February 4, 2008   •   VOL. 46, NO. 3   •   Oakland, CA

Discussing Aquinas Eleonore Stump, one of the leading Catholic philosophers in the world today, will deliver the 2008 Aquinas Lecture, entitled “Thomas Aquinas and the Problem of Human Suffering,” at the Dominican School of Philosophy and Theology in Berkeley on Feb. 14 at 7:30 p.m. The school is located at 2301 Vine St. in Berkeley. Admission is free. For more information: (510) 849-2020 or www.dspt.edu.

Exploring Islam Karen Armstrong, best-selling author and one of the world’s leading commentators on religious affairs will discuss, “Understanding Islam and the West,” from 7 – 9 p.m. on Feb. 21 at First Unitarian Church, 1187 Franklin St., San Francisco. The cost of the lecture is $20; registration and more information is available via the website: www.gtu.edu. The lecture is co-sponsored by California Institute for Integral Studies, Graduate Theological Union, Center for Islamic Studies, United Religions Initiative, Congregation Sherith Israel and Islamic Networks Group.

SPIRITUALITY

Wednesdays, Feb. 6, 13, 20
Christ the King Bible Study and Charismatic Prayer Meeting. 7:30 p.m. at 6 Saint Lawrence Court, Pleasant Hill. Share in charismatic praise, singing and openness to the gifts of God’s Spirit. Sponsor: Charismatic Catholic Renewal. (800) 474-6644.

Feb. 7, 9, 10
Tet — Vietnamese Catholic New Year Celebrations. Feb. 7: 7 p.m. at Christ the Light Parish, 707 Jefferson St., Oakland, liturgy and reception; Feb. 7 – 9, 8 p.m. at Our Lady, Queen of the World, 3155 Winterbrook Dr., Bay Point, New Year liturgy; Feb. 9: 5 p.m. at St. Anthony Church, 1535 16th Ave., Oakland, liturgy, reception, entertainment; 6:30 p.m. at St. Lawrence O’Toole-St. Cyril, 3725 High St., Oakland, Tet Celebration; Feb. 10: 4 p.m. at St. Paul Church, 1845 Church Lane, San Pablo, liturgy, reception, entertainment; 2 p.m. at Our Lady, Queen of the World, Bay Point, liturgy, reception, entertainment.

Thursdays, Feb. 7, 14, 21
Chaplet of Divine Mercy Devotion. 6:30 – 8 p.m. at St. Anthony Church, 971 O’Hara Ave., Oakley. Includes study of the Holy Scripture. All are welcome. (925) 625-2109.

Monday, Feb. 11
Healing Mass. 7:30 p.m. at St. Edward Church, 5788 Thornton Ave., Newark. Bert/Norma, Abba Father Prayer Group, (510) 793-1750. Every second Monday.

Friday, Feb. 15
Taize – Prayer Around the Cross. 8 p.m. at the Dominican Sisters of Mission San Jose, Motherhouse Chapel, 43326 Mission Blvd., Fremont. Refresh your soul, listen to beautiful music, join others in prayer and song around the cross. Every third Friday of the month. Sister Beth Quire, O.P., (510) 657-2468 or beth@msjdominicans.org.

Feb. 15 – 18
Men’s Cursillo Weekend. At Holy Redeemer Center, 8945 Golf Links Road, Oakland. A Cursillo weekend is a “short course in Christianity” where participants will encounter Christ in themselves and others. Nita Volker, (925) 828-9442 or Carolyn Steele, (925) 648-4890.

March 6 – 9
Women’s Cursillo Weekend. At Holy Redeemer Center, 8945 Golf Links Road, Oakland. Nita Volker, (925) 828-9442 or Carolyn Steele, (925) 648-4890.

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EUCHARIST ADORATION

Daily
6 a.m. – 8 p.m. at Mary’s House Chapel, 1850 Church Lane, San Pablo. (510) 236-0383.
9 a.m. – 5 p.m. at Most Holy Rosary Church, 1313 A St., Antioch. (925) 757-4020.
24 hours a day, at Divine Mercy Center and Perpetual Adoration Chapel, 11152 San Pablo Ave., El Cerrito. (510) 412-4715.

