VOL . 58, NO . 13 DIOCESE OF OAKLAND OCTOBER 19, 2020 www.catholicvoiceoakland.org Serving the East Bay Catholic Community since 1963 Copyright 2020 Church offers guidance on issues, not candidates By Most Rev. Michael C. Barber, SJ Across the country, some priests have gotten car- “With regard to statements of the clergy and religious I couldn’t stand watching the first presidential debate . ried away and have endorsed particular candidates (of and laity who minister or serve in the Archdiocese of I had to leave the TV room where my fellow priests and both parties) “from the pulpit ”. Some priests have gone Boston, following the guidance of the United States I were watching after 15 minutes . further and said that “You’re not a good Catholic if you Conference of Catholic Bishops, as representatives of the Some parishioners have been vote for X ”. Archdiocese they may not endorse or oppose candidates asking me, “Who should I vote Some people are so rooted in their particular politi- for election or political parties . This directive also applies for? I don’t like either candidate ”. cal party that their hearts are not open to the message to parishes and organizations directly connected to the The Church does not take sides on of Christ and the teaching of His Church . They look for Archdiocese . persons running for office . But the pastors and bishops to endorse their candidates . May I “The teaching role of the Catholic Church brings reli- Church does have clear teachings make a suggestion? Be a Christian first, before you are gious and moral principles to the life of our society, our on some of the issues at stake that a member of your political party . Pope Francis said that Commonwealth, and our nation . Our advocacy addresses we offer for your consideration as neither political party in the US supports Catholic social protection of human life at all stages and in all circum- you make your voting decisions . The teaching on all the issues . True . But you will have to stances, including issues of social and economic equality, Church does not tell Catholics which decide which one comes closest . the pervasive influence of systemic racism and welcoming Bishop Barber candidates to vote for . We may take I was impressed with Cardinal Seán O’Malley, immigrants and refugees . an official stand as a Church on an Archbishop of Boston, who issued a brief but clear state- “Catholics are urged to play an active role in our public issue put to the voters, but not on people . ment on the election, with which I agree: life and to fulfill the basic obligation of a democracy, to Where can I find this guidance? “The Catholic community has the right to expect the vote . We are called to bring the light of faith and reason Go to USCCB .org — and you will find all the materials priests of the Archdiocese and those entrusted with to our civic responsibilities as we strive to build a civiliza- right there on the opening page . I especially recommend handing on the faith to be clear and unequivocal on the tion of love ”. three short videos that summarize Catholic teaching on Church’s teaching concerning respect and protection for I hope you will consider Christ’s and the Church’s “Protecting Human Life and Dignity,” “Promoting the life from the first moment of conception to natural death . teaching as you make your voting decisions . Please DO Common Good” and “Love of Neighbor ”. This teaching is of the highest priority for the Church . vote . That is a duty of all good Catholics . Diocese provides update Back in the classroom on church reopenings Staff report When will we go back to Mass inside church? It depends . Contra Costa County approved resuming indoor public wor- ship effective Oct . 1 . Most parishes had submitted reopening plans with the Diocese of Oakland, which published on June 12 z Diocesan COVID-19 Liturgical Protocol, which remains in effect . • Indoor attendance is limited to 25 percent of capacity, not exceeding 100 people . • Communion may now be distributed during Mass, at the usual time . It is no longer required to distribute communion after Mass . • Continuation of outdoor Masses as List of parishes long as possible is encouraged . approved for • Cleaning is less stringent than opening — when before . There is no need to sanitize counties approve, pews and other surfaces between p . 