. Richard Mangini Here is the traveling retired pastor inviting you once again to accompany him to the Holy Land this coming Feb. 10-19, 2020. I returned just over a month ago Pilgrimage to celebrate the feast of Saint Faustina from accompanying 135 pilgrims, three buses full of wonderful at the Shrine of Divine Mercy in Stockbridge, MA people who rediscov- plus, North American Shrines ered the riches of their Catholic Faith by visit- St. Anne de Beaupre, Quebec, Canada, Our Lady of the Cape ing the lands where it Oratory and Notre Dame Cathedral in Montreal all began. It had been 24 October 3, to October 11, 2019 years since I went to Israel last and I must also, Conference on Healing the Family Tree confess that I did not Rev. Mangini and Healing Mass on October 4, 2019 have any particular hopes or expectations for myself. However, Highlights include: I must tell you from the very moment that • View the spectacular New England foliage we deplaned and started to travel from • We will stay in Niagara Falls the last two nights shrine to shrine, it was like I had never • On Thursday evening we will have dinner in the famous revolving dining room been there before. at the Skylon Tower where you can view the illuminated falls. In preparation for this last February 2019 trip, I had read Jesuit Father James Price $2,200.00* per person double occupancy Martin’s book “Jesus, a pilgrimage,” and I remember one insight he shared that including airfare and all taxes was “right on” for me. He wrote that Jesus Price for land only $1,800.00* per person double occupancy would reveal himself at a time and a place *Price includes round trip airfare from all the major US cities, transportation, tours, that you cannot plan or expect. That was VOICE CAMILLE TOMPKINS/THE CATHOLIC hotels and two meals daily. We will have a spiritual director and daily Mass. certainly true for so many of us who This cruficix is in the Church of the accompanied each other. And the Liturgies Holy Sepulchre, Old City, Jerusalem. Deadline for deposit of $200 is due by June 7, 2019. and Masses each day at one shrine or the other were the highlights of each day. ence. As we continue to publicize the 2020 Make check payable to Poland-Medjugorje Pilgrimage and My friends still shudder to think about Pilgrimage, I will be sharing some of the going to Israel with 135 other people, but reflections and testimonies that this year’s mail to Poland-Medjugorje Pilgrimage, P.O. Box 281059, East all I can tell you is that it was a joyful, pilgrims have shared. Hartford, CT 06128. Balance due by July 5, 2019. fun and spiritually energizing experience. I welcome you to the Catholic Voice So how many are going to go this time? February 2020 Pilgrimage to the Holy For more details visit our website Unknown. That is up to you. How many Land! people will want to go? www.polandmej.com I have become so enthused about the (Father Richard A. Mangini, retired and or call Scott Scaria at 860-289-2606 or 860-841-1192. pilgrimage that I signed up enthusiasti- most recently pastor at St. Bonaventure cally to lead and to accompany another Parish, Concord, will lead The Catholic one in 2020. Voice’s Holy Land Pilgrimage Feb. 10-19, Oberammergau Passion Play May 28 to June 6, 2020 The tour leaders and the buses are 2020. There is an informational meeting For details check the website www.polandmej.com ready. Quite a number of pilgrims who about the trip from 2:30-3:30 p.m. May 5 were on this year’s pilgrimage said that at St. Bonaventure Parish, 5562 Clayton Awarded Best Travel Company for 2016, 2017 they were going to invite their friends to go Road, Concord. RSVP to ctompkins@ because it was a once in a lifetime experi- oakdiocese.org or 510-419-1081.) and 2018 by the East Hartford Award Program Photo by Itamar Grinberg Photo by Noam Chen Photo by Mordagan The Catholic Voice invites you to walk where Jesus walked! Spiritual Guide

$50 Early The Holy Land Booking Discount if February 10 – 19, 2020 reserved by April 23, 2019 $3,999* for 10 days! Father Richard Includes round-trip airfare NON-STOP from SFO, hotel, daily breakfast A. Mangini famous Israeli buffet and table d’hôtel dinner daily except as noted in itinerary, air-conditioned motor coach and full-time tour manager. *Double occupancy HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE: • The Church of the Annunciation.• Visit Yad Vashem, the holocaust museum. • The village of Cana, where married couples may renew their wedding vows. • Visit Masada by cable car. • Take a boat ride across the Sea of Galilee. • Renew your Baptismal promises at the River Jordan. • Visit Bethlehem’s Church of the Nativity. • Walk the Via Dolorosa in Jerusalem.

Join The Catholic Voice, Unitours & Fr. Richard Mangini for a Q&A Informational Meeting about the Holy Land Pilgrimage. Have your travel questions answered. Find a roommate. CALL FOR INFORMATION AND RESERVATIONS Light refreshments will be served. Marianna at Unitours, Inc. 1-800-777-7432 (9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. EST)

Sunday, May 5, 2019 From 2:30-3:30 p.m. Book Online at http://www.bit.ly/Holy2020 at St. Bonaventure Parish Hall 5562 Clayton Road, Concord Contact: Camille Tompkins RSVP: [email protected] at The Catholic Voice to receive a mailed brochure or 510-419-1081 [email protected] Photo by Itamar Grinberg 6 — THE CATHOLIC VOICE APRIL 8, 2019

CALL FOR INFORMATION AND RESERVATIONS Marianna Pisano at Unitours [email protected] 1-800-777-7432 (9:00 a.m. — 5:00 p.m. EST) HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE: Book Online at Portugal – Shrine of Our Lady of Fatima – join the international http://bit.ly/Catholicvoice2019 Rosary & candlelight procession. To receive a mailed brochure Spain – Santiago de Compostela, Santander – the Routes of St. James & Basilica of St. . Montserrat-Mass Contact: Camille Tompkins at the Monastery and the original effigy of the Romanesque at The Catholic Voice Black Madonna. Barcelona – visit the Sagrada Familia, [email protected] Unesco World Heritage “Park Guell”. France – Lourdes – The Shrines and Blessing of the Sick in the legendary healing waters of Lourdes.

Join The Catholic Voice & Unitours, Inc. & Fr. Richard Mangini For a Q & A Informational meeting about the Marian Shrines Pilgrimage. Spiritual Guide Have your Travel questions answered. Find a roommate. Light refreshments will be served Sunday, May 5, 2019 • 1:30 – 2:30 p.m. at St. Bonaventure Parish Hall 5562 Clayton Road, Concord RSVP: [email protected] or 510-419-1081 Fr. Richard Mangini

The Catholic Voice invites you to enjoy an incredible journey! A Marian Shrines Pilgrimage Fatima, Santiago de Compostela, Santander, Lourdes, Montserrat & Barcelona September 23 – October 2, 2019 • 10 Days $3,999* from SFO Includes round-trip airfare from SFO, taxes, surcharges, hotel, breakfast & Table D’ Hote dinners daily as noted on itinerary, air-conditioned motor coach & full-time tour manager. *Double occupancy.

QUICKLY The Catholic Voice invites you on a Hawaiian Pilgrimage! The Catholic Voice invites you on an FILLING UP! LIMITED SEATING, inspirational spiritual adventure in France! BOOK NOW! Honor the The Shrines Great Saints of France of Hawai’i! Pilgrimage Saint Damien of Molokai & Saint Marianne Cope Paris, Lisieux, Chartres, Nevers, Ars, Lourdes September 8 -14, 2019 (7 days) Spiritual Guide $2,899* from SFO NONSTOP (9 days) April 13- 21, 2020 Includes: round-trip airfare from SFO to Honolulu, Molokai excursion, taxes, surcharges, hotel, breakfast, meals per itinerary, tours, Royal Hawaiian Luau, air-conditioned motor Father coach, & full-time tour manager. (*per person based on double occupancy) Jim Schexnayder $4,199* from (SFO) Roundtrip airfare on Air France, hotel, breakfast & dinner per itinerary, air-conditioned motor Highlights include: coach, full-time tour manager, departure tax and current fuel charge, *double occupancy Celebrate Mass at St. Church with Bishop Larry Silva on Kalaupapa with a private tour of Molokai, discover St. Damien’s teaching Highlights Include: of the Catholic faith to Hawaii, St. Patrick’s Church with the collection Paris: Sacré Coeur, Notre Dame Cathedral, Sainte-Chapelle, the Eiffel Tower, of artifacts of St. Damien, Mass at St. Augustine by the Sea, Mass at the Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal on the Rue de Bac, Shrine of St. Vincent de Paul! Cathedral Basilica of Our Lady of Peace, a tour of Pearl Harbor and Lisieux – Visit where St. Therese lived, Carmel Chapel, the Basilica of St. Therese Mass at the Pearl Harbor Catholic Chapel, tour of Honolulu and the Chartres –View the impressive Our Lady of Chartres Cathedral Dole Planation & Royal Hawaiian Luau on Waikiki Beach. Nevers – The convent of St. Gildard, where of Lourdes spent the final years of her life Ars – Shrine of St. John Vianney, saint of parish priests Brochure at https://bit.ly/HawaiiSaints Lourdes – Celebrate Mass at the Grotto & join the candlelight procession, the [email protected] or legendary blessing of the sick & the healing waters of the miraculous Lourdes spring 724-679-7450 (9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. EST) CALL FOR INFORMATION AND RESERVATIONS To receive a mailed brochure contact: Marianna Pisano at Unitours Inc. Camille Tompkins at The Catholic Voice [email protected] 510-419-1081 or [email protected] 1-800-777-7432 (9:00a.m. – 5:00 p.m. EST) Join Spiritual Guides BOOK ONLINE : http://bit.ly/ShrinesFrance2020 To receive a mailed brochure contact: Camille Tompkins at The Catholic Voice Fr. Jayson Most Reverend 510-419-1081 or [email protected] Landeza Larry Silva Bishop Of Honolulu APRIL 8, 2019 THE CATHOLIC VOICE — 7 Holy Week & Easter Liturgies

‘God has invited Holy Week Principal liturgies with Bishop each one here’ Michael C. Barber, SJ, all at the By Michele Jurich Cathedral of Christ the Light, Staff writer 2121 Harrison St., Oakland. At three events on the March 16-17 weekend, Bishop Michael C. Barber, Palm Sunday SJ, welcomed catechumens — those April 14, 10 a.m. seeking baptism and the sacraments of Commemoration of the Lord’s Reconciliation. Eucharist and Confirmation entrance into Jerusalem at the Easter Vigil — at the Rite of Election at the Cathedral of Christ the Light in Oakland. Holy Thursday He also welcomed candidates — those April 18, 7 p.m. who were baptized Catholic or in another VOICE CATHOLIC PACCIORINI/THE C. ALBERT Evening Mass of the Lord’s Supper Christian faith who are preparing to be As their godparents and sponsors placed their hands on them, soon-to-be Followed by Compline (evening received into the Catholic Church at the Catholics were acknowledged by the bishop. prayers) and Adoration in the Easter Vigil. Mausoleum With their godparents and sponsors into the life of the church. reasons for being there. He offered his own beside them, the soon-to-be Catholics sat Their response: I do or Si, queremos. five good reasons he likes being Catholic Good Friday in the first rows of the cathedral, with their Their names were inscribed in each (See page 1). April 19, 3 p.m. guests filling in at the back of the cathedral. parish’s Book of the Elect, which the “God has invited each one here. Why The people who had helped form them bishop signed at the end of each rite. else would you come?’ the bishop said. Celebration of the Passion of the Lord — directors of religious education, or RCIA For those who have already been bap- “He’s opening a door for you. Christ needs leaders, presented the catechumens to tized, the candidates, the bishop inquired you. The Catholic Church needs you.” Holy Saturday the bishop. As each name was read, the of their sponsors if they, too, had been As bishop, he said, “I am here to wel- April 20, 8:30 p.m. catechumen stood. The bishop acknowl- adequately prepared to be received fully come you.” The Easter Vigil edged each one. into the life of the church. Through the three rites, the bishop After being assured by their godparents The candidates, when asked, respond- welcomed 162 catechumens, 131 children Easter Day that the catechumens have been prepared ed: We are or Si, queremos. and 294 candidates. April 21, 10 a.m. to enter the church, the bishop asked the In his homily, the bishop told the gather- “God has called you,” he said. “Try to Solemn Mass catechumens if they wished to enter fully ing that each person had her or his own respond to God’s call every day.” Holy Week Liturgies

alameda St. Philip Neri – St. Albert the Great Parish St. Church St. Joseph Basilica 3101 Van Buren St., Alameda 1022 Holly St., Alameda 1427 Sixth St., Alameda 1109 Chestnut St., Alameda 510-373-5200 510-373-5220 510-522-8933 510-522-0181