Mondays, Wednesdays
12:45 – 6:30 p.m. at St. Elizabeth Seton Church, 4001 Stoneridge Dr., Pleasanton.

Tuesdays
8 a.m. – 8 p.m. in Mary’s Chapel at St. Jarlath Church, 2620 Pleasant St., Oakland.

Thursdays, Fridays
7 a.m. – 9 p.m. at St. Mary Church, 2039 Mt. Diablo Blvd., Walnut Creek.

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LENTEN SPIRITUALITY

Wednesday, Feb. 6
Ash Wednesday Services. Noon and 7 p.m. at St. Augustine Church, 400 Alcatraz Ave., Oakland.

Ash Wednesday Day of Prayer: “And This Shall Be a Sign to You.” 9:30 a.m. – 4 p.m. at Jesuit Retreat Center of Los Altos, 300 Manresa Way, Palo Alto. Presenter: Jesuit Father Kevin Ballard, a spiritual director and retreat director at JRC. $50. (650) 948-4491; retreat@srclosaltos.org; or www.jrclosaltos.org.

Feb. 6 – March 5
“With Mind and Heart Renewed” – Lenten Program at St. Stephen Parish. At 1101 Keaveny Court, Walnut Creek. Feb. 6, 13: soup supper at 6:15 p.m., Mass at 7:30 p.m.; Feb 14: John Cojanis presentation at 7 p.m. (No soup supper); Feb. 20: soup supper at 6:15 p.m., Scripture study at 7 p.m. (Bring a Bible); Feb. 27: soup supper at 6:15 p.m., Contemporary Stations of the Cross at 7:30 p.m.; March 5: soup supper at 6:15 p.m., Communal Reconciliation Service at 7:30 p.m. Information: Annette Roux, (925) 939-3826, ext. 3.

Feb. 6 – March 11
Lenten Days of Renewal at San Damiano Retreat Center. At 710 Highland Dr., Danville. Feb. 6 (Ash Wednesday): Father Rusty Shaughnessy, O.F.M., presenter. The day includes the distribution of ashes; Feb. 19: Father Shaughnessy, presenter, Feb. 25: Emeritus Bishop John Cummins, presenter and homilist; March 11: Father Evan Howard, presenter. The cost for each day, including lunch and Eucharist, is $20. Information/reservations: (925) 837-9141, x315 or www.sandamiano.org.

Feb. 6 – March 19
Lectio Divina – Scripture Faith Sharing. 7:30 – 9 p.m. in the Motherhouse of the Dominican Sisters of Mission San Jose, Main Parlor, 43326 Mission Blvd., Fremont. Sister Beth Quire, O.P., (510) 657-2468 or beth@msjdominicans.org.

Feb. 11 – March 3
Jesus Alive – Lenten Speaker Series at St. Bonaventure Parish. 7:30 p.m. at 5562 Clayton Road, Concord. Explore new ways to integrate your Catholic faith and beliefs into your everyday life. This inspirational series promises to educate, encourage and inspire you in your daily activities and walk with the Lord. Week 1 (Feb. 11): “Jesus Alive.” Presenter: Sister Rose Marie Hennessy, principal at St. Elizabeth School, Oakland; Week 2 (Feb. 20): “Jesus Alive in the Family.” Presenter: Maurine Behrend, director, Catholic Campaign for Human Development, Catholic Charities of the East Bay; Week 3 (Feb. 26): “Jesus Alive in the Community.” Presenter: John Fitzgerald, Department of Justice Education at St. Anthony’s Foundation in San Francisco; Week 4 (March 3): “Jesus Alive in the Parish.” Presenter: Rich Fowler, director of Catholic Charities for the Diocese of Stockton. Contact Patti Collyer, (925) 672-5800.

