November 22, 2010   •   VOL. 48, NO. 20   •   Oakland, CA

An Advent call Father Wade Menezes, a member of the Fathers of Mercy, a missionary preaching religious congregation based in Auburn, Ky., and an EWTN host, will preach an Advent mission entitled “Sin, Conversion, and the Call to Holiness: A Message of Divine Mercy” at St. Jerome Church, 308 Carmel Ave., El Cerrito, Dec. 12 – 16. The mission will be preached at 9:15 a.m. and 7 p.m. during the week. For more information: (510) 525-0876.

Saturday, Dec. 4
Our Lady of Guadalupe Celebration. 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. Procession from St. Louis Bertrand Church, 1410 – 100th Ave. to the Cathedral of Christ the Light, 2121 Harrison St., Oakland.

Dec. 4, 10, 13, 18, 19
Cathedral Concerts. At Cathedral of Christ the Light. Dec. 4: 8 p.m. Pacific Mozart Ensemble. Cost of admission/tickets, www.pacificmozart.org.; Dec. 10: 8 p.m. A Chanticleer Christmas. Tickets: www.chanticleer.org; Dec. 13: 7:30 p.m. Piedmont High School Acapella Choir. Tickets: (510) 594-2626; Dec. 18: 8 p.m. San Francisco Boys Chorus. Tickets: www.sfbc.org; Dec. 19: 6 p.m. A Brass and Organ Christmas. Tickets: $30 available at Cathedral Shop, (510) 496-7280 or www.ctlcathedral.org/giftshop.

Dec. 17 – 19
Cathedral of Christ the Light Crèche Festival. Designers and floral artists will showcase unique crèche displays in each of the meditation chapels in the Cathedral and Event Center. www.ctlcathedral.org/creche/creche-festival.shtml.

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Wednesdays, Nov. 24 – Dec. 22
Advent Lectio Divina – Scripture Faith Sharing. 7:30 – 8:30 p.m. at the Dominican Sisters of Mission San Jose Motherhouse, main parlor, 43326 Mission Blvd. (entrance on Mission Tierra Pl.), Fremont. Escape the craziness all around … and take time for the real meaning of the season. Sister Beth Squire, O.P., (510) 449-7554 or sbquire@hotmail.com.

Nov. 29, 30, Dec. 1
A Spiritual Inventory: The Gifts and Fruits of the Holy Spirit. 9 a.m. and 7:30 p.m. at St. Isidore Church, Danville. Slow down this Advent and make room for the risen Lord to live in your home and heart. Presenter: Jesuit Father Tom Allender. All are welcome. www.st-isidore-danville.org/m_faithformation.htm
or (925) 837-2122.

Tuesday, Nov. 30
Advent Twilight Retreat. At San Damiano Retreat in Danville. Presenter: Kathy Miranda. Come away for a quiet and contemplative entry into the season of waiting, Advent. Registration: 4:30 – 5 p.m. Program: 5 – 8:30 p.m. $30 cost includes dinner. (925) 837-9141, ext. 315, or register online: www.sandamiano.org.

Friday, Dec. 3
The Advent Narratives – The Nativity Story. 7 – 9 p.m. at St. Charles Borromeo Church, 1315 Lomitas Ave., Livermore. Featuring Michael Reardon of Into the Light Productions. An evening of storytelling, song and dramatic effects. Tickets: $5/child, $8/adults (13 years and older). Julie, upcatholic@aol.com or (925) 447-4549, ext. 114.

Dec. 3 and 8
Advent Days of Renewal. At San Damiano Retreat in Danville. With Bishop Salvatore Cordileone and Franciscan Father Evan Howard. Spend an Advent day with quiet reflection time as we await the coming of Jesus. Registration: 9 a.m. Program: 9:30 a.m. – 3 p.m. $25 cost includes lunch. (925) 837-9141, ext. 315, or register online: www.sandamiano.org.