St. Philip Neri St. Albert the Great HOLY THURSDAY, APRIL 18 PALM SUNDAY, HOLY THURSDAY, APRIL 18 Saturday, April 13, 5:00 p.m. Vigil 9:00 a.m. Morning Prayer Sunday, April 14, 7:30, 9:30 , 8:30 a.m. Morning Prayer 7:00 p.m. Liturgy of the Lord’s Supper 8:00 p.m. Mass of the Lord’s Supper, 11:30 a.m., 7:00 p.m. with Washing of the Feet and Exposition followed by Adoration of the Blessed of the Blessed Sacrament HOLY THURSDAY, APRIL 18 Sacrament until 11:00 p.m. 8:00 a.m. Morning Prayer 7:00 p.m. Mass of the Lord’s Supper GOOD FRIDAY, APRIL 19 GOOD FRIDAY, APRIL 19 & Washing of the Feet 8:30 a.m. Morning Prayer 4:00 p.m. Seven Last Words 9:00 a.m. Morning Prayer 8:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. Adoration of the 12:00 p.m. Seven Sorrows of Mary 5:00 p.m. Stations of the Cross 12:00 p.m. Sorrowful Mysteries Blessed Sacrament in the Learning Center 1:00 p.m. Stations of the Cross 6:00 p.m. Silent Reflection of the Rosary GOOD FRIDAY, APRIL 19 2:00 p.m. Reflection/Meditation 7:00 p.m. Liturgy of the Lord’s Passion 12:30 p.m. Solemn Stations 8:00 a.m. Morning Prayer 3:00 p.m. Liturgy of the Lord’s Passion with Veneration of the Cross of the Cross 12:00 p.m. Celebration of the Lord’s Passion with Veneration of the Cross 1:30 p.m. Good Friday Service (Liturgy of the Word, Veneration with Veneration of the Cross of the Cross and Communion) HOLY SATURDAY, APRIL 20 2:00 p.m. Stations of the Cross 8:00 p.m. Tenebrae Passion Service 7:00 p.m. Celebration of the Lord’s Passion 8:30 a.m. Morning Prayer No Services and Veneration of the Cross (repeated) 8:00 p.m. Solemn Liturgy of the Easter Vigil; HOLY SATURDAY, APRIL 20 Gather first in the Hall to light the HOLY SATURDAY, APRIL 20 8:00 a.m. Morning Prayer Easter Fire 9:00 a.m. Morning Prayer 10:00 a.m. Blessing of Food 8:00 p.m. Easter Vigil 8:00 p.m. Easter Vigil (followed by reception EASTER SUNDAY, APRIL 21 in Notre Dame Hall) 9:00 a.m. & 11:30 a.m. Easter Mass 8:00 a.m. Easter Mass EASTER SUNDAY, APRIL 21 EASTER SUNDAY, APRIL 21 10:30 a.m. Family Mass (followed by 7:30 a.m. Salubong 7:30 a.m., 9:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. Easter Masses Children’s Easter Egg Hunt on the lawn) 8:00 a.m. & 10:30 a.m. Easter Masses (NO 7:00 p.m. Mass)

Oakland St. Benedict Church St. Columba Catholic Church 6401 San Pablo Ave., Oakland 2245 82nd Avenue, Oakland 510-654-7600 510-632-1847 [email protected] [email protected] 2121 Harrison Street, Oakland • www.ctlcathedral.org www.StColumba_oak.com www.saintbenedictoakland.com Fr. Aidan McAleenan, Pastor PALM SUNDAY OF THE LORD’S PASSION, APRIL 14 8:00 a.m. Vietnamese Mass, *10:00 a.m. Commemoration HOLY THURSDAY, APRIL 18 PASSOVER SEDER DINNER of the Lord’s Entrance into Jerusalem, 6:30 p.m. Mass of The Lord’s Supper April 15 • 6:00 p.m. 12:00 p.m. English/Tagalog Mass, 2:00 p.m. Spanish Mass HOLY THURSDAY, APRIL 18 GOOD FRIDAY, APRIL 19 HOLY THURSDAY, APRIL 18 7:00 p.m. Mass of the Lord’ s Supper *7:00 p.m. Evening Mass of the Lord’s Supper 1:00 p.m. Liturgy of the Lord’s Passion Followed by Compline and Adoration in the Mausoleum GOOD FRIDAY, APRIL 19 GOOD FRIDAY, APRIL 19 HOLY SATURDAY, APRIL 20 Noon – 3:00 p.m. (The Passion of our Lord 12:10 p.m. Stations of the Cross, 8:00 p.m. The Vigil of Easter Jesus Christ followed by the Stations of the Cross) *3:00 p.m. Celebration of the Passion of the Lord EASTER VIGIL, SATURDAY APRIL 20 HOLY SATURDAY, APRIL 20 EASTER SUNDAY, APRIL 21 8:30 p.m. Vigil of the Lord’s Resurrection *8:30 p.m. The Easter Vigil in the Holy Night 8:30 & 11:00 a.m. Easter Sunday Masses (Includes Blessing of the Water: Service of the Light Baptism and Renewal of Baptismal Vows.) EASTER DAY, APRIL 21 EASTER MONDAY, APRIL 22 8:00 a.m. Vietnamese Mass, *10:00 a.m. Solemn Mass, EASTER SUNDAY, APRIL 21 12:00 p.m. English/Tagalog Mass, 2:00 p.m. Spanish Mass 8:00 a.m. Mass 8:00 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. *Liturgies with Bishop Michael C. Barber, SJ (The Liturgies of Easter Sunday) and The Cathedral Choir 8 — THE CATHOLIC VOICE APRIL 8, 2019 Holy Week & Easter Liturgies Come to the Chrism Mass on April 11 Staff report faithful held in the diocese. During the Mass, Members of the Order of Malta Western those present are called to renew their Association donated a gallon of olive oil baptismal promises; priests and deacons pressed in the Holy Land for use in this also reaffirm their ministry by renewing the year’s chrism oil, which will be blessed at promises made at their ordination. the Chrism Mass at 6:30 p.m. April 11 at the The Mass takes its name from the bless- Cathedral of Christ the Light, 2121 Harrison ing of the holy oils used in sacraments St., Oakland. throughout the year. The oils are a sign of This oil is pressed from olives of each parish’s unity with the bishop who is 1,000-year-old Rumi trees at the Monastery of symbolically present in the consecrated oils. St John of Jerusalem at Tantur, between Bishop George V. Murry, SJ, of the Bethlehem and Jerusalem. The care and Diocese of Youngstown, Ohio, will preach harvesting of the olives provides jobs to local the homily during the Chrism Mass. Bishop workers, who are assisted by volunteers. Murry was most recently chairman of the Ad VOICE CATHOLIC PACCIORINI/THE C. ALBERT The Chrism Mass is one of the most sol- Hoc Committee Against Racism of the U.S. With Oakland Bishop Michael C. Barber, SJ, left, are Dr. Tom Wallace and emn and important liturgies of the year and Conference of Catholic Bishops, and previ- Anne Brussok, both members of the Order of Malta Western Association, who is the largest annual gathering of clergy and ously served as USCCB secretary. presented olive oil from the Holy Land to the diocese on March 28.

Working in the parish hall at the Cathedral of Christ the Light, they measured and poured, pausing frequently to How chrism is made smell the concoction. Staff report More than a dozen brown-glass bottles of essential Chrism — the holy oil used in the sacraments of oils lined their work table, as a series of measuring Baptism, Confirmation and Holy Orders — can only be cups and devices, reserved just for this purpose, stood consecrated by a bishop. at the ready. But before the chrism makes its way to the cathedral, Olive oil is the key ingredient in chrism. Fragrances to be consecrated at a Mass before Holy Week, the oil — such as frankincense, eucalyptus, balsam, myrrh and has to be prepared. lavender — and florals — such as lilac, gardenia and In the Diocese of Oakland, by tradition, the process to lily of the valley — are mixed separately. scent the oil to prepare it for its journey to the cathedral, Once those are completed, the balsam and florals and, for some, from there to the parishes, is the work of are mixed together and measured into the waiting oil. the masters of ceremonies of the bishop’s office. The chrism is then set aside to age. While the master of ceremonies may be better known Representatives of each parish will bring clean ves- for the role of rehearsing and ensuring that large, com- sels to be filled with the chrism for use in their parishes. plex liturgies run smoothly, the making of the chrism Chrism is made new each year. Any leftover oils also requires concentration and accuracy. are buried or burned. At the Cathedral Parish, they are The recipe changes slightly from year to year. burned in the Easter Vigil fire. COURTESY PHOTO COURTESY