Feb. 12 and 26
Lenten Series: “Embracing Hope Through Creative Expression.” 9:30 – 11:30 a.m. at St. Monica Church, 1001 Camino Pablo, Moraga. All are welcome to this free event featuring Chiara’s Lantern from San Damiano Retreat Center. Babysitting is available for a small fee. Kimberly, (925) 631-0792.

Feb. 13 and 14
Lenten Healing Series. 7 p.m. at St. Stephen Church, 1101 Keaveny Court, Walnut Creek. During the first week of Lent, a healing mission, “Healing Life’s Hurts,” will be given by John and Sally Cojanis, Catholic Lay Missioners from the Diocese of Tucson, Arizona, who have been conducting large healing missions for almost 30 years across the county. All are invited to attend. Information/directions to the church: (925) 939-3826.

Feb. 13, 20, 27
Soup Suppers and Reflections. 5:30 – 7:15 p.m. at St. Augustine Church Hall, 400 Alcatraz Ave., Oakland.

Young Adult Lenten Faith-Sharing Series. 7:30 p.m. in Christ the Light Modular, 707 Jefferson St., Oakland. Young adults are invited to discuss Catholic social teachings. A YA Mass will be held Feb. 13 in the parish chapel inside the church.

Feb. 18 – 21
Lenten Retreat. 7 – 9 p.m. at St. Lawrence O’Toole-St. Cyril, 3725 High St., Oakland. Father John Gillespie, pastor of the Catholic Student Center of the University of Florida, will engage, challenge and inspire participants to renew their spirituality. Each evening offers something new. All are invited to attend. Attendees are welcomed to a soup supper at 6 p.m. each day of the retreat. (510) 530-0761.

Feb. 25 – 27
St. Charles Borromeo Parish Lenten Retreat. 7:30 – 9 p.m. at 1315 Lomitas Ave., Livermore. Experience the tools of media, music, story telling, and prayer to help put a sparkle into your souls. The handyman for the retreat, called Restoration Heartware: “Honoring Our Souls,” is Vince Nims, St. Charles’ youth minister. The Restoration schedule is Feb. 25: The Condition; Feb. 26: The Work; Feb. 27: The Result. The evening sessions for those who are 11-99 years young. The Restoration schedule for faith formation and youth is Feb. 27: 3:30 – 5 p.m. Julie, (925) 447-4549, ext. 114, or upcatholic@aol.com.

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LECTURES

Tuesday, Feb. 12
Catholics@Work. 7 a.m. at Crow Canyon Country Club, 711 Silver Lake Dr., Danville. James F. Hitchcock, author of the landmark book, “The Supreme Court and Religion in American Life,” will be the guest speaker at the breakfast speaker series. A full buffet breakfast is served starting at 7 a.m. Mass is offered at 6:30 a.m. at the same location. $20 for members and $25 for non-members. (925) 389-0704 or www.catholicsatwork.org.

Sunday, Feb. 17
Sister Janet Ruffing to Speak on Elisabeth Leseur. 1:30 – 4:30 p.m. at Mercy Center, 2300 Adeline Dr., Burlingame. Mercy Sister Janet Ruffing presents an afternoon of reflection and discussion centering on the life of Elisabeth Leseur, who found the path of lay vocation for herself a century ago and shines as a spiritual pioneer foreshadowing Vatican II. $25. (650) 340-7474.

Monday, Feb. 25
Byzantine (Greek) Catholicism Information Session. 10 a.m. or 7 p.m. at the Crossroads Coffeeshop, Encinal and High St. in Alameda. Father Randall Ackley, pastor at St. Philip the Apostle Byzantine Catholic Church in Sacramento, will answer questions for those who would like to know more about the Byzantine or Greek Catholicism, or would like information about services or sacraments. If you can’t make either session, call (510) 748-0303.