Dec. 4, 5
Soli Deo Gloria Presents “Christmas Bells.” Dec. 4: 5 p.m. at First Lutheran Church, 600 Homer Ave., Palo Alto; Dec. 5: 3:30 p.m. at Christ Episcopal Church, 1700 Santa Clara, Alameda. Under the direction of Allen H. Simon, this choral concert will feature seasonal favorites for and about bells. General: $25, Senior/Student: $20, K – 8 students: free. Group rate discounts available.
www.sdgloria.org or (888) 734-7664.

Dec. 6 and 13 or 7 and 14
Advent Scripture Series in the Alameda Deanery. Dec. 6 and 13: 10 – 11:30 a.m. at St. Albert Church, 1022 Holly St., Alameda; Dec. 7 and 14: 7 – 8:30 p.m. at St. Joseph Basilica, in Notre Dame Hall entered from Lafayette Street near San Jose Ave. What does the Bible really say about Jesus’ birth? Take a closer look at the Infancy Narratives in the gospels and uncover popular misconceptions in a two-week series led by Ann Naffziger, MA, MDiv. Suggested donation: $10 for series. Bring your bible. Advance registration requested: (510) 995-9409 of afourre@st-joseph-community.org.

Sunday, Dec. 12
Choral Concert: Songs of Advent and Christmas. 2:15 p.m. at Holy Spirit Church, 37588 Fremont Blvd., Fremont. The four choirs of Holy Spirit Church will perform individually and together for the finale, in this assortment of carols and short choral works for the Advent and Christmas seasons. They will be accompanied by piano, pipe organ and other instruments. All ages welcome. Free will donations accepted. (510) 797-3409.

Dec. 16 – 24
Simbang Gabi (Misa de Gallo). Nine-day novena of Masses held to symbolically usher in the birth of Christ. Dec. 16 – 24: 5 a.m. at St. Albert Church, 1022 Holly St., Alameda. A traditional Filipino breakfast follows Mass. Sponsor: The Filipino American Parish Community of St. Albert/St. Philip Neri Parishes. Helen, (510) 769-1148 or Becky, (510) 387-3161; Dec. 16 – 23: 7 p.m.; Dec. 24: 5:30 a.m. at St. Joan of Arc Church, 2601 San Ramon Valley Blvd., San Ramon. Sponsor: The Simbang Gabi Ministry. All Masses in English. Fellowship and refreshments follow after Mass in the Multipurpose room. Marietta Ocampo, (925) 525-6821 or mocampo@kw.com.

Dec. 17, 18, 19
Christmas Caroling. 7 – 10 p.m. in Antioch, Pittsburg, Oakley, Brentwood, Knightsen, Discovery Bay. Sponsor: St. Anthony Knights of Columbus Council 10414 with the Columbiettes. Information/reservations: Pablo Valdez Quiba III, Grand Knight, quibbs@yahoo.com or (925) 813-4311 or Fran Kennealy, Columbiette, fjkennealy@aol.com or (925) 437-8425.

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Mondays, Nov. 22, 29, Dec. 6
Filipino Ministry at St. Clement Parish. 7:30 p.m. at the parish center, 750 Calhoun St., Hayward. Contact: Simon Medrano, chairman, (510) 303-2965.
Weekly Meditation Groups in the John Main tradition. 5:30 and 7 p.m. in the Keeley Center at St. Charles Borromeo Church, 1315 Lomitas Ave., Livermore. Claire La Scola, (925) 447-9800 or clairelascola@yahoo.com.

Tuesdays, Nov. 23, 30, Dec. 7
Rosary and Prayer Group. 6 p.m. (1st Rosary prolife), 7 p.m. (2nd Rosary, bilingual/Eng-Span) in the chapel next to the parish office at St. Jarlath Parish, 2634 Pleasant St., Oakland.

Wednesdays, Nov. 24, Dec. 1, 8
Perpetual Help Devotion Baclaran Format. 8:15 or 9:15 a.m. after last morning Mass at Our Lady Queen of the World Church, 3155 Winterbrook Dr., Bay Point. (925) 550-0679.