Oakland St. Margaret Mary Church Divine Mercy Parish Our Lady of Lourdes Church 2808 Lakeshore Avenue, Oakland 1219 Excelsior Ave., Oakland St. Lawrence St. Paschal 510-482-0596 • [email protected] 3725 High St. 3700 Dorisa Ave. 510-451-1790 • lourdesoakland.org www.stmargmaryoak.org PALM SUNDAY – April 14, 2019 *Confessions are heard 30 minutes before Holy Triduum Saturday Vigil Mass 5:00 p.m. all Masses, except on Holy Saturday. HOLY THURSDAY, APRIL 18th Sunday Masses 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. @ St. Paschal Baylon - 7:30 p.m. PALM SUNDAY, APRIL 14, 2019 Multi-Lingual Mass of the Lord’s Supper HOLY WEEK – TRIDUUM 7 a.m. &12:30 p.m. Masses in the Adoration until 10:00 p.m. Daily Masses 8:00 a.m. Extraordinary Form Monday to Wednesday 8:30 a.m. & 10:30 a.m. Masses in the GOOD FRIDAY, APRIL 19th Ordinary Form @ St. Lawrence - 1:30 p.m. Stations of the Cross HOLY THURSDAY – April 18, 2019 3:00 p.m. Liturgy of the Lord’s Passion-English Ligurgy 8:00 p.m. HOLY THURSDAY, APRIL 18, 2019 5:00 p.m. Liturgy of the Lord’s Passion-Vietnamese 8 a.m. Lauds (Morning Prayer) 7:00 p.m. Liturgy of the Lord’s Passion-Spanish 9 a.m. Tenebrae (Extraordinary Form) GOOD FRIDAY – April 19, 2019 5 p.m. Mass of the Last Supper (Extraordinary Form) EASTER VIGIL, SATURDAY, APRIL 20th Liturgy 3:00 p.m. @ St. Lawrence - 8:00 p.m. 8 p.m. Mass of the Lord’s Supper (Ordinary Solemn Vigil of Easter, Multi-Lingual Form) and Adoration of the Blessed HOLY SATURDAY – April 20, 2019 Easter Vigil 8:00 p.m. Sacrament until 11 p.m. EASTER SUNDAY, APRIL 21st @ St. Lawrence: 8:30 a.m. (Vietnamese), GOOD FRIDAY, APRIL 19, 2019 10:30 a.m. (English), and 1:00 p.m. (Spanish) EASTER SUNDAY MASSES – APRIL 21, 2019 8 a.m. Lauds and Stations of the Cross. @ St. Paschal: 8:30 a.m. (English) 9:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. 9 a.m. Tenebrae (Extraordinary Form) Noon Lenten Lamentations 1:30 p.m. Celebration of the Passion of the Lord, with Veneration of the Cross and dublin fremont Holy Communion 3 p.m. Divine Mercy Chaplet 5 p.m. Good Friday Liturgy (Extraordinary Form) St. Raymond Holy Spirit Church & Veneration of the Cross. After the 37588 Fremont Blvd., Fremont Liturgy; Church is open until 9 p.m. for Catholic Church 510-797-1660 • holyspiritfremont.org those who wish to pray before the image 11555 Shannon Ave., Dublin PALM SUNDAY, APRIL 14 Our Lord in the Tomb. 925-828-2460 5:00 p.m. (Saturday Vigil Mass), 7:15, 9:00, 10:45 a.m., www.st-raymond-dublin.org 12:30 & 5:00 p.m. HOLY SATURDAY, APRIL 20, 2019 PALM SUNDAY, APRIL 14 MONDAY, APRIL 15 8 a.m. Lauds Regular Mass Schedule 7:00 p.m. Communal Reconciliation 9 a.m. Tenebrae (Extraordinary Form) Mass begins outside the Church with the blessing of the palms, HOLY THURSDAY, APRIL 18 3 p.m. Chaplet of Divine Mercy the Gospel reading, and a procession into the Church. 8:15 a.m. Morning Prayer 7:30 p.m. Mass of Lord’s Supper followed by 4 p.m. Easter Vigil (Extraordinary Form) HOLY THURSDAY, APRIL 18 8 p.m. Easter Vigil (Ordinary Form) 8:30 a.m. Prayer Service Adoration until 11:00 p.m. (Parish Center) 7:00 p.m. Mass of the Lord’s Supper GOOD FRIDAY, APRIL 19 EASTER SUNDAY, APRIL 21, 2019 There will be no regular daily mass 8:15 a.m. Morning Prayer 12:30 p.m. Solemn Liturgy of the Lord’s Passion, 7 a.m. & 12:30 p.m. Masses in the GOOD FRIDAY, APRIL 19 Veneration of the Cross, and Communion Extraordinary Form 8:30 a.m. Prayer Service 2:00 p.m. Stations of the Cross 8:30 a.m. & 10:30 a.m. Masses in the 12:15 p.m. Stations of the Cross 3:00 p.m. Divine Mercy Novena begins 1:00 p.m. Seven Last Words of Christ 5:00 and 7:30 p.m Solemn Liturgy of the Lord’s Passion Ordinary Form 7:00 p.m. Liturgy of the Friday Passion of the Lord 3 p.m. The Chaplet of Divine Mercy There will be no regular daily mass HOLY SATURDAY, APRIL 20 8:15 a.m. Morning Prayer HOLY SATURDAY, APRIL 20 3:00 p.m. Divine Mercy Novena CHRIST IS RISEN ! 8:30 a.m. Prayer Service 8:00 p.m. Easter Vigil, the Sacraments of Initiation and 8:00 p.m. Easter Vigil of the Holy Night Liturgy of the Holy Eucharist HE IS TRULY RISEN ! There will be no confessions EASTER SUNDAY, APRIL 21 EASTER SUNDAY, APRIL 21 6:00, 7:15, 9:00, 10:45 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. Moran Hall Masses: 9:15, 11:00 a.m. 3:00 p.m. Divine Mercy Novena ALLELUIA. Church Masses: 7:30, 9:00, & 10:45 a.m.; 12:30 p.m. (Spanish) (No 5:00 p.m. Easter Sunday Mass) APRIL 8, 2019 THE CATHOLIC VOICE — 9 Holy Week & Easter Liturgies Meet some of our new Catholics ‘Time to be more active’ “I’ve been going to church,” said Felipe Andrade, who has been in the choir for about three years at Our Lady of the Rosary Church in Union City.

“Now I think VOICE CATHOLIC PACCIORINI/THE C. ALBERT it’s time for me to be more active.” As he is already baptized, Andrade will ALBERT C. PACCIORINI/THE CATHOLIC VOICE CATHOLIC PACCIORINI/THE C. ALBERT ALBERT C. PACCIORINI/THE CATHOLIC VOICE CATHOLIC PACCIORINI/THE C. ALBERT come into full communion with the Georgia Deterra, Linda Jones, Jennifer Jones and Scott Jones at the Cathedral church at the Easter Vigil. of Christ the Light, after Jennifer’s participation in the Rite of Election and Call to Continuing Conversion on March 16. One of the Rite of Election youngest ‘I can be part of the positive change’ “Happy” was how Nadia Soto, 10, Catechumens are those being described herself as she was leav- Jennifer Jones’ life is a miracle. “It’s really marvelous how I discov- baptized and confirmed at Easter. ing the Cathedral of Christ the Light. She weighed less then 2 pounds ered St. Margaret Mary,” she said. A Candidates are those already bap- Nadia, a parishioner at St. Peter at birth. participant in the Ignatian spirituality tized Christians who will become Martyr Church in Pittsburg, was one Her parents’ prayers helped her sur- course mentioned the Oakland church, Catholic at Easter. of the youngest at the March 16 Rite vive those perilous first days, and every where Masses are celebrated in Latin. Catechumens 162 of Election. She said she is looking day thereafter. “I was a little scared,” Jones said. “I Children 131 forward to receiving the sacraments. Baptized as a baby, she had her First didn’t know what to do,” she said. But Candidates 294 “I remember when I did all of mine,” Communion, but, as a teenager, wanted she accepted the invitation to accom- Total 587 said her smiling father, Francisco to stop short of Confirmation. “I thought pany friends there. — Department of Faith Soto. Natalie was also accompanied the fundamental questions were not “I’m struck by the reverence of it,” Formation and Evangelization by her mother, Maria Contreras. being answered,” Jones said. she said. “I can’t member the last time “My parents did not force me,” she I did that.” said, “but they prayed for me. She was granted admission to “My parents are good, faithful the RCIA group. For a young woman Catholics. It was so hard on them when who had studied by the Great Books I didn’t want to be confirmed. They method in college, it was a perfect fit. couldn’t quite understand it, but they The instructor is a professor at Saint respected my decision.” Mary’s College. Those parents, Scott and Linda, were “Steve Cortright uses original text looking on proudly at the Cathedral of and it’s almost like a college class. Christ the Light as Jennifer stood with I found it so rewarding. I was quite her group from St. Margaret Mary Parish adamant in my refusal as a teenager. in Oakland during the Rite of Election I thought my questions were not being and Call to Continuing Conversion on answered.” March 16. With them was Jennifer’s She’s learned, too, that sometimes grandmother, Georgia Deterra, who had answers are hard to come by. celebrated her 92nd birthday earlier in “If he doesn’t know, he’ll say it,” she the week. said. “There’s no sugarcoating; no pre- At 30, Jennifer said, she had been text that living a Christian life is easy.” considering this for a long time. As she looks forward to her confirma- “I just felt called back,” Jennifer said. tion at the Easter vigil, Jennifer Jones “There has been no major life change. looks forward, too, to her future in the The Lord placed this on my heart.” Catholic Church. The journey of Jennifer Jones has “I feel I’ve lost so much time being been fortified by a high school ethics away from church,” she said. She

class at Valley Christian High School hopes that as she learns more, she VOICE CATHOLIC CHRIS SILVA/THE in Dublin, taught by Cornelia Ruff, as might assist others in their return to the well as the Ignatius Spiritual Exercises church. She’d like to help teenagers program led by Miriam Pasqual at St. who, like her, were asking questions ‘Following my feet’ Raymond Parish in Dublin. and to address those questions with “I’m just following my feet,” Crystal Federe said. “I woke up one day and It was a scheduling conflict between intellectual honesty. walked into Mass, and I have been going ever since.” She is in the top row, attending that course and beginning “I can be part of the positive change,” second from right, at the Cathedral of Christ the Light with her fellow cat- the RCIA course that led Jones to St. she said. echumens and candidates from St. Church in Martinez Margaret Mary Parish in Oakland. — Michele Jurich at the March 16 Rite of Election.

lafayette livermore piedmont

St Michael Catholic Parish Corpus Christi Church St. Perpetua Church 458 Maple Street 3454 Hamlin Road, Lafayette Livermore, CA 94550 322 St. James Drive, Piedmont 925-283-0272 • www.stperpetua.org 925-447-1585 510-530-4343 StMichaelLivermore.com Holy Week and Easter Liturgies Celebration of the Triduum Palm Vigil: April 13 Holy Saturday: April 20 Palm Sunday, April 14 5 pm English, 7 pm Spanish 8:30 am Morning Prayer HOLY THURSDAY, APRIL 18th (Blessing of the Palms at all the Masses) Begins in the Courtyard 8:00 pm Easter Vigil Mass 7:00 p.m. Mass of the Lord’s Supper Saturday 5:00 p.m. (multi-lingual) Sunday 8:00, 9:30, 11:30 a.m. Holy Thursday: April 18 GOOD FRIDAY, APRIL 19th 8:30 am Morning Prayer Easter Sunday: April 21 12:30 p.m. Passion of the Lord Holy Thursday, April 18 6:00 pm Mass English, Mass in the Church: 2:00 p.m. Stations of the Cross Evening Mass of the Lord’s Supper, 7:30 p.m. 8:00 pm Spanish 5:30 am, 6:45 am, 8:00 am, (No morning Mass) 9:30 am, 11:00 am, 12:30 HOLY SATURDAY, APRIL 20th pm (Spanish) and 6:00 pm 8:00 p.m. Easter Vigil Mass Good Friday, April 19 Good Friday: April 19 8:30 am Morning Prayer No 5:00 p.m. Mass Stations of the Cross, 1:15 p.m. Mass in the Hall 2 pm Service (English) The Lord’s Passion, 2:00 p.m. 8:15 am (Spanish), 9:45 am 4 pm Passion Play (English) EASTER SUNDAY, APRIL 21st and 11:15 am Easter Vigil, April 20 5 pm Service (English) Easter Masses 8:30 p.m. (No 5:00 p.m. Mass) 6:30 pm Passion Play (Spanish) 8:00 a.m., 10:30 a.m. & 12:30 p.m. Additional parking on Easter Sunday 8:00 pm Service (Spanish) at St Michael School, 4th & Maple St. Easter Sunday, April 21 The Sacrament of Reconciliation 8:00, 9:30 & 11:30 a.m. Follow us on social media! is not celebrated during Holy Week All Sunday Masses at or on Holy Saturday. Stanley Middle School 10 — THE CATHOLIC VOICE APRIL 8, 2019 Holy Week & Easter Liturgies Passion Play recreates how Jesus suffered, died for each one of us Special to The Catholic Voice The Lake County Outdoor Passion Play, one of the largest of such events in the country, will stage its 39th consecutive presentation on May 18 and 19. The drama involves about 150 performers portraying the last days of Christ’s life on earth on a massive 85-acre outdoor setting on the shores of Clear Lake, the largest natural lake in California. The site is about a two-hour drive from the East Bay. The late Rev. Philip J. Ryan and his then fellow priest, Paul Moran, started the play on what was, in 1981, a private ranch owned by the Beltramo family. The Lake County Passion Play formally incorporated in 1990. A few years after the deaths of Mr. and Mrs. Red Beltramo in the late 1990s, the 85-acre ranch was purchased by the organization. All cast and crew members are volunteers as are the Lake County Passion Play Board of Directors. “This year’s performance will be offerred not only as a witness of the cast and crew’s faith in Him crucified, but also out of remembrance for all our loved ones who have past — especially our late producer, Father Philip J. Ryan whose death was in December 2017,” said Rob Haun who has been the director of the play for more than 10 years. As Father Ryan said in the past, “The ground level, where the audience sits, is the perfect setting. It is all flat, so people can see.” The performances take place on various stages and hillsides accompanied by an outdoor sound

system. Attendees should bring their own outdoor chairs. PHOTO COURTESY In keeping with the tradition of the first Passion plays The performances take place on various stages and hillsides accompanied by an outdoor sound system. started in the 13th century, the Lake County Passion Play also instructs all faithful Christians about the key aspect costumes are simple, yet colorful. The cast and crew work example, the cast and crew members continue the work of our faith: God so loved his creation that He sent us his hard every year to capture the essence of life as it was of maintaining the Passion Play grounds throughout the only Son to suffer and die for the remission of sin. The when Jesus walked the Earth. year. The many wildfires in Lake County over the past four play is presented as a prayer and an act of love by the Smoking, food, drinks and pets are prohibited. The years have not broken the spirit of the people determined cast and crew. penitential nature of the performance is not for eating. to continue presenting the play. It is only by the grace of Some have compared the Lake County Passion Local spring water is available as are bathroom facilities. God, and the wonderful support of local firefighters that Play to others such as at Oberammergau in Germany; There are only two performances — in English — lasting the grounds were not completely burned after an accident Spearfish, South Dakota; and Eureka Springs, Arkansas. about two hours each. Admission continues to be free, as last year that started a small grassfire on the grounds. Their response has been that the Lake County Play is requested by the Beltramo family, but helpful donations In the words of St. Teresa of Calcutta, “Come and see,” by far the best. The hills and the rocks of Lake County are accepted. allow the Holy Spirit to work by watching how Jesus suf- are very similar to that of the Holy Land. The handmade As part of their conviction, and after Father Ryan’s fered and died for each one of us.