The XXIX Paul Wattson Lecture. 7:30 p.m. at McLaren Building, Main Campus, Room 252, University of San Francisco, 2800 Golden Gate Ave., San Francisco. “The Quest for Christian Unity: A Vibrant Past With a Bright Future For All Christians,” by the V. Rev. Dr. James R. Puglisi, S.A., minister general of the Franciscan Friars of the Atonement, director of the Centro Pro Unione, Rome, Italy. Free and open to the public.

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SOCIALS

Sunday, Feb. 10
Valentine’s Day Breakfast. 7:30 – 11:30 a.m. at St. Callistus church hall, 3580 San Pablo Dam Road, El Sobrante. Menu: scrambled eggs, homemade sausage, homemade biscuits and cinnamon rolls, fresh fruit, coffee and juice. $7 for adults, $5 children ages 5 – 12, no charge under age 5. Sponsor: St. Callistus Guild.

Pancake Breakfast. 9 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. at Our Lady of Mercy Parish, 301 West Richmond Ave., Point Richmond. Menu includes pancakes, eggs, bacon, sausage, fruit and beverages. $8 per serving. Raffle prizes.

Friday, Feb. 15
Valentine Celebration. 7:30 Mass with renewal of marriage vows, 8:30 p.m. dance, at St. Augustine Church and hall, 3999 Bernal Ave., Pleasanton. Tickets: $15 donation per couple, or $8 donation per person. DJ and dancing, refreshments, no-host bar and 50/50 raffles. Child care provided during dance hours. Space limited to 200 couples so RSVP early. (925) 426-6025 or (925) 846-7329.

Saturday, Feb. 16
Salad Bar Luncheon/Fashion Show. Noon at St. Joseph School, 1961 Plum St., Pinole. $12 donation includes luncheon and fashion show. Also door and raffle prizes. Sponsor: St. Anne’s Y.L.I. #78. Proceeds for charities. Tickets: Carol, (510) 758-5285.

Friday, Feb. 22
17th Annual Children’s Choice Annual Awards Dinner. At Scott’s Seafood Restaurant, Jack London Square, Oakland. Cocktails at 6 p.m., dinner at 7 p.m. Brian Copeland, comedian and KGO radio talk show host, will serve as master of ceremonies as St. Vincent’s Day Home in Oakland honors three longtime friends: Kimberly Briggs, fundraiser and member of the Day Home’s board of directors; Lois Haight Herrington, Day Home donor; and Mary MacPherson, speech pathologist at the Day Home. Proceeds will support St. Vincent’s Day Home, the oldest and largest child development center and childcare facility in Alameda County. Information/reservations: (510) 832-8324.

Saturday, March 1
Fourth Annual St. Joseph Car Raffle. At St. Joseph School, 1961 Plum St., Pinole. Win a new 2008 Toyota Corolla or apply the value towards a vehicle of your choice at the Toyota Vallejo dealership. Tickets: $25 each. Winner need not be present to win. (510) 724-0242.

Saturday, March 15
St. Patrick’s Day Dinner Dance. At St. John’s Community Center, 264 East Lewelling Blvd., San Lorenzo. Doors open at 6 p.m. Menu includes corned beef or chicken, cabbage, carrots, potato, salad, rolls and dessert. Music provided by DJ Clyde Ortiz. $15 per person. Reservations: The Spores, (510) 278-4316 or Bill Katen, (510) 276-6138.

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SUPPORT GROUPS

Thursday, Feb. 14
Widow and Widower Support Group. In the Edna Fallman Educational Center at Sutter Delta Medical Center, 3901 Lone Tree Way, Antioch. To register: (925) 779-3570.

Thursday, Feb. 21
Catholic Divorced Widowed and Separated of Contra Costa. 7 – 9:30 p.m. at St. Mary’s Church, 2039 Mt. Diablo Blvd., Walnut Creek. For anyone struggling from a loss due to separation, divorce or death. Meetings are free. Joan S., (925) 939-1007.