Sunday, Nov. 28
Vietnamese Martyrs Celebration. 3:45 p.m. at St. Felicitas Church, 1662 Manor Blvd., San Leandro. All are invited to attend. Presider: Bishop Salvatore Cordileone. Information: Sister Rosaline L. Nguyen, (510) 628-2153 or rnguyen@oakdiocese.org.

Wednesday, Dec. 1
Taize Prayer Around the Cross. 7:30 – 8:30 p.m. at All Saints Church, 22824 2nd St., Hayward. Together we will praise God in song, silent wonder and admiration. Francis Tanjuatco, (650) 678-7739.

Saturday, Dec. 4
Day of Reflection. 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church, 41933 Blacow Road, Fremont. Presenter: Father Jim Sullivan. Topic: “Our Lady of Guadalupe: Her Story, Her Message and Her Tilma.” Lunch is provided. To ensure there is enough food, please RSVP to lfisher7544@comcast.net or (925) 785-1969.

Sundays, Dec. 5, 19, Jan. 16
Launch Adults United in Christ. Meets at Holy Spirit Church, 37588 Fremont Blvd., Fremont. Dec. 5: 5 – 8 p.m., Youth/Young Adult Mass with movie and gathering afterward in the De Souza house; Dec. 19 and Jan. 16: 3 – 4:30 p.m., in the St. Martha room in the Library Four-Plex, catechism and conversation. Information: www.launchyca.com, launchyca@gmail.com, on Facebook, or (925) 699-8692.

Thursday, Dec. 9
Prayer Group. At St. Philip Neri Church, 3100 Van Buren St., Alameda. Meets second Thursday of the month at 9 a.m., following 8:30 a.m. Mass. Roberta, (510) 521-4478.

Saturday, Dec. 11
Prayer Breakfast. 9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. at Concord Hilton. Sponsored by Magnificat, a new lay association of Catholic women in the Oakland Diocese. Bishop Salvatore Cordileone, who recently approved this new organization, will be the guest speaker at this first major event. All interested Catholic women are invited to register and attend. Information: www.oakdiocese.org/magnificat_1prayer_breakfast.pdf.

Friday, Dec. 17
Taize: An Evening of Prayer Around the Cross. 8 p.m. at St. Joseph Basilica, 1109 Chestnut St., Alameda. All are welcome to this ecumenical candlelit service of prayer offered in simple chant, Scripture readings, silent worship and veneration of the cross. Information: taizeontheisland@yahoo.com or www.taizeontheisland.co.cc.

Taize (Prayer Around the Cross). 8 – 9:15 p.m. at the Dominican Sisters of Mission San Jose Motherhouse Chapel, 43326 Mission Blvd., Fremont. (Entrance is on Mission Tierra Place, between Ohlone College and the Old Mission San Jose.) Feel free to invite others. If you are unable to attend, know that we hold you in special prayer.

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Perpetual
Divine Mercy Center and Perpetual Adoration Chapel, 11152 San Pablo Ave. (510) 412-4715, divinemercyjesus@aol.com, or www.DivineMercyWestCoast.org.

St. Agnes Parish, 3966 Chestnut Ave., Concord. To enter between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. requires an access code. Call (925) 689-0838 to schedule your hour.

Daily
9 a.m. – 5 p.m. at Most Holy Rosary Church, 1313 A St., Antioch. (925) 757-4020.

Monday – Friday
8 a.m. – 8 p.m. Mary’s House of Mercy, 1850 Church Lane, San Pablo.

9 a.m. – 6 p.m. (Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday in the convent), 2 – 9 p.m. (Wednesdays in the church) at St. Bede Church, 26950 Patrick Ave., Hayward. (510) 782-2171.

Monday – Saturday
9:30 a.m. – 7 p.m. in the Holy Spirit Chapel at Our Lady of Good Counsel Church, 2500 Bermuda Ave., San Leandro. (510) 614-2765.

Mondays
7:30 – 8:30 p.m. in the chapel at St. Francis of Assisi Church, 860 Oak Grove Ave., Concord. (925) 682-5447.