Actor Gary Sinise describes his road to the Catholic Church By Mark Pattison Wilmington,” Sinise recalled. “Well, she dinner,” he said. “And on the way there, Catholic News Service was telling me this story, and I’m telling I pulled into the church, and everybody WASHINGTON — Gary Sinise, the her we’ve gotta get out of here and drive asked, ‘What are we doing here?’ I said actor perhaps best known for playing Lt. to Charlotte and we’ll fly to Los Angeles. come on in. We walked into the church. Dan in the 1994 movie “Forrest Gump,” While we’re driving, the hurricane was The priest was there, and he confirmed followed a rather unusual path to becom- blasting behind us. She turns around and me. It was beautiful.” ing a Catholic. says, ‘I’m going to the Catholic Church and This is one of the many tales Sinise In a Feb. 4 telephone interview with I’m going to become a Catholic.’ tells in his newly published book, “Grateful Catholic News Service from Los Angeles, “I laughed and said, ‘Wait a minute. American.” In the memoir, he details his life Sinise told his story. We just moved across the street from a growing up in the Chicago suburbs, from “At one point in the late ‘90s, I remem- public school.’ ‘Yes, and I’m going to send being a bratty kid to trying out for a play in ber my wife (Moira) was doing a play, ‘The our kids to a Catholic school,’” he added. high school and catching the acting bug, Playboy of the Western World.’ She was “Sure enough, when we got home she to helping establish the still-going-strong playing a woman in a tavern. She had went to the RCIA program at our local Steppenwolf Theater Co. in the Windy City, just gone through sobriety, and she was Catholic church.” as well as his many adventures in films new to her sobriety as she was playing For the next year, his wife was in and on stage. this woman defending her life in a tavern,” the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults “It’s an autobiography for sure, but it’s Sinise said. program. “We started going to Mass,” a life-changing story,” Sinise said. The “At one point, she went to a Catholic Sinise said. “My wife was confirmed in 9/11 terror attacks were a pivot for him. church looking for an AA meeting. This little Easter 2000. ... The following year that “Something happened when I went from French woman, she asked her, ‘Where’s little church became a sanctuary, a place actor to advocate for our nation’s defend-

the AA meeting?’ She looked at her (Moira) of great comfort” following the 9/11 terror ers,” he said. SINISE/CNS GARY COURTESY and said, ‘You should become a Catholic,’” attacks in 2001. A look at the Gary Sinise Foundation’s This is the cover of “Grateful American,” he added. “Something happened to her at Oh, and “our kids started attending the website, www.garysinisefoundation.org, a memoir that details the life of actor that moment — I don’t know, something school there,” he added. includes a page listing his appearances Gary Sinise growing up in the Chicago that had been aligned within her. Her Sinise himself joined the church in 2010. and visits at military bases and hospitals suburbs. The Catholic actor is perhaps mother was Catholic, but she fell away “I surprised my family. I’d gone through — a list so extensive that Sinise seems to best known for playing Lt. Dan in the from the Church and married a Methodist. the confirmation classes and whatnot be the Bob Hope for the current generation. 1994 movie “Forrest Gump.” She was not raised in any particular faith.” myself behind everybody’s back and I didn’t “That service to others was a great After his wife finished the play, she met tell anybody that I was doing it,” he said. healer to a broken heart after that terrible to our country,” Sinise said. “There’s some- Sinise in North Carolina, where he was “On Christmas Eve 2010 I told the fam- day, when we saw that terrible thing hap- thing to my book where I talk honestly and shooting a movie with Shirley MacLaine. ily I was taking them to dinner at Morton’s pen and we were all afraid and we were say that that particular day was a turning “There was a hurricane coming to Steakhouse and have Christmas Eve all wondering what was going to happen point for a life of service.”

39th Annual Lake County Outdoor Passion Play, 3rd weekend in May 2019 Lake County Outdoor Passion Play Northern California The Passion, Death, Resurrection and Ascension of our Lord, Jesus Christ 4:00 P.M., Saturday & Sunday Let the Holy Spirit lead you! • FREE of charge May 18th & 19th Great for Prayer or Bible Group Outings! • Donations gratefully accepted • Bring your own chair (Weekend after Mother’s Day) Off Highway 29 • Facilities for the Handicapped about 4 miles North of Lakeport, CA • No food, drinks or pets on the grounds 7010 Westlake Rd, Upper Lake, CA 95485 • Fresh spring water available Call: 707-263-0349 or • Positively NO SMOKING! 833-263-5277 (833-263-LCPP) Or visit: www.lakecountypassionplay.org Facebook: facebook.com/PassionPlay/LakeCo/ APRIL 8, 2019 THE CATHOLIC VOICE — 11

• AB 809 would spotlight a Title IX [email protected]. Include your name, protection that would help inform pregnant address, parish and phone number. Catholics advocate for poor, families and parenting students about their rights Participants will be provided back- Staff report Among the legislation they will promote are: on college campuses. ground information on each bill, history of Catholics from throughout California • SB 456 would provide protections for • A budget request that would allow the issue, Catholic Social Teaching and will converge on Sacramento on April 30 places of worship or other faith-based orga- new teachers an individual tax deduction some talking points. for the 21st annual Catholic Advocacy Day. nizations from disclosing personal informa- for professional development expenses To prepare for the advocacy day, with After gathering for prayer and presenta- tion of volunteers to a third party without a to fulfill the requirements for California its theme of Serving the Poor, Lifting Up tions on the legislative issues at Blessed court-issued subpoena, warrant or order. credential. Families, the Diocese of Oakland will Sacrament Cathedral, participants will • SB 298, would commit the Legislature Anyone interested in being a part of the host an Advocacy 101 workshop from walk two blocks to the Capitol to meet with to a goal of reducing childhood poverty by Diocese of Oakland delegation is invited to 7 to 9 p.m. April 25 at St. their representatives in the Assembly and 50 percent by 2039 and provide a framework email Cristina Hernández, Life and Justice Church, 2601 San Ramon Valley Blvd., Senate to advocate for legislation. of research-backed solutions to achieve it. coordinator for the diocese, at chernan- San Ramon.

Everyone dances . . . Friends and catechists 52 parishes in the diocese: All these parishes are touched by either providing volunteer catechists or SPRED Friends. (Continued from Page 1.) years-long relationship whose strength is evident at the All Saints Parish, Hayward St. Clement Parish, Hayward annual gathering. Catholic Community of Pleasanton St. Cornelius Parish, Richmond The May 4 SPRED the Word event begins with a 4 p.m. Christ the King Parish, Pleasant Hill St. Edward Parish, Newark liturgy at Transfiguration Church in Castro Valley. SPRED Church of the Assumption, San Leandro St. Elizabeth Parish, Oakland friends and catechists lead the congregation in responses Church of the Good Shepherd, Pittsburg St. Felicitas Parish, San Leandro using sacred gestures. The homily is short, and, although Corpus Christi Parish, Fremont St. Francis of Assisi Parish, Concord directed to the friends, resonates with all in attendance. Divine Mercy Parish, Oakland St. Parish, Antioch After Mass, the SPRED celebration will continue to the Holy Spirit-Newman Hall, Berkeley St. Isidore Parish, Danville parish hall, where a ’50s-inspired meal will be prepared. Holy Spirit Parish, Fremont St. Jarlath Parish, Oakland There will be raffles and other opportunities to support Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish, Brentwood St. Joachim Parish, Hayward the ministry. Most Holy Rosary Parish, Antioch St. Joan of Arc Parish, San Ramon SPRED’s news this year is good: The newest SPRED Our Lady of Good Counsel Parish, San Leandro St. Parish, San Lorenzo center, at Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish in Fremont, Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish, Fremont St. John Vianney Parish, Walnut Creek opened last fall with three friends, ages 6 to 10, and five Our Lady of the Rosary Parish, Union City St. Joseph Basilica Parish, Alameda catechists. Queen of All Saints Parish, Concord St. Joseph Parish, Fremont Michelle Martinez-Kilty, who coordinates the St. Barnabas Parish, Alameda St. Joseph Parish, Pinole St. Parish, Berkeley St. Joseph the Worker Parish, Berkeley diocesan program, predicts that number will dou- St. Anne Parish, Walnut Creek St. Leander Parish, San Leandro ble in the fall as parents tell other parents about St. Anne Parish, Union City St. Leo Parish, Oakland the program. St. Anthony, Mary Help of Christians Parish, Oakland St. Parish, Oakland The ability to open new centers, and to welcome St. Anthony Parish, Oakley St. Mary Magdalen Parish, Berkeley new friends, is totally dependent on the availability of St. Bede Parish, Hayward St. Michael Parish, Livermore catechists, she said. Those interested in becoming a St. Bernard Parish, Oakland St. Peter Martyr Parish, Pittsburg catechist – and becoming a member of a small faith com- St. Bonaventure Parish, Concord St. Raymond Parish, Dublin munity — are invited to call the SPRED Model Center, St. Catherine of Siena Parish, Martinez St. Stephen Parish, Walnut Creek which is at the St. Paschal Baylon campus of Divine Mercy St. Charles Borromeo Parish, Livermore in Oakland, at 510-635-7252.

