October 17, 2011   •   VOL. 49, NO. 18   •   Oakland, CA

50 years of retreats San Damiano Retreat in Danville is celebrating its 50th jubilee year in retreat ministry, with a “weekend of memories,” Nov. 4-6. Highlights include tours, an outdoor Mass and banquet, as well as visits with your favorite friars, staff members and friends both past and present. Special weekend price: $190 private/$160 shared. Unable to spend the entire weekend? Come for Saturday dinner or Sunday morning breakfast. Contact Kateri, (925) 837-9141, ext. 315, or kateri@sandamiano.org.

Monday, Oct. 17
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, clairelascola@yahoo.com.

Oct. 18, 25, Nov. 1
Rosary and Divine Mercy prayer group. 6 p.m. Rosary, 6:30 p.m., Divine Mercy Chaplet in Mary’s Chapel at St. Jarlath Church, 2634 Pleasant St., Oakland.
Perpetual Help novena/prayer. 7 p.m., Good Shepherd Church, 3200 Harbor St., Pittsburg, (925) 432-6404.

Oct. 18, Nov. 8
Faith Sharing prayer group. 7:30 p.m., Marian room, Transfiguration Church, 4000 E. Castro Valley Blvd., Castro Valley. Bible reading, faith sharing, rosary, petitions, potluck, etc. Every other Tuesday. Charles, (510) 566-9267.

Oct. 19, 26, Nov. 2
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 Drive, Bay Point. (925) 550-0679.

Oct. 20, 27, Nov. 3
Chaplet of Divine Mercy Devotion. 6:30 p.m., St. Anthony Church, 971 O’Hara Ave., Oakley. Followed by Bible study until 8 p.m. All are welcome. (925) 625-2109.

Friday, Oct. 21
Taize (prayer around the Cross). 8-9 p.m., Dominican Sisters of Mission San Jose Motherhouse, 43326 Mission Blvd. (entrance on Mission Tierra Place), Fremont. Third Fridays. (510) 657-2468.

Oct. 24, Nov. 7
Fil/Am Ministry at St. Clement Parish. 7:30 p.m. at the parish center, 750 Calhoun St., Hayward. Meets every second and fourth Monday. Contact: Simon Medrano, president. (510) 303-2965.

Rosary in honor of Our Lady of Fatima. 7:30 p.m. at the grotto outside Transfiguration Church, 4000 E. Castro Valley Blvd., Castro Valley. Rosary, petitions, singing. Charles Eduru, (510) 556-9267.

Saturday, Oct. 22
Come and See. 9:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Religious of the Sacred Heart, Oakland Community, 1726 Chestnut St., Oakland. A day of reflection to explore religious life, specifically the mission and charism of the Religious of the Sacred Heart, their internationality and why women choose this way of life. Sister Mary McGann, RSCJ, mmcgann@rsjc.org. Register by Oct. 19 by emailing Regina Shin, RSCJ, rshin@rscj.org.

Friday, Oct. 28
Taize: An evening of prayer around the Cross. 8 p.m., St. Joseph Basilica, 1109 Chestnut St., Alameda. Taize is an ecumenical, candlelit service of prayer offered in simple chant, Scripture readings, silent worship and veneration of the Cross. www.taizeontheisland.co.cc or taizeontheisland@yahoo.com.

Saturday, Oct. 29
Memorial Mass and Ritual of Remembrance. 12:10 p.m., 2700 Dwight Way (at College), Berkeley. The Bereavement Ministry of Newman Hall/Holy Spirit Parish in Berkeley sponsor this special Mass to honor the memory of loved ones who have died. At the conclusion of the Eucharist, attendees will gather to celebrate the Ritual of Remembrance, a time for music, prayer-movement by the Newman Dancers, meditation and sharing. Participants are welcome to bring pictures or mementos of loved ones that will be used to create a “Table of Memories.” Carmen, (510) 204-9230 or Marcella, (510) 845-4912.

Sunday, Nov. 6
Taize prayer around the Cross. 7 p.m., Hillcrest Congregational Church, 404 Gregory Lane, Pleasant Hill. All are welcome who wish to gather in prayer and in a spirit of Ecumenism. Participating churches: Church of the Resurrection, Episcopal; St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church; Christ the King Church, Seventh-day Adventist, all in Pleasant Hill.