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Art/Music

Feb. 15, 16
Romance and the Double Bass?! Feb. 15: 8 p.m. concert, (7:30 p.m. pre-concert, “Chocolate Affair,”) at St. Joseph Cathedral Basilica, 80 S. Market, San Jose; Feb. 16: 8 p.m. concert, Old Mission San Jose, 43300 Mission Blvd., Fremont. Bill Everett, double bass, Aileen Chanco, pianist, and Cynthia Mei, violinist. Tickets: $25 general and $20 student/senior. Go to: www.ticketweb.comor call (866) 468-3399. Website: www.musicatmsj.org.

Sunday, Feb. 24
Sunday Afternoon Recitals. 3:30 p.m. at Cathedral of St. Mary of the Assumption, 1111 Gough St., San Francisco. California Baroque Ensemble with Ruth Onstadt, soprano. A free-will offering will be requested at the door. (415) 567-2020, ext. 213.

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crab feeds

Saturday, Feb. 9
St. Leander Parish. At Ryan-O’Connell Hall, 575 W. Estudillo Ave., San Leandro. 5:30 p.m.: no-host bar, 6:30 p.m.: dinner which includes crab, salad, pasta, ice cream. Silent dessert auction, 50-50 raffle. Display of sports memorabilia for sale. $35 per person, $40 after Feb. 3. (510) 895-5631.

The Friends of the Dragon Crab and Pasta Feed. At Bishop O’Dowd High School, 9500 Stearns Ave., Oakland. 6 p.m.: appetizers and no-host bar, beer garden, martini and fine wine bar, silent and live sports auction; 7:30 p.m.: dinner with dancing to follow. $55 per person. Tickets are only available to guests 21 and older. Information: www.bishopodowd.orgor Kathy Knutson, crabfeed@bishopodowd.org. A benefit for the Sports Program at Bishop O’Dowd High School in Oakland.

St. Ambrose Fifth Annual Crab Fest. At 1145 Gilman St., Berkeley. 6 p.m.: no-host cocktails, 7 p.m.: dinner. $40 per person. Limited seating. Reservations: (415) 246-3698 or mary@markingco.com. Tickets must be paid by Feb. 3. No ticket sales at the door.

School of the Madeleine’s 40th Annual Crab Feed. In the parish hall, 2005 Berryman St., Berkeley. 6:30 – 7:30 p.m.: cocktails and raffle; 7:30 – 8:30 p.m.: dinner; 8:30 – 11:30 p.m.: dancing to “Full Tilt Boogie.” Tickets: $45 per person. (510) 734-7909.

Saturday, Feb. 16
Transfiguration Parish Crab Feed. At 4000 E. Castro Valley Blvd., Castro Valley. 5 p.m.: no-host cocktails; 6 p.m. dinner. Chicken dinner available as an alternative. Music, dancing, 50/50 raffle along with raffle prizes complete the entertainment. Tickets: $37, will be sold after each Mass starting Jan. 25 and ending Feb. 10 or call Sunita D’Costa at (510) 733-2500.

St. Leo’s Annual Crab Feed. 7 – 10 p.m. at St. Leo’s Gymnasium, 175 Ridgeway Ave., Oakland. Seating begins at 7 p.m., food service at 7:30 p.m. $45 for individual tickets: dine-in open seating (includes all-you-can-eat crab, salad, hot pasta, and roll); $45 for “To-Go” packages (pick up between 6 and 7 p.m. and includes two whole seasoned crabs, salad, pasta and roll); $450 for a table for 10, reserved seating (includes all-you-can-eat crab, salad, hot pasta, and role for 10, plus 10 raffle tickets and 20 beverage tickets). Advance tickets by Feb. 1. No tickets at the door. Tickets: mail checks to St. Leo the Great School, 3238 Howe St., Oakland, CA 94611. Alison McElroy, (510) 207-1945.

Saturday, Feb. 23
East Bay District Council of the Italian Catholic Federation Annual Crab Feed. 6 p.m., no-host cocktails, 7 p.m., dinner, at St. Philip Neri Church, 3108 Van Buren St., Alameda. Tickets: $35. Tickets: Nello, (510) 531-5490. Deadline for tickets: Feb. 14.

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