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was ordained to the priesthood in 1974. In Our Lord . . . the years that followed he held a variety (Continued from Page 1.) of positions in the diocese, from associate Detectives: priest admits sexual hood to be: ‘the love of the heart of Jesus.’ pastor and administrator at parishes in I shall truly miss him.” Oakland (St. Louis Bertrand, St. Cyril and In a 2010 reflection, “Why I Became St. Paschal Baylon), Hayward (All Saints) misconduct with minor a Priest,” that he wrote for The Catholic and Richmond (St. Cornelius); to serving By Michele Jurich any priestly ministry during the investigation. Voice, Father Matthews, a Berkeley native, as chaplain to the Oakland police and fire Staff writer According to the sheriff’s office, its recalled being captivated by the stained- departments and as vicar and spiritual “My heart is broken on learning Father investigation learned this alleged abuse glass windows of his home parish, St. director of Black Catholics. David Mendoza-Vela has admitted to occurred with one child victim, age 14 or Ambrose. “The artwork depicted scenes of Father Matthews played a key role in inappropriate sexual contact with a minor,” 15. The sheriff’s office said it was unaware our salvation history and I felt good about the emergence of the Black Catholic move- Bishop Michael C. Barber, SJ, said in an of any other child victims. being a part of that history,” he wrote. ment in the Diocese of Oakland, said Marie April 2 statement. “This conduct is unac- The sheriff’s office said it was unaware In the mid-1950s his family moved to St. Taylor. The movement, came to life in the ceptable for anyone, but especially for a of any cases in Fremont and has been in Bernard Parish in East Oakland. There he wake of the Black Power movement and man who is supposed to model virtue and contact with Fremont Police. found models of faith. “By the time I reached developments following the assassination grace, not sin and harm. Bishop Barber, in his April 2 statement, the age of reason, I put aside imagining I of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr., as Black “Our prayers are with those who have encouraged anyone with information was the Lone Ranger and the Cisco Kid Catholics urged the Church to address the suffered from his actions. I renew our offer they believe relevant to the case of Rev. (two of my childhood heroes) and believed I needs of their community. of counseling, therapy, support and out- Mendoza-Vela to contact the Alameda could be like Father Denis Kelly and Father “Father Jay’s contribution to the dio- reach to survivors of clergy sexual abuse.” County District Attorney’s Office on its Ernie Brainard. Here were priests who dedi- cese is overwhelming,” Taylor said. “As Father Mendoza-Vela, 42, had been confidential hotline at 510-272-6395. cated their lives to God and to His people the first Black Catholic priest ordained for arrested March 28 after concluding an eve- “I am grateful to the police and pros- and seemed very happy in serving the the Diocese of Oakland, he made Black ning service by detectives from the Alameda ecuting attorneys for their careful and thor- parish and school,” Father Matthews wrote. Catholic culture relevant.” County Sheriff Office’s Special Victims Unit ough work in bringing justice and mercy to The priest also noted the “three beauti- In addition to his leadership in the local at Corpus Christi Church in Fremont, where those harmed by abusers,” the bishop said. ful women,” who played major roles in his and Bay Area Black Catholic community, he served as parochial administrator. “The needs of victims and survivors, journey to the priesthood. His Catholic Father Matthews was also involved with the According to court documents made and the protection of children and vulner- maternal grandmother, he wrote, wisely Black Catholic community nationwide. News available on April 2, during an interview able adults is our first priority,” the bishop encouraged him to “listen to the whisper of of the priest’s passing is posted on the web- with detectives, the priest confessed to said. “I continue to work with my staff and God.” Additionally, she helped to craft vest- site of the National Black Catholic Congress. inappropriately touching a teenager from experts to determine how we can improve ments for her grandson, then around 8 and Closer to home, nearly every media out- June 2016 to December 2017. At the our training and formation of not just semi- 9 years of age, so that he could “practice let in the San Francisco Bay Area has cov- conclusion of the interview, detectives narians, but all who serve children in our saying Mass.” His Methodist paternal grand- ered the news of Father Matthews’ death. reported, the priest wrote a letter of apol- church, to strengthen our network of safety mother gave him his first Bible as a First Father Jay has always had a “larger than ogy to the victim’s family. and protection. I pray all can understand Communion gift “that prepared me along life profile,” said Rev. James Schexnayder, Father Mendoza-Vela was booked into how seriously we are addressing this the way to do very well in my Scripture a retired priest of the Diocese of Oakland. Santa Rita Jail in Dublin early the next scourge of clergy sexual abuse, not just courses in the seminary”; and Holy Cross “He had such great energy, he never morning. He was accused of 30 counts of by our words, but by our actions.” Sister Bernard Joseph “esteemed my piety seemed to stop. He did marriages and lewd and lascivious conduct with a minor. A letter from Bishop Barber was read, and prayed my way to the seminary.” funerals from all over,” he said. The incidents are alleged to have begun in English and Spanish, at March 30-31 In 1960 Father Matthews’ family moved That energy helped Father Matthews when Father Mendoza-Vela was a paro- Masses at both St. John the Baptist and to St. Benedict Parish where he gained who, in addition to his role as rector at the chial vicar at St. John the Baptist Church in Corpus Christi parishes. additional guidance for his journey from Cathedral of Christ the Light, was paro- San Lorenzo. His bail was set at $900,000. Hector David Mendoza-Vela was born in Father Dan Finnegan and Holy Family chial administrator at Our Lady of Lourdes The Diocese of Oakland learned of El Salvador. He came to the United States Sisters Margaret Mary and Josita. Parish, on the other side of Lake Merritt. the arrest through its established Safe in 2008 and is a legal resident of the United On his confirmation day in 1962 Bishop Because he had the incredible ability to Environment procedures. Clergy, employees States. In this country, he studied at Mount Floyd L. Begin, the founding bishop of connect with people throughout the East and all volunteers over the age of 18 who Angel Seminary in Oregon and St. Patrick’s Oakland, invited Jay Matthews to become Bay, Father Matthews also forged strong have direct, ongoing contact with minors or Seminary in Menlo Park. He was ordained a priest. “Excited by the invitation, I relationships within the area’s interfaith vulnerable adults are required to be finger- May 18, 2013, at the Cathedral of Christ the wanted to enter St. Joseph’s Seminary,” community. “Jay was Jay,” said Father printed and cleared through the Department Light, for the Diocese of Oakland. His first he recalled. “My parents felt that I was too Schexnayder, pastoral minister at Our of Justice before beginning service. assignment was as parochial vicar at St. young to make such a life-altering deci- Lady of Lourdes. “He was often on the run When a person who has been finger- John the Baptist Church in San Lorenzo, sion, and the compromise was to wait until to do good in all directions.” printed by the diocese is arrested, the Safe where the abuse is alleged to have occurred. after high school. In the meantime, Bishop But for many who met and knew him, Environment office receives a report of the He became parochial administrator of Begin stayed in touch with my parents, and the death of the beloved and gregarious arrest. That report arrived March 29. Corpus Christi Church in Fremont in 2016. in the fall of 1966, I was seminary bound.” priest has been a personal loss. “For me Bishop Barber placed Father Mendoza- Father Mendoza-Vela, who is being After graduating from St. Patrick’s he has been a wise mentor and friend,” said Vela on administrative leave. He may not pres- held without bail, is scheduled to appear Seminary in Menlo Park Father Matthews Father Schexnayder. “I miss him already.” ent himself in public as a priest nor engage in in court again on April 23. Classified Advertisements • 510-419-1081 The Catholic Voice next edition: April 29 • Deadline: April 19