Wednesday, Nov. 9
Conversations on Prayer. 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., 2800 Milvia St., Berkeley. Father Jim Franck, a Missionary of the Precious Blood, will guide the discussion and reflection about our relationship with Christ and with each other through prayer. Lunch provided. Donations accepted. (510) 665-7858 or sonnino.cppsca@gmail.com.

Re-energize Mid-Week with Taize around the Cross. 7 p.m. to 8 p.m., Maryknoll Center, 16642 Ashland Ave., San Lorenzo. In the midst of a hectic week, experience the re-energizing power of Christ with music and contemplative prayer led by Ruth Picha, spiritual director. Second Wednesdays. Kris East, (510) 276-5021; www.maryknoll.us.

Thursday, Nov. 10
Prayer group. 9 a.m., after 8:30 a.m. Mass second Thursdays, St. Philip Neri Church, 3100 Van Buren St., Alameda. Roberta, (510) 521-4478.

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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.
Holy Spirit Parish, 37588 Fremont Blvd., Fremont. (510) 797-1660.

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

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

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

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

Mondays
7:30 to 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 to 6:30 p.m., St. Elizabeth Seton Church, 4001 Stoneridge Drive., Pleasanton.

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

Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays
6:30 to 7:30 p.m. (Tuesdays and Thursdays), 5 to 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 to 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. to 9 p.m. (Thursdays and Fridays), 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. (Saturdays), St. Mary Church, 2039 Mt. Diablo Blvd., Walnut Creek. (925) 891-8900.

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

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

Fridays
8 a.m. to 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 to 8 p.m. at St. Monica Church, 1001 Camino Pablo, Moraga. (925) 376-6900.

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

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Oct. 21 – 22
Young Adult Fall Retreat with the Dominican Sisters of Mission San Jose. 6 p.m. Oct. 21 to 6 p.m. Oct. 22, 43326 Mission Blvd., Fremont. Presenter: St. Joseph Sister Maryann Cantlon. Theme: Transformation. “We will examine the idea of transformation, risk and reconciliation — with God and others.” For women and men ages 21-40. Free will offering. RSVP: by Oct. 17 at blessings@msjdominicans.org. Send your prayer requests to: requestprayers@msjdominicans.org.

Oct. 21 – 23
A.A. and Al-anon Women At St. Clare’s Retreat, 2381 Laurel Glen Road, Soquel. “Miracle of the Heart” with Dominican Father Serge Propst, Weekend reservations must be made by mail and accompanied by a $10 non-refundable deposit per person. $120 single/$110 each person. stclares@sbcglobal.net or (831) 423-8093.

Married couples retreat. At St. Clare’s Retreat, 2381 Laurel Glen Road, Soquel, CA. “Miracle of the Heart” with Father Pat Mullin. Weekend reservations must be made by mail and accompanied by a $10 non-refundable deposit per person. $120 single/$110 each person. stclares@sbcglobal.net or (831) 423-8093.

Saturday, Oct. 22
Young adult retreat. 9 a.m. (registration), 9:30 to 4 p.m. (program) at San Damiano Retreat in Danville. With Paula Jenkins and team. Come explore the goodness of creation of all Creation with us as we celebrate the joy and fullness of our lives in Christ. (925) 837-9141, ext. 315, or register online: www.sandamiano.org.

Oct. 28 – 30
Married couples retreat. At San Damiano Retreat with Franciscan Father Evan Howard and Chuck and Gloria Blay. This retreat will focus on Catholic Spirituality for BOOMER marriages. If you are a mid-life couple, come and rediscover the gift of the Sacrament of Matrimony. Registration from 4 to 6:30 p.m. Oct. 28; retreat ends: Oct. 30, with lunch at noon. $310 per couple. (925) 837-9141, ext. 315, or register online: www.sandamiano.org.

The Four Gospel Journey. At San Damiano Retreat in Danville, with Alexander J. Shala. We will explore four questions of the spiritual; life: How do we face change? How do we move through suffering? How do we receive joy? How do we mature in service? Registration from 4 to 6:30 p.m. Oct. 28. Retreat ends: Oct. 30, with lunch at noon. $240 private/$210 shared. (925) 837-9141, ext. 315, or register online: www.sandamiano.org.