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

Tuesdays
8 a.m. – 6:45 p.m. Benediction in Mary’s Chapel at St. Jarlath Church, 2620 Pleasant St., Oakland.

Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays
6:30 – 7:30 p.m. (Tuesdays and Thursdays), 5 – 6 p.m. (Wednesdays; daily Mass 6 p.m.), in the chapel at St. Joseph the Worker Church, 1640 Addison St., Berkeley. (510) 843-2244.

Every fourth Tuesday
7:30 - 8:30 p.m. at Dominican Sisters of Mission San Jose, Motherhouse Chapel, 43326 Mission Blvd. (off Mission Tierra), Fremont. Contact blessings@msjdominicans.org or call (510) 449-7554.

Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays
7 a.m. – 9 p.m. (Thursdays. and Fridays), 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. (Saturdays) at St. Mary Church, 2039 Mt. Diablo Blvd., Walnut Creek. (925) 891-8900.

9 a.m. – 6 p.m. (Thursdays), 9 a.m. – midnight (Fridays), midnight (Fridays) to 8 a.m. (Saturdays) at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church, 500 Fairview Ave., Brentwood. (925) 634-4154.

Thursdays, First Saturdays
9 a.m. – 5 p.m. (Thursdays), 6 p.m. – 7 a.m. Sunday (First Saturdays) at St. Isidore Church, 440 La Gonda Way, Danville. (925) 837-2122.

Fridays
8 a.m. – 8:45 p.m. (Benediction at 8:45 p.m.), in the chapel at St. Michael Church, 458 Maple St., Livermore. (925) 447-1585.

1 – 8 p.m. at St. Monica Church, 1001 Camino Pablo, Moraga. (925) 376-6900.

First Fridays
7:30 – 8:45 p.m. at Transfiguration Church, 4000 E. Castro Valley Blvd., Castro Valley. Charles, (510) 566-9267.

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Nov. 26 – 28
Scripture Retreat. At San Damiano Retreat in Danville. Presenters: Franciscan Father Garrett Galvin and Franciscan Father Michael Guinan. Advent is rooted in the covenant made with David and Jerusalem. The goal of this retreat is to look closely at the Advent readings and gain new perspectives on Matthew’s Gospel. Registration: Nov. 26, 4 – 6:30 p.m.; ends Nov. 28 with lunch at noon. $185 shared room/$215 private room. (925) 837-9141, ext. 315, or register online: www.sandamiano.org.

Vocation Retreat for Men: The Greccio Experience. At Holy Family Friary in Castro Valley. Participants will explore Franciscan Spirituality as revealed in the incarnation, the birth of Jesus. To reserve a space or more information, contact Conventual Franciscan Father Tom Czeck, (301) 866-8463 or calfriars@yahoo.com. RSVP by Nov. 21.

Dec. 3 – 5
Grief Retreat. At San Damiano Retreat in Danville. Presenter: Carol Kaplan, MFT. Grief is our normal response to loss. In this retreat participants will learn ways to cope with grief and use it to transform their life journey. Registration: Dec. 3, 4 – 6:30 p.m.; ends Dec. 5 with lunch at noon. $180 shared room/$210 private room. (925) 837-9141, ext. 315, or register online: www.sandamiano.org.

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Saturday, Nov. 27
St. Leander’s Meridians 27th Annual Sports Collectors Show. 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. at St. Leander’s Ryan O’Connell Hall, 575 West Estudillo Ave., San Leandro. A variety of vintage sports memorabilia items (1880s – 2010) will be available for sale. Free verbal appraisals are available (for pre-1975 items ONLY). Door prizes will be given away all day. Admission: $3; free to those are under 5 years old or over 65. Proceeds benefit St. Leander Parish as well as local charities. Mark, (510) 538-6245.

Saturday, Dec. 4
Bingo. At St. Joseph School, 1961 Plum St., Pinole. Doors open at 4 p.m. Games begin at 5 p.m. Hosted by the 7th and 8th grades.