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[email protected] www.irishhelpathome.com • Gardening * Hauling • New Lawns * • Tree Service *Clean ups The Catholic Voice reserves the right to accept or reject any advertisement submitted for publication; however, • Sprinklers Systems The Catholic Voice does not attempt to investigate or verify claims made in advertisements. The appearance The Catholic • Maintenance of advertising in The Catholic Voice in no way implies endorsement or approval of any advertising claims or Voice is on • Pressure Washing of the advertiser, its product or services. The Catholic Voice disclaims any liability whatsoever in connection Facebook Call: 510-472-6183 with advertising appearing in its publication. Business ID#301763 APRIL 8, 2019 DATELINES THE CATHOLIC VOICE — 13 u NEW EVENTS u May 16 to 19 LENTEN SPIRITUALITY Poetry: Expressing the Inexpressible. At Santa April 13 and 14 AND EVENTS Sabina Retreat, Retreat weekend with Kim Stafford, St. Gerard Women’s Club of St. John’s Church poet laureate of Oregon. Fee for the program with Annual Easter Bake Sale and Raffle. April 13: 3 to Wednesday, April 10 three nights lodging and meals, $450; commuter 8:30 p.m.; April 14: 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 264 E. Lewelling Lenten Taize Prayer Service. Wednesdays, 7 fee: $375. Registration deposit: $150. Information: Blvd., San Lorenzo. There will be a continental break- to 8 p.m. at San Damiano Retreat, 710 Highland 415-457-7727; [email protected]; or fast offered April 14 at 8:30 a.m. Proceeds benefit St. Drive, Danville. Free. Information: www.sanda- www.santasabinacenter.org. John Church. Information: call Cheryl Henderson, miano.org or 925-837-9141, ext. 315. 510-278-2906 or Mary Barranco, 510-278-5315. u TAIZÉ Thursday, April 11 (An ecumenical, candlelit service of prayer in April 15 to 17 Facing the Love of God (Lenten Contemplative        Holy Week Visiting Speaker Series 2019. 7 p.m. at simple chant, Scripture readings, silent worship Prayer) with Father Rusty Shaughnessy and and veneration of the cross.) St. Francis of Assisi Church, 860 Oak Grove Road, Sister Celeste Crine. Thursdays, 7 to 8 p.m. Concord. April 15: The Virgin Mary, Miracles, and at San Damiano Retreat, 710 Highland Drive, Friday, April 19 Conversion presented by Christine Watkins, author Danville. Information: www.sandamiano.org or April 13, 14, 17, 19 LENT 6 p.m. at Christ the King Church, 199 Brandon of “Full of Grace” (Ave Maria Press, 2010); April 16: 925-837-9141, ext. 315. 27th Annual Passion Play at Church of the The Unseen Power of Prayer presented by Michael Good Shepherd. At 3200 Harbor St., Pittsburg. Road, Pleasant Hill. Third Sundays at a participat- McDevitt (author of the book by the same title, Our Friday, April 12 The youth of Good Shepherd Church are pre- ing area church. No Taizé on Easter Sunday. Sunday Visitor, 2008) and Custodian of the Writings of Stations of the Cross for Seniors. 2:30 p.m. at senting “The Passion of our Lord Jesus Christ” the , Cora Evans; April 17: Devotions Dominican Sisters Motherhouse Chapel, 43326 in a play on April 13 (Palm Sunday vigil) at 7 April 19, May 17 and the Mass presented by Nathan Cho, Coordinator Mission Circle (entrance off Mission Tierra), p.m.; April 14 (Palm Sunday) at 5:30 p.m.; and 8 to 9 p.m. at Dominican Sisters of Mission San of Religious Education at Saint Francis of Assisi. Free Fremont. With Sister Mary Mark Schoenstein, April 19 (Good Friday) at 7:30 p.m. An added Jose Chapel, 43326 Mission Circle, Fremont, (off and open to all, donations gladly accepted. St. Francis OP. 510-933-6360. presentation will be offered April 17 at 6 p.m. Mission Tierra). Third Fridays, Sept. to May. 510- Parish main office: 925-682-5447. 933-6366 or [email protected]. Fry-Day Night Lenten Fish Fry, Grilled Cheese This is the Youth Ministry’s largest project Saturday, April 27 and Pasta Too. All You Can Eat. 5 to 7 p.m. at St. of the year and involves the participation of Raymond Parish, 11555 Shannon Ave., Dublin. over 75 youth and adult leaders. Information: Friday, April 26 St. Joseph Parish Men’s Club Chuckwagon Debbie Lawson, 925-439-1091 8 p.m. at St. Joseph Basilica, 1109 Chestnut St., 6 p.m. every Friday BBQ & Music. 6:30 p.m. in the St. Joseph Parish Lenten Fish Fry dinners. Alameda. Every fourth Friday, (every third Friday during Lent, St. Philip Neri Hall, High and Van Hall at 43148 Mission Blvd, Fremont. Tri-tip or in November and December). www.facebook.com/ Buren streets, Alameda; adults, $15; children, April 18 to 21 salmon. Live music: Sylvia Herold & Her Saddle TaizeOnTheIsland. Pals and a 50/50 cash raffle. $20 dine-in. Contact $5. Dinner starts after Stations of the Cross, Holy Week Retreat with Father Rusty Axel Brisken, 510-623-1055, or abrisken@sbc- which start at 5:30 p.m. Shaughnessy and San Damiano staff. At global.net to reserve your table. San Damiano Retreat, 710 Highland Drive, u SUPPORT GROUPS April 12 to 14 Danville. Cost: $265 (private room) or $235 May 1, 2 and 3 Palm Sunday Weekend Retreat — Women (shared room). Information/registration: www. April 9, 16, 23, 30, May 7, 14 sandamiano.org or 925-837-9141, ext. 315. Marian Festival at St. Joachim Church. 7 p.m. (each and Men. At Jesuit Retreat Center of Los Altos, Spring Grief Workshop at St. Joan of Arc Parish. night) at 21250 Hesperian Blvd., Hayward. Multilingual 300 Manresa Way, Los Altos. $280. Registration/ 7 to 9 p.m. at 2601 San Ramon Valley Blvd., San Rosary followed by Mass. On May 3, followed by a information: www.jrclosaltos.org. Friday, April 19 Ramon. Pre-registration is required, there is no fee. Rosary Procession. Parish office: 510-510-783-2766. Annual Good Friday Protest. At Vasco and Information: Susan, 925-830-1737. Saturday, April 13 Patterson Pass Road, Livermore. Worship ser- Thursday, May 2 Lenten Stations of the Cross with Jan Stegner. vices at 7 a.m. followed by a procession to the April 11, 25, May 9, 23, June Oakland Elizabeth House Annual Benefit Luncheon. 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. at San Damiano Retreat, 710 lab’s west gate where a number of protesters 13, 27, July 11, 25, Aug. 8 11 a.m. at Claremont Country Club, 5295 Broadway Highland Drive, Danville. Free. Information: www. will block the gates and face arrest. David Brazil sandamiano.org or 925-837-9141, ext. 315. will be the main speaker for the event. Grief Support. 7:30 p.m. at St. Elizabeth Seton Terrace, Oakland. $95 per person before April 15, $115 Church, 4001 Stoneridge Drive, Pleasanton. You per person after. Keynote speaker: Nancy O’Malley, do not have to suffer the death of a loved one Alameda County District Attorney. Tickets can be Adoration Chapel, adjacent to the church. A code alone. Information: Eleanor at 925-846-8708. All are purchased online at www.oakehouse.org/events. u EUCHARISTIC is required to enter, dial the parish office for access welcome regardless of religious affiliation. Information: 510-658-1380 or [email protected]. ADORATION at 925-439-6404. St. John the Baptist Divine Mercy Adoration Thursday, April 18 Saturday, May 4 Chapel, 11152 San Pablo Ave., El Cerrito. 510- First Fridays Catholic Divorced Widowed and Separated of FESCO 21st Annual Shuffle Walk-A-Thon, 9 230-4325; [email protected]. 9 a.m. to noon at St. Felicitas Church, 1662 Manor Contra Costa. 7 to 9 p.m. at St. Mary Church, 2039 a.m. to noon at the San Leandro Marina Park, Holy Spirit Parish, 37588 Fremont Blvd., Fremont. Blvd., San Leandro. 510-351-5244. Mt. Diablo Blvd., Walnut Creek. Special notifica- Seagull Picnic Site. Help raise funds for FESCO, 510-797-1660. tion: We will not have a meeting on April 18, Holy the Family Emergency Shelter Coalition that assists 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at St. Philip Neri Church, 3100 St. Michael Parish, 458 Maple St. at Fourth Van Buren St., Alameda. 510-373-5200. Thursday, ONLY. Our meetings will resume on the families with children who find themselves homeless. Third Thursdays in May. Joan S., 925-939-1007. Enjoy exercise, food, entertainment and friendship. St., Livermore. To schedule: Adoration@ 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. at St. Raymond Church, 11555 Register or donate at www.fescoshuffle.org. StMichaelLivermore.com. Shannon Ave., Dublin. Tuesdays Daily 8:45 a.m. to 1 p.m. and from 7 to 10 p.m. at St. Divorce Support Workshops. 7 p.m. at St. u SPIRITUALITY Joseph Basilica, 1109 Chestnut St., Alameda. Joan of Arc Parish, 2601 San Ramon Valley 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. at St. Agnes Parish, 3966 510-522-0181. Chestnut Ave., Concord. Blvd., San Ramon. This is a video series by April 8, 15, 22, 29 DivorceCare. Questions/registration, email 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Most Holy Rosary Church, Weekly meditation groups in the John Main, First Saturdays Rosemarie McKenney, [email protected]. 1313 A St., Antioch. 925-757-4020. OSB, tradition. 5:30 and 7:30 p.m. Mondays in Immediately following 8:30 a.m. Mass until the Keeley Center, St. Charles Borromeo Church, 3:30 p.m. at St. John Vianney Church, Mullen Second and Fourth 1315 Lomitas Ave., Livermore. Claire La Scola, Monday to Saturday, Commons Library, 1650 Ygnacio Valley Road, 925-447-9800 or [email protected]. First Friday Walnut Creek. 925-939-7911. Tuesdays St. John Vianney Grief Ministry. 7 p.m. in 9:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday to Saturday, 9:30 April 9, 16, 23, 30 a.m. to midnight every first Friday at Our Lady of Every last Saturday Mullins Common, 1650 Ygnacio Valley Road, Men of St. Joseph meeting. 7 to 8 a.m. Tuesdays Good Counsel Chapel, 2500 Bermuda Ave., San Immediately after 7 p.m. Spanish Mass; ends with Walnut Creek. Facilitator: Rev. Padraig Greene. in St. Anthony room at St. Mary of the Immaculate Leandro. 510-614-2765. benediction at 9 p.m., St. Joseph Church, 837 Information: Eileen Matthews, 925-939-8199 or Conception Church, 2039 Mt. Diablo Blvd., Walnut Tennent Ave., Pinole. 510-741-4900. [email protected]. Creek. Information: michaelgallagher1025@ Mondays Third Wednesdays outlook.com. 7 to 8:30 p.m. in the chapel at St. Francis of u EVENTS Assisi Church, 860 Oak Grove Ave., Concord. Military Peer Support Group. 7 to 8 p.m. in the April 9, 23 925-682-5447. April 11, 12, 13 rectory at St. Augustine Church, 3999 Bernal Ave., Pleasanton. Veterans share life challenges and Fil/Am ministry. 7:30 p.m. second and fourth Saint Mary’s College High School Musical opportunities. Contact: Dom Pietro at 925-462- Tuesdays, St. Clement Parish Center, 750 Calhoun Mondays, Tuesdays, Production: Mamma Mia! 7 p.m. in the school 4665 or [email protected]. St., Hayward. Simon Medrano, 510-303-2965. auditorium at 1294 Albina Ave., Berkeley. Hannah Thursdays, Fridays Davey is the Director. Tickets are $10 in advance April 10, 17, 24 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., in the convent chapel and 2 to online and $15 at the door, cash only. Tickets will be Fourth Wednesdays Perpetual Help Devotion Baclaran format. 9 p.m. in the church on Wednesdays at St. Bede available for purchase online at BrownPapertickets. Family Caregiver Support Ministry. 7 p.m. in 8:15 a.m. Wednesdays after last morning Mass, Parish, 26950 Patrick Ave., Hayward. 510-782-2171. com starting March 25. Limited on-site parking is rooms 214 and 215 in the Ministry Center at St. Our Lady Queen of the World Church, 3155 available on the campus. www.saintmaryschs.org. Isidore Church, 440 La Gonda Way, Danville. Winterbrook Drive, Bay Point, 925-550-0679. Mondays, Wednesdays Family caregivers are invited to our monthly meet- 12:45 to 6:30 p.m., St. Elizabeth Seton Church, u RETREATS ings which include prayer, handouts on caregiving Wednesday, April 17 4001 Stoneridge Drive, Pleasanton. and discussion related to coping when caring for loved ones. Dave Clare, 925-314-5784. Holy Hour for Priests. 10:30 a.m., St. Margaret Tuesdays April 10, May 22 Mary Parish, 1219 Excelsior Avenue, Oakland Days of Prayer. 9:30 a.m. to 2:15 p.m. at Santa Thursdays 510-482-0596. All priests serving in the diocese are 8 a.m. to 6:45 p.m. benediction in Mary’s Chapel Sabina Center, 25 Magnolia Ave., San Rafael. April Widows/widowers grief support group. 5 p.m. welcome. Holy Hour is held on the third Friday of at St. Jarlath Church, 2620 Pleasant St., Oakland. 10: Sisters Patricia Bruno, OP and Jude Siciliano, at Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish, 500 Fairview the month, except during the summer months, as OP; May 22: Rev. Joe Nassal, CPPS. Our silent, Ave., Brentwood. Sandy Heinisch, 925-513-3412 a service to priests, by the Prelature of Opus Dei. First Tuesdays reflective day closed with liturgy at 1:15 p.m. or [email protected]. The Sacrament of Reconciliation heard by a priest 7 to 8 p.m., Eucharistic Adoration in Vietnamese, Suggested offering: $20. 415-457-7727. of Opus Dei is available during Holy Hour and a lun- at St. Joseph Basilica, 1109 Chestnut St., Parents Who Have Lost a Child Grief Support cheon hosted by St. Margaret Mary Parish follows. Alameda. 510-522-0181. April 23 to May 14 Group. At Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish, 500 Fairview Ave., Brentwood. Sandy Heinisch, 925- Contemporary Women in Spirituality Series 513-3412 or [email protected]. Mondays Wednesdays with Jan Stegner. Tuesdays, 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Rosary in Spanish. 7:30 p.m., St. Joseph Parish 6 to 7 p.m. Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament; at San Damiano Retreat, 710 Highland Drive, Center, 2100 Pear St., Pinole. 510-741-4900. Confessions: 6 to 6:45 p.m. at St. Joseph the Danville. Cost: $35 per session and includes lunch. u CFCS EVENTS AND Worker Church, 1640 Addison St., Berkeley. Information/registration: www.sandamiano.org or GRIEF MINISTRY Wednesdays 510-843-2244; www.stjosephtheworkerchurch.org. 925-837-9141, ext. 315. WINGS (Women in God’s Spirit). 9 to 11:15 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. at St. David of Wales Church, SUPPORT GROUPS a.m. at St. Raymond Parish, Moran Hall, 11555 5641 Esmond Ave., Richmond, 510-237-1531. April 26 to 28 Presented by the Catholic Funeral and Cemetery Shannon Ave., Dublin. A different faith topic is pre- Maryknoll Vocations Retreat. At Maryknoll Services Grief Ministries, Diocese of Oakland. sented each week followed by discussion and shar- Thursdays Center, 55 Ryder Road, Ossining, NY. For men and Sessions are open to all, regardless of religious ing in small groups. Kathy Morte, 925-833-7819. Immediately following 8 a.m. Mass until noon, in women thinking of becoming missionary Priests, affiliation. Meditation of the next Sunday Gospel and the Chapel at St. Anne Church, 1600 Rossmoor Brothers, Sisters, Short Term Volunteers or Lay Coronilla in Spanish. 7:30 p.m. at St. Joseph Pkwy., Walnut Creek, 925-932-2324. Missioners. Information: 914-941-7636, ext. 2416 u EVENTS Parish Center, 2100 Pear St., Pinole. 510-741-4900. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursdays, 6 p.m. to 7 a.m. Sunday or [email protected]. (first Saturdays), St. Isidore Church, 440 La April 27 and 28 First Wednesdays Gonda Way, Danville. 925-837-2122. April 26 to 28 Parish Outreach, Our Lady of Lourdes Parish, Catholic Men’s Night. 7 p.m. at St. Mary of the Building Bridges in a Polarized World Retreat. 2808 Lakeshore Ave., Oakland, 510-451-1790 for Immaculate Conception Parish, 2039 Mt. Diablo Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays At Maryknoll Mission Center Los Altos, 23000 further information. Blvd., Walnut Creek. Adoration, Confession and 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays, 9 a.m. to Cristo Rey Drive, Los Altos. Information: contact rosary for men. Food and drink follow. Contact: 3 p.m. Saturdays at St. Mary Church, 2039 Mt. Kris East, [email protected] or 510-276-5021. May 18 and 19 [email protected]. Diablo Blvd., Walnut Creek, 925-891-8900. Parish Outreach, St. Leo the Great Parish, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thursdays, 9 a.m. to mid- Sunday, April 28 176 Ridgeway Ave., Oakland, 510-654-6177 for Thursdays night Fridays, midnight Fridays to 8 a.m. Retreat for Mothers — with Mary Abinante. 9 further information. Holy Hour for Vocations. 7 p.m. at Corpus Christi Saturdays, Immaculate Heart of Mary Church, a.m. to 3 p.m. at Vallambrosa Center, 250 Oak Parish, 37891 Second St., Fremont. 510-790-3207. 500 Fairview Ave., Brentwood. 925-634-4154. Grove Ave., Menlo Park. Fee: $49, includes lunch. Eucharist will be celebrated. Information: www. Next Voice: April 29. Submis­ sions­ by First Thursdays Fridays vallombrosa.org or 650-325-5614. April 17 to Carrie McClish, 2121 Harri­ Holy Hour-First Thursday (or Thursday before first Noon to 5 p.m. at St. Catherine of Siena Church, April 28 to May 2 son St., Suite 100, Oakland, CA 94612; Friday.) 7 p.m. at St. Margaret Mary Church, 1219 606 Mellus St., Martinez. 925-324-3589. 1 to 8 [email protected] (text/photos); Excelsior Ave., Oakland. Every Thursday before the First p.m. at St. Monica Church, 1001 Camino Pablo, Spring Working Retreat with Father Rusty Friday is a day of special prayer for the new vocations Moraga. 925-376-6900. After the 7:30 a.m. Mass Shaughnessy and Janet Gardner. Free. phone 510-419-1074; or by fax at 510- to the priesthood and religious life and for our priests, until 9 a.m., at Church of the Good Shepherd, Information/registration: www.sandamiano.org or 893-4734. religious, deacons and seminarians. 510-482-0596. 3200 Harbor St., Pittsburg, and 24-hours in the 925-837-9141, ext. 315. 14 — THE CATHOLIC VOICE FORUM APRIL 8, 2019 VANTAGE POINTS Echoes of an empty chamber; what is it telling us? By Rev. Stephen A. Barber, SJ Their personal and legal recourse Robin Samsoe, age 12. Marcella Davis, involves the governor necessarily. He must age 7. Samantha Runnion, age 5. Gregory now, and in the future, listen to them all. As , age 12. Ernesto Esquivel, age well, it signals a twinning of biblical justice 5. Guadalupe “Lupita” Esquivel, age 2. and mercy here in our own state of California. Sophia Acosta, age 3. As this series of operative conditions Any discussion of the death penalty resets the execution procedure, I stand in California, or in any jurisdiction in the with the governor in his pursuit of bring- United States, must begin with a mention, ing about a more humane and God-like by name, of those whose lives were taken society. A society where legal execution far too soon. Those souls named above — homicide — is no longer an option. are but a fraction of the murder victims Recently, many have made public outcry whose lives intersected with men cur- regarding the moral mire of the college admis- rently living in San Quentin State Prison, sions scandal. Justice or injustice for the top 1 condemned to death. percent. We will see where all of this ends up. By extension are included the families What stands so clear, and unambigu- and loved ones they left behind: mothers ous, is the photo of the empty, dismantled and fathers, brothers and sisters, grandpar- execution chamber. A now former tomb. ents and caregivers. Gov. Gavin Newsom, That picture tells a thousand words. by virtue of the authority he enjoys as gov- Some of those words belong to the