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Thursday, Oct. 20
Italian Night. 5 to 9 p.m. in the Soda Center at St. Mary’s College in Moraga. Italian cuisine. Music by Gene Falcone. $35/person. Proceeds to benefit the SMC scholarship fund. Sponsor: St. Mary’s Guild. Pat Wiegmann, St. Mary’s Guild, P.O. Box 3002, St. Mary’s College, CA 94575.

Saturday, Oct. 22
Italian Catholic Federation Branch 215’s 44th Anniversary Pasta-Meatball Dinner-Dance. At Corpus Christi Church Hall, 37891 Second St. in Fremont. 6 p.m. no-host cocktails; 7 p.m. dinner; dancing to follow. $20. Norma, (510) 651-1641.

Saturday, Oct. 29
St. Joseph Notre Dame Pilot Booster Club Spaghetti Dinner. 6 p.m. (social hour), 7 p.m. (family-style dinner), Kelly Gymnasium, St. Joseph Notre Dame High School, 1011 Chestnut St., Alameda. Proceeds benefit all SJND athletics. Boosters@sjnd.org.

Benefit Concert. 6 p.m., Harbor Light Church, 4760 Thornton Ave., Fremont. Tatiana Cameron (Tajci), international singer and songwriter, will be performing a youth and adult Marian concert to benefit the Divine Mercy Eucharistic Society ministries. $25. Jocelyn, (510) 304-7005 or thedivinemercyjesus@gmail.com.

Saturday, Nov. 5
St. Peter Martyr Holiday Boutique and Luncheon. 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., 425 W. Fourth St., Pittsburg. Local artists will delight with homemade treats, handcrafted jewelry, homemade soaps and bath salts, and much more. Terry Matejcek, (925) 432-7292 or Nancy Ferris at St. Peter Martyr School, (925) 439-1014. Event will be held in the school cafeteria. Lots of parking in the back of the school.

Saturday, Nov. 12
Bay Area Crisis Nursery Fall Gala Fundraiser: The Glamour of Giving. 6 – 11 p.m. at Diablo Country Club in Diablo. An evening of entertainment, dinner, auctions, and wines. All proceeds to help prevent child abuse. Tickets: $95/person. Sandy Hathaway, (925) 685-6633 or sandy.hathaway@bacn.info.

Sunday, Nov. 13
Gospel Explosion – Hope for Haiti. 5 p.m. at St. Columba Parish, Oakland. Five distinguished “gospel” artists in the East Bay – including Ronny Mills and Inspired Catholic Voices – are teaming up with St. Columba Parish to raise scholarship money for 170 impoverished students in Haiti for this current school year. (510) 654-7600.

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Tuesday, Oct. 18
Movie Night: The Flowers of St. Francis. 7 p.m., Maryknoll Regional Center (in the old convent of St. John Parish), 16642 Ashland Ave., San Lorenzo. This film’s chapters play out like parables. Humble Francis doubts his leadership, hugs a leper, and sends his brothers spinning, dizzy and smiling into the world. In Italian with English subtitles. (75 min.) Kris East, (510) 276-5021.

Thursday, Oct. 27
Father Bill O’Donnell Social Justice Awards. 7 p.m. (potluck), 7:45 p.m. (program), Berkeley Fellowship of Unitarian Universalists Fellowship Hall, 1924 Cedar St. (at Bonita), Berkeley. Songwriter Jon Fromer is this year’s award recipient. Admission: $5-$10. No one turned away for lack of funds. (510) 499-4740.

Saturday, Nov. 12
CDA Court Anniversary. At Carpaccio Ristorante Italiano, 2741 Lone Tree Way, Antioch. Catholic Daughters of the Americas Court 1450 St. Mary Margaret is celebrating its 64th Anniversary. $20/person (members and guests) payable to CDA by Nov. 2. Questions/information: Josie Torres, (925) 432-2265 or April Ortega, (925) 360-0627.

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Saturday, Oct. 22
October Italian Polenta Festival. At St. Isidore Church Hall, 440 LaGonda Way, Danville. Menu: polenta with Italian sausage, roast chicken, desserts, drink. Raffle. Celebrating Msgr. Daniel Cardelli’s birthday. Admission: $20. Sponsor: Italian Catholic Federation branch 352, Danville. Antonio Roselli, (925) 820-1670 or tlrosellini@sbcglobal.net.