Sunday, Dec. 5
St. Leander Pancake Breakfast with Santa. 8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. at Ryan O’Connell Hall, 575 W. Estudillo Ave., San Leandro. All are invited for food, games and photos with Santa. Breakfast tickets will be on sale at the door. Sponsor: St. Leander Parent Teacher Group. (510) 351-4111 or stleander.ptg@gmail.com.

Wednesday, Dec. 8
Guest Chef Dinner – Society of St. Vincent de Paul of Alameda County. 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. at SVDP Free Dining Room, 675 – 23rd St., Oakland. Chef Jacob Alioto of Luka’s Taproom will prepare a special dinner with the SVDP Kitchen of Champions Culinary Program students. Event price: $72/person, two people/$125, eight people (one table)/$475. Information/tickets: (510) 636-4261.

Friday, Dec. 31
St. Anthony Columbiettes’ First Annual New Year’s Eve Dinner Dance Gala. 7 p.m. – 12:30 a.m. at Wedgewood Wedding and Banquet Center, 100 Summerset Drive, Brentwood. Includes dinner, dessert, party favors and champagne toast. No-host bar. $70/person through Nov. 25; $80/person Nov. 26 – Dec. 19. Tickets will not be sold at the door. Free local transportation: Mike Faria, (925) 858-6680 or Greg Kennenaly, (925) 584-3281. Must be 21 to attend. Tickets: Sandy Mutulo, (925) 625-2610 or Amoreena Perez, (925) 625-7938.

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Thursday, Dec. 9
An Evening at the Movies: “Eggsploitation.” 7 – 9 p.m. at Kabuki Sundance Cinema Theatre #2, Japantown, San Francisco. Documentary film screening presented by the Center for Bioethics and Culture in cooperation with San Francisco Archdiocesan Office of Public Policy and Social Concerns’ Respect Life Program. Followed by a Q&A with producer, Jennifer Lahl. Admission at the door, $20 – validated parking. Information: www.eggsploitation.com; advance tickets/group rtes: Vicki Evans, (415) 614-5533 or vevans1438@att.net.

Saturday, Dec. 11
Healing Our Losses Workshop. 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. at St. Augustine Church, 400 Alcatraz Ave., Oakland. Presenter: Dr. Jack Miller, a psychologist and founder of the Center for Education on Death and Dying. $10 cost includes lunch and registration. Walt Sears, (925) 963-9341.

Men’s Conference. 7:45 a.m. registration, 8:15 a.m. Holy Rosary at St. Michael Church, 458 Maple St., Livermore. Speakers: Jesse Romero, Terry Barber and Johnny Garcia. Two conferences, one in English and one in Spanish, will be going at the same time. Register: www.saintjoeconferences.com. $40 per person, includes continental breakfast and lunch. Confessions will be heard most of the day, Mass before lunch.

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Saturday, Dec. 4
No More Secrets – Bimonthly Support Group for Survivors of Clergy Sexual Abuse. 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. at St. Elizabeth Elementary School, faculty room, 1516 – 33rd Ave., Oakland. Street parking is available. Facilitated by a licensed psychotherapist. Survivors and their families are welcome. Sponsor: Diocese of Oakland. (510) 843-6971.

Thursday, Dec. 16
Catholic Divorced Widowed and Separated of Contra Costa. 7 – 9 p.m. at St. Mary Church, 2039 Mt. Diablo Blvd., Walnut Creek. All who are struggling from a loss due to separation, divorce, death of a loved one are welcome to participate in this peer group. Joan S., (925) 939-1007.

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Dec. 4, 5, 19
Berkeley Community Chorus and Orchestra. Dec. 4: 8 p.m.; Dec. 5: 4:30 p.m.; Dec. 19: 4:30 p.m. at St. Joseph the Worker Church, 1640 Addison St., Berkeley. Includes Mass No. 14 in B-flat Major – “Harmoniemesse.” Free admission. Donations appreciated. Wheelchair accessible. www.bcco.org. (510) 433-9599.

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