ernor of California, placed a “moratorium” on BARBER, SJ STEPHEN A. REV. COURTESY prophet : “Cast away from you all the process of executions at San Quentin. the crimes you have committed, says the Rev. Stephen A. Barber, SJ, served in the Office of the Catholic Chaplain at San His declaration, an act of stunning moral Lord, and make for yourselves a new heart Quentin State Prison from 1996 to 2011, the last eight years as the full-time pas- and spiritual clarity, took many by surprise. and a new spirit.” (Mass for the Friday of tor of Our Lady of the Rosary Chapel on the prison grounds. For over a decade, I worked at San the First Week in Lent.) Quentin State Prison as Catholic chaplain. I was at San Quentin when the most In virtually every condemned man, I My prayer remains that this ancient The work and ministry there as priest includ- recent spate of executions took place. Three realized that the ongoing work of God prophesy be realized in the families of all ed every member of the condemned popula- inmates were put to death: Donald Beardsley, remained, as it does for us all, unfinished. victims, as well as in my brothers who live tion, the correctional staff and administration. Stanley Williams and Clarence Ray Allen. Two Yet the work was perceptible and real. at San Quentin: in East Block, North Seg., In my years there I watched the condemned others, by last minute stays, were spared exe- In those years, the force of the and in the Ad. Seg. population grow. As well, I grew to know in cution: Kevin Cooper and Michael Morales. Restorative Justice movement began God’s Blessing remain with you all, always. a particular way, the men whose lives and Since Mr. Morales’ date, the execu- to take on larger consequence at San circumstances led them to live behind bars. tion procedure has been placed on hold. Quentin. “Lifers” and “condemned” alike (Father Stephen A. Barber, SJ, served in The learning curve was steep. What I watched as Mr. Allen, 76 years of age, sought to embrace, with greater clar- the Office of the Catholic Chaplain at San impressed me immediately, all those blind, handcuffed to a wheelchair, was ity about their own lives, the Restorative Quentin State Prison from 1996 to 2011, years ago, was the day-to-day human prepared for his “special event.” Days mercy and Rehabilitative justice of God. the last eight years as the full-time pastor dignity I encountered. Many of the men before, we spoke together of his Native I witnessed it personally. of Our Lady of the Rosary Chapel on the maintained the faith walk that preceded American Spirituality — of being “released” The prophetic gesture of Gavin prison grounds. He served at San Quentin their incarceration. from prison, his “regaining” his sight, Newsom accomplishes a kind of prudential during the last three executions in California. And once inside, they continued to pur- and his reunion with his ancestors, all to witness with real life consequences. As I He is now Director of Cura Personalis (care sue education and self-help rehabilitation be accomplished in the presence of his referenced above, it has direct impact on for the whole person) at Loyola High School, groups. These human initiatives continue, Creator. This gave Clarence, I hope, some families and loved ones of victims of the Los Angeles, and Minister to the Jesuit com- and are valued, to this day. degree of comfort and peace. most violent crime imaginable. munity at the school.) Catholic parents should resist need Catholic school bans same for a high-priced university By George Weigel Did I have any suggestions? Yes, I said. sex couple’s kindergartner Readers of a certain vintage (say, over Next fall, give the parents of every incom- 60) will remember the Imperial Margarine ing senior a copy of Tom Wolfe’s novel, “I By Rev. Gerald D. Coleman, PSS a wonderful community and education TV ad that dismissed butter as “the high- Am Charlotte Simmons.” It’s quite raw at A Roman Catholic grade school in … lacks the compassion and mercy of priced spread.” That image came to mind certain points, I warned. But the story of Kansas this year denied enrollment to a Christ’s message.” It suggests that Church rather unexpectedly when I was address- how an idealistic, intelligent young woman kindergartner who is the child of a same officials should welcome the opportunity to ing the parents’ associations of two pres- who makes it into an elite school gets sex couple. The name of the couple, their impart Catholic beliefs to the child. tigious Catholic prep corrupted, first intellectually and then mor- child and marital status have remained Concerns have been voiced about schools several years ally, ought to give pause to even the most anonymous. whether or not the archdiocese and its ago. overwrought parent. A statement by the Catholic school system require a moral No, no one threw I’ve no idea whether the monks took my school Superintendent inventory of all parents to see if their a margarine-smeared advice. I hope they did, if only for the shock stated, “The Church behavior is consistent and in alignment dinner roll at me dur- Wolfe’s prose would administer. teaches that individu- with Catholic teaching, e.g., their use of ing my talk. The Q&A, I was reminded of this absurd parental als with same sex birth control, their marital fidelity, their however, was full of fideism about the high-priced spread (uni- attraction should be belief about abortion, their attendance at contention when I versity division) when federal prosecutors treated with dignity. Mass on a regular basis. said that a first-class indicted 33 upper-tax-bracket parents for However, the chal- The Kansas City dilemma is not an Weigel liberal arts education allegedly using various scams — bribes, lenge regarding same isolated event. In 2010 the Archdiocese Rev. Coleman at a college or university with a strong fake academic records, imaginary ath- sex couples and our of Denver reached the same conclusion: Catholic identity would prepare their sons letic achievements — to get their kids Catholic schools is that same sex parents “Our schools are meant to be ‘partners in and daughters for anything. into Georgetown, Yale, Stanford and cannot model behaviors and attitudes faith’ with parents. If parents don’t respect Absolutely not, parents insisted. The other schools assumed to be essential regarding marriage and sexual morality the beliefs of the Church or live in a man- kid had to get into Harvard, or Stanford, or ticket-punches on the path to success in consistent with essential components of ner that openly rejects those beliefs, then Duke — or some other academic version 21st-century America. the Church’s teachings.” partnering with those parents becomes of the high-priced spread — lest his or her The kids are, one hopes, mortified. The The statement of the Archdiocese of very difficult if not impossible. It also places life be ruined. parents are in serious trouble. And the Kansas City was similar: “We do not feel unfair stress of the children, who find When I pointed out that undergradu- schools ought to be profoundly embar- it is respectful of such individuals, nor is themselves caught in the middle.” ates at so-called “elite” universities are rassed — if embarrassment is possible in it fair, loving or compassionate to place In 2011 the Archdiocese of Boston frequently taught by graduate assistants the politically correct animal house of elite their children in an education environment came to a different conclusion: “The rather than by senior faculty, the parents American higher education today. where the values of the parents and the archdiocese does not prohibit children were unmoved. When I reminded them Fortunately, Catholic parents serious core principles of the school conflict. … of same sex parents from attending that few, if any, members of the philosophy about real education and real formation Our schools exist to pass on the Catholic Catholic schools. We believe that every departments at elite schools are convinced have other options. faith (and) it is important for children to parent who wishes to send their child to that there is something called “the truth,” One of those options, the University of experience consistency between what a Catholic school should have the oppor- rather than just “your truth” and “my truth,” Dallas, just made an outstanding choice they are taught in school and what they tunity to pursue that dream. Our schools they didn’t budge. for its new president, selecting Thomas see lived at home. … Same sex parents welcome children based on their parent’s When I cited the experience of my Hibbs, a first-class thinker who is also cannot model behaviors and attitudes understanding that the teachings of the daughters, who had gone on to premier a committed Catholic, an able admin- regarding marriage and sexual morality church are an important component of the graduate schools and successful profes- istrator and a leader. Tom Hibbs joins consistent with essential components of curriculum and are part of the student’s sional careers after attending a small, a gallery of other Catholic college and the Church’s teachings.” educational experience.” demanding Catholic liberal arts college, I university presidents — among others, In a letter sent to the parents of St. Ann I would like to suggest a modest pro- was met with blank stares. John Garvey at the Catholic University School children, the pastor also reasoned posal on how to address this issue by When I asked why they were willing to of America, Michael McLean at Thomas that a “conflict is created” for this child employing Catholic moral teaching on spend north of a quarter-million dollars to Aquinas College, Stephen Minnis at between what is taught in school and what cooperation. Formal cooperation exists send their children into a decadent environ- Benedictine College, Timothy O’Donnell is experienced at home. when the cooperator intends the object ment in which corruption (chemical, intel- at Christendom College, Msgr. James A petition asking church leaders to of the wrongdoer’s activity. In this case, by lectual, sexual, political or all-of-the-above) Shea at the University of Mary, and James reconsider has been signed by more than accepting the student, the Catholic school was a real and present danger, the mantra Towey at Ave Maria University — who are 1,500 parents whose children attend St. intends, desires or approves of same sex continued: the kid must attend an elite leading a renaissance in Catholic higher Ann, as well as local Catholic schools. The relationships or marriage. This level of school to have any chance in life, because education. Their schools, and others, seek petition adds that the school already accepts cooperation is forbidden. that’s where you begin to “network.” to prepare students for any post-under- students who experience a conflict between On the other hand, material cooperation The morning after one of these events, I graduate endeavor by giving them a firm school and home citing examples such as means that the cooperator does not share had coffee with several monks who taught grounding in the liberal arts, Catholic faith, parents who are non-Catholic, divorced the intention of the wrongdoer and the at the school, and who thanked me for the experience of Catholic community and parents and those living in illicit marriages object of the cooperator’s action remains trying to break the parental fever about public service. And they succeed. inconsistent with church teaching. distinguishable from the wrongdoer’s activity. elite universities. They, too, had tried, to I don’t doubt that, with some careful This petition “respectfully” adds that In this case, the Catholic school does no avail. (Continued on Page 15.) “to deny a child of God access to such (Continued on Page 15.) APRIL 8, 2019 FORUM THE CATHOLIC VOICE — 15 LETTERS