3 services, but it is still important to keep things as clean as possible throughout the week . • Coffee hours and other occasions for gathering are still pro- hibited . • In general, it is very important to keep the sacramental life of the Church (baptism, confirmation, first communion, weddings and funeral, etc ). alive during this pandemic . • Indoor classes, Bible study, etc . are still prohibited . • Coffee hours and other occasions for gathering are still pro- hibited . ISIDORE SCHOOL Alameda County has not yet approved resuming indoor public . worship . This permission is expected to come soon . Until it does, it is very important to comply with the County Order to not have any indoor services in Alameda County parishes at this time . The dispensation from the obligation to attend Sunday and COURTESY/ST Holy Day Masses continues until further notice . Although the St. Isidore School in Danville welcomed back its youngest students, transitional kindergartners faithful are dispensed from their obligation to attend Mass, to second-graders, to a half-day of class on Oct. 14. Here’s Christina Sullivan’s kindergarten they are encouraged to spend time in prayer on Sunday (such class masked and in their seats. The school said 72% of the TK-2 students opted for in-person as following a live-stream Mass or participating in a spiritual class. Next week, third- through fifth-grade will return, with the six- through eighth-graders or corporal act of mercy) . Out of an abundance of caution for expected back the following week. Coming soon: Transitional kindergarten through first-grade those at high risk, the dispensation from attending Sunday Mass classes are expected back at St. Michael School in Livermore on Oct. 20. continues even after public Masses resume . Solemn Requiem Mass for All Soul’s Day On our cover Learn about the elementary schools Special to the Catholic Voice Each year All Souls’ Day is observed Solemn Requiem Mass On All Souls’ Day, the Church prays for at the Cathedral of Christ the Light with of the Diocese of Oakland Pages all the faithful departed, those who await a Solemn Requiem Mass, celebrated by 9-13 Nov . 2, 7 p m. ,Cathedral. of Christ that day when they will join the company Bishop Michael C . Barber, SJ . The Mass, the Light, Oakland, with Bishop of all the saints . to begin at 7 p m. Nov . 2, is not open to Bishop’s column . 1 Michael C . Barber, SJ, presiding This feast reminds us all that even after the public . The Church . 2 The Cathedral’s Schola Lumen death, we are linked with our loved ones The Mass will be live streamed School news . 9-13 Gentium will sing a Requiem and fellow travelers in an unbroken line of at https://www youtube. com/c/. composed for choir by Duarte Lobo faith, hope and love . CathedralofChristtheLight . Obituaries . .15 . Live-stream Mass: www youtube. All Souls’ Day gives us the opportunity This year the Cathedral’s Schola Around the Diocese . 17. com/c/CathedralofChristtheLight to strengthen that bond, to remember Lumen Gentium will sing a Requiem At this time, the Mass is not open those who have died, and to inspire and composed for choir by 17th-century Senior Living . 17 . to the public . strengthen one another as the community Portuguese composer Duarte Lobo . Forum . .19 of believers still here on earth . continued on p. 14 THE DIOCESE 2 — THE CATHOLIC VOICE THE CHURCHU.S. BISHOPS OCTOBER 19, 2020 THE CATHEDRAL OFFICIAL THE VATICAN OFFICIAL Bishop’s Schedule Oct. 19: Meeting with Help of Christians Parish, Bishops of the California Oakland Catholic Conference 2:30 and 4:30 p m. Oct. 20: Vocational Team Celebration of the Sacrament Meeting of Confirmation, St . Felicitas Oct. 23: Saint Patrick’s Parish, San Leandro Seminary Board of Trustees Nov. 9: USCCB Meeting and Retreat Administrative Committee Oct. 24: 9 a m. Ordination to Meeting the Deaconate for the Jesuit Nov. 10: Fall Study Day with Order, Santa Maria Parish, Orinda Priests of the Diocese of Oakland Oct. 26: Meeting with the Bishops of Nov. 12: Office Meetings, Chancery Region XI Offices, Oakland, including Priest Oct. 27: Office Meetings – Chancery Personnel Board and Presbyteral Offices, Oakland, including College of Council Consultors HARING/CNS PAUL Nov. 13: 4, 5:30 and 7 p m. Pope Francis greets the crowd during his general audience in Paul VI hall at Nov. 1: 11 a m. Mass, Solemnity of All Celebration of the Sacrament of the Vatican Oct. 14, 2020. A few days after four Swiss Guards tested positive Saints, Cathedral of Christ the Light, Confirmation, St . Leander Parish, San for COVID-19, the pope broke from his normal pattern and did not personally Oakland Leandro greet people in the crowd. Nov. 2: 7 p m. Requiem Mass for All Nov. 14: 11 a m. Celebration of the Souls Day, Cathedral of Christ the Sacrament of Confirmation, St . Mark Light, Oakland Parish, Richmond Prayer, crying out to God is only Nov. 4: Catholic Telemedia Network Nov. 15-19: USCCB General Board Meeting Assembly Sessions and Committee Meetings, including source of salvation, pope says Nov. 7: Diocesan Detention Ministry Administrative Committee, Virtual Retreat By Junno Arocho Esteves Before concluding the audience, Committee on Catholic Education, Catholic News Service the pope apologized to those present Doctrine Committee, Committee on 10 a m.