Saturday, Oct. 29
Our Lady of Guadalupe Harvest Festival. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Our Lady of Guadalupe School, 40374 Fremont Blvd., Fremont. International food, games, crafts, face painting and more. (510) 657-1674.

Nov. 4, 5
Our Lady Queen of the World Parish’s Second Annual Craft Fair. 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the church hall, 3155 Winterbrook Drive, Bay Point. Jewelry, woodcrafts, sewing, quilting and more items. valariefp@yahoo.com.

Saturday, Nov. 5
Festival of Fortune. 7:30 p.m., St. Joseph Parish Hall, 43148 Mission Blvd., Fremont. A masquerade-themed benefit for St. Joseph Church. Includes hors d’oeurves, dessert, no-host bar, dancing. Raffle tickets: $100 each; event tickets: $10 each. (Must purchase raffle ticket if you wish to attend event.) Don Kaefer, (510) 427-3007 or Jill Popolizio, (510) 706-5696.

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Oct. 20, Nov. 3, 17
Breast Cancer Support Group. 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., St. Isidore Church, 440 La Gonda Way, Danville. All women who have been diagnosed with breast cancer or are a breast cancer survivor, are invited to these informal meetings which are led by a breast cancer survivor. Support groups have been shown to decrease distress and improve quality of life. Meets first and third Thursdays. Contacts: Maria Hartung, (925) 831-2475 or mariahartung@yahoo.com; Faith Formation, (925) 362-1901.

Thursday, Oct. 20
Catholic Divorced Widowed and Separated of Contra Costa. 7 to 9 p.m., 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.

Saturday, Dec. 3
No More Secrets – Bimonthly Support Group for Survivors of Clergy Sexual Abuse. 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., 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.

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Oct. 22, 23
Concert. Oct. 22: 2 p.m. at St. Mary’s College Chapel in Moraga; Oct. 23: 2 p.m. at St. Stephen Church in Walnut Creek. Voices of Musica Sacra presents choral, organ and chamber works of French composer, Jehan Alain. Featuring John R.S. Walko, organist, and young local musicians. John Kendall Bailey, music director. $20/adults, $15/seniors/students, children free. www.vmschorus.org, (925) 944-5239.

Friday, Nov. 4
Chalice Consort – Requiem by Eustache Du Caurroy. 8 p.m., St. Edward Church, 5788 Thornton Ave., Newark. The Requiem is a famous musical setting by the French composer, Eustache Du Caurroy. This Requiem is one of the highest moments in the history of the Catholic Church music. It was composed under the influence of the ideas of the Counter Reformation, which saw music as kind of a prayer. Tickets available at the parish offices. $20/general admission, $15/seniors, $10/students, and free for youth 17 and under. $25 at the door (cash only)

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Saturday, Oct. 22
St. Jarlath School 60s and 70s Reunion Picnic. 11:30 a.m., Rodgers Smith Park, 738 Grayson Road, Pleasant Hill. For anyone who graduated, attended or had children at SJS from 1960 to 1979. A BBQ lunch of hot dogs, hamburgers, fruit, chips and desserts will be provided for a cost of $5 for 1 –3 family members; $10 for 4+ family members. (Bring your own drinks, captain chairs, softball and volleyball equipment, plus school supplies which will be donated to the school.) Raffle and 50/50 drawing. Stjarlath6070s@gmail.com, Facebook group page “St. Jarlath School 1960 through 1979” or call Jeannine Willits Songey ’76, (925) 362-9085 or Cindy Valdivia, ’76. (925) 989-9017.

Saint Mary’s College High School, Berkeley Alumni and Friends Homecoming BBQ. Noon at Frates Plaza at the high school. Open to all alumni and friends of Saint Mary’s; also celebrates the Classes of 1976, 1981, 1996 and 2001. $25/person; $10/children 12 and under. Includes lunch, entry to varsity game vs. Piedmont at 1:30 p.m. and fifth quarter social. Online registration: www.saintmaryschs.org. Registration closes Oct. 20. Joanne Marchetti Howe, (510) 559-6227.

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