everyone to pray on this — and that is to seri- Roe v. Wade Letters to the editor provide a forum for readers to engage in an open exchange ously consider sponsoring a child who lives in of opinions and concerns in a climate of respect and civil discourse. The opinions I have to disagree (slightly) with Patrick such poverty that we cannot begin to imagine. expressed are those of the writers, and not necessarily of the Catholic Voice or Martin’s statement (Forum, March 4) that if If you are deeply upset about children the Diocese of Oakland. While a full spectrum of opinions will sometimes include the Supreme Court overturns Roe v. Wade, at the border, and rightly so, then consider those which dissent from Church teaching or contradict the natural moral law, it the issue will be returned to the States. sponsoring a child from Mexico, Honduras, is hoped that this forum will help our readers to understand better others’ think- Although that may be the likely outcome, Guatemala or a similar country. ing on critical issues facing the Church. there are at least three other possible cours- If you are deeply moved by children es of action the Supreme Court could take. caught in slavery or child trafficking, spon- Justice Sandra Day O’Connor once sor a child from Africa or the Middle East. bate. And in return our priests need to preach merely confirms it. wrote that Roe v. Wade was on a collision There are thousands of children through- the importance of marriage as a vocation and Judging by what he wrote, Maraccini course with itself because of advances out the world hoping that you will be their as a sacrament. That means encouraging clearly disagrees with Trump on any and all in medical technology. That was in 1983! hero and change their life. They will stay and expecting “Humanae Vitae” to be lived. levels and that’s OK; we are all free to do so. Given the advances in medical technology with their families and their communities, Together, clergy and laity can rediscover My intent is not to pick apart his pejoratives since then, the high court could choose yet form a loving relationship with you in God’s will for us as the Oakland diocese. regarding Trump. Voting for Clinton or Trump, any of the following scenarios: a very real and meaningful way. You will We must be converted. Or we will die. or any politician for that matter, is not your • It could rule that abortion is illegal see their face or know their name. A child Meredith Morrow ticket to heaven and, arguably, one politician at the point of viability (except in cases is waiting, and you could be the answer to Martinez is not necessarily morally superior to another. of the life of the mother). Viability is now their prayer. Pray on this.... However, for Maraccini to stretch from approximately 22 weeks. Nancy Crabtree Justice advocate those who would like to see Gov. Andrew • Based on advances in medical tech- Concord I was interested to read the “disclo- Cuomo excommunicated due to his sup- nology, the court could rule that abortion sures” of what had happened to priests port for New York’s unrestricted abortion is illegal once an unborn child’s heartbeat Fighting abuse with credible sexual abuse allegations law — the slippery slope to infanticide is detected (approximately six weeks). I would like to provide an update made against them (Voice, Feb. 18). — to suggesting Trump and his Catholic Several states have passed or are con- regarding an important program within the I personally knew two of them. Father supporters should be excommunicated sidering “heartbeat” legislation that would Oakland diocese. The program is called James A. Clark, whom you reported as because Maraccini doesn’t like Trump’s outlaw abortion once a baby’s heartbeat is Virtus and was created by the National retired as of 1984, was in fact reassigned politics and policies is absurd. detected. After all, if the lack of a heartbeat Catholic Risk Retention Group with a from Corpus Christi Parish, Fremont, to Maraccini said he is “angered by the is evidence of death, then the presence of “Protecting God’s Children” compo- St. Anne’s Parish in Walnut Creek where hypocrisy” of people who don’t “practice a heartbeat must be evidence of life. nent, whose primary aim is to combat he was pastor until his death in 1989. what they preach,” suggesting there are • The court could hold, based on sci- sexual abuse of children in the Church. Although St. Anne’s Parish primarily serves more important issues than the protection of entific evidence, that human life begins It is currently in use in more than 80 Rossmoor, an adult retirement community, human life. Nevertheless, there’s a chasm of at the moment of fertilization. Such life is dioceses throughout the United States. there were children present at every Mass difference between not accepting infanticide protected under the 14th Amendment and Within the past Columbian year, Knights my husband and I attended there. and Maraccini’s litany of social issues; this is therefore abortion is illegal, unless neces- of Columbus Council 9206 (located in As to Msgr. Vincent Breen, he was typical for a leftist who disagrees with con- sary to save the life of the mother. San Ramon) realized the training offered forced to leave Holy Spirit Parish in servatives. Who is the real hypocrite here? I say “life of the mother” because through Virtus was one way we could work Fremont based upon credible allega- On this last point, I would like to say, “health of the mother” is code for abortion to effectively combat child abuse. tions of child molestation. While he was render unto Caesar what is Caesar’s on demand. If abortion is allowed based on We believed that because of the high removed from his position as pastor, he did (politics) and render unto God what is a pregnancy affecting a woman’s health, visibility of our council within the parish, not resign, but was reassigned to another God’s (faith) and love life from conception then all a woman has to do is claim that her the Knights were in a key position to position within the diocese. to natural death. pregnancy is making her feel depressed be the eyes and ears to report abuse. Perhaps the nuance of language is Matt Lopez and some doctor somewhere will claim The leadership of Council 9206 set out lost on me, when I retired as a criminal Clayton that an abortion is medically necessary on a campaign to ensure a majority prosecutor, it didn’t mean I was reassigned in order to treat her depression. of Knights within the council, and 100 per- to a different branch of my office nor that We should not forget that Roe v. Wade cent of those who participate in community I had been assigned to a new within was based on a lie. Norma McCorvey’s law- events were Virtus-trained. that office. It meant I no longer prosecuted Catholic parents . . . yer lied when she said that her client had We started first by ensuring that 100 criminal cases including child molesta- (Continued from Page 14.) been raped. Justice Blackmun, the author percent of our leadership team had the tion. However, it did not mean I stopped curricular navigation, by seeking out like- of Roe v. Wade, admitted in a memorandum necessary training. Once this was accom- advocating for truth and justice for victims. minded Catholic peers, and by getting that he was drawing “arbitrary” lines about plished, two hard working brother Lisa Faria involved in a vibrant Catholic campus the times when a woman could legally Knights, Mike Filosa and Robert Porter, Fremont ministry, well-prepared young people can receive an abortion. Clearly, such arbitrary worked to ensure the rest of our council survive, even flourish, at elite schools. lines were not based on the Constitution. was also trained. Through their efforts, Death penalty I teach some of them every summer. I hope and pray that the Supreme Court we attained an important milestone. In Gov. Gavin Newsom put a moratorium on But a sheepskin from those schools is not overturns a case based on a lie and that February of this year, we were able to report the death penalty in California. Good for him. essential to a fruitful life and Catholic parents was not based on the Constitution. 100 percent of our members participating in If he cannot sleep because an innocent should resist blowing incense to the totem of Robert Burke our annual crab feed (our largest fundrais- prisoner might be killed on his watch, I can the high-priced spread (university division), Antioch ing event of the year) were Virtus trained. understand that. Good he is following his not least in light of this latest scandal. The Knights are committed to safe- conscience. Other life issues guarding the most vulnerable members You say 1 in 25 people on death row are (George Weigel is distinguished senior fellow Regarding Joseph A. Maraccini’s let- of our society, our children. To this end, innocent and he wouldn’t want to risk killing and William E. Simon chair in Catholic Studies ter (Forum, March 18): He feels other “life Council 9206 saw an important opportunity an innocent person. I would ask him to con- at the Ethics and Public Policy Center.) issues’’ are as equal to the pro-life stance on to arm ourselves with the necessary train- sider doing the same for the hundreds whose abortion, but he is seriously mistaken. Even ing to both recognize and report instances lives are killed monthly through abortion. stated that a nation that kills of child abuse. It is hoped that through our These unborn children are living, breathing its unborn in the womb has lost its soul! example, other Catholic ministries pur- human beings; they cannot be anything else. Catholic school . . . He is looking through that smoky haze sue this important training for their mem- In these cases, 100 percent of the (Continued from Page 14.) trying to distort the truth. The truth is that the bers. At this critical junction in our Church’s people being killed are innocent. It would not approve of same sex relationships unborn child has absolutely no choice, no history, the Knights of Columbus are com- seem logical that his conscience would or marriage but wishes to offer a child a voice or no defense. Our modern-day holo- mitted to ensuring instances of child abuse lead him to put a moratorium on abortions Catholic educational experience. This level caust takes 3,000 innocent lives each day. are properly recognized and reported. in California as well. of cooperation is acceptable. And as far as excommunication for Ruben Pola John Speros This principle enables a Catholic institu- those who support abortion on demand, San Ramon Danville tion to discern the extent to which it can Maraccini’s assertion this is not supported be involved with a situation deemed mor- in Scripture is incorrect. There are many Convert or die Who’s the hypocrite? ally unacceptable. Without this principle, it references in Scripture regarding dealing The Oakland diocese is dying because We were treated (Forum, March 16) would be virtually impossible to maintain with those who do not follow the way and we are dying. We are failing to be the to yet another diatribe from the leftist and a distinctive moral contribution in a plural- how to deal with them including Matt: happy and holy people that God wants us professed Hillary Clinton supporter, Joseph istic society that increasingly permits and 18:15-18, or 1 Cor: 5: 9-13. He accuses to be. This is not a problem to be solved Maraccini. This time he graced us with con- promotes unacceptable practices. those who voted for President Trump as by having the congregation run a gauntlet fusing thoughts about excommunication Cooperation necessitates that scandal “those who have sold their souls” to this of smiley faces before they can sit down. and then launched into the true purpose is avoided. Scandal arises when there is soulless man, is beyond anything The It goes much deeper than that. of his letter ... to give us his negative two public confusion about Catholic teaching Catholic Voice should be publishing in We need to be challenged to live holy cents worth on Donald Trump. Here we or identity. In this case, by admitting a child good conscience. People have the right lives. And the biggest challenge for both go again, Trump Derangement Syndrome. of gay parents, the school must make clear to their opinions, but this sort of hatred laity and clergy in this time is sexual morality. First, on the matter of excommunica- that this acceptance is not equivalent to and vile rhetoric should have no place I remember the late Robert E. Freitas tion, Maraccini wrote that excommunica- approving gay partnerships or marriage. in The Voice. Political ugliness rears its (laicized in 2007). I went to confession to him tion is “a man-made rule that is not sup- The Catholic school has the responsibility head on both sides of the aisle: Our Lord once (after his conviction for child molesta- ported in Scripture,” both points of which to correct public misperceptions by dem- was crucified by those who expected Him tion), and I remember that he told me that are false. Excommunication, if enforced, onstrating its acceptance of the child does to be political, whereas His kingdom is all my sins were not sins. The laity has been recognizes the loss of grace and rupture not constitute formal cooperation. elsewhere and so should ours be. told this too many times by priests that had from the Body of Christ due to serious sin. I have a beautiful suggestion. This is Lent, their own sexual immorality to defend. Sin is not a man-made rule and is (Father Gerald D. Coleman, PSS, is an and we need to consider our brothers and We laity need to encourage and expect described throughout Scripture. A person adjunct professor, Graduate Department of sisters throughout the world. I am asking our priests to be celibate as Christ was celi- excommunicates him or herself; the church Pastoral Ministries, Santa Clara University.)

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