March 6 , 2006VOL. 44, NO. 5Oakland, CA

Wednesdays, March 8, 15, 22
Lenten Soup Suppers. 6:30 p.m. at St. Stephen Church, 1101 Keaveny Court, Walnut Creek. Guest speakers to follow soup supper. March 8: Father Tom Bonacci will speak on Jesus and the Stations of the Cross at 7:15 p.m.; March 22: Contemporary Stations of the Cross at 7:15 p.m. Annette Roux, (925) 939-3826 or gizzymo3@sbcglocal.net.

Thursdays, March 9, 16
Franciscan Vision Lecture Series – Lent 2006. 4 – 5 p.m. chapel, Franciscan School of Theology, 1712 Euclid Ave., Berkeley. March 9: Bill Schultz, FST director of recruitment and communications, “From Place to Sacred Place: St. Francis and Mount La Verna”; March 19: Sister Ramona Miller, OSF, FST director of spiritual formation, “Clare: A Franciscan Feminine Perspective on Lent.”

March 10 – 12
Men’s Lenten Retreat. At San Damiano Retreat Center, Danville. With Father Rusty Shaughnessy, OFM. $180/$150. Lorraine, (925) 837-9141.

Saturday, March 11
Reflection Day for Young Adult Women. 10 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. at Presentation Retreat Center in Los Gatos. The Sisters of the Presentation in San Francisco are inviting young adult women who want to deepen their relationship with God and help them explore their personal call from God to this Lenten retreat. Sister Gloria Loya, PBVM, (415) 422-5009 or gloya@pbvmsf.org.

March 12 – 15
Lenten Excursion With Matthew’s Beatitudes. At St. Charles Borromeo Church, 1315 Lomitas Ave., Livermore. Presented by Jesuit Father Tim Meier. March 12: 7:30 – 9 p.m., Liturgy of the Word; March 13: 7:30 – 9 p .m., Benediction – Byzantine Evening Prayer Service; March 14: 9 – 11:30 a.m. morning Mass followed by a two hour condensed version of the mission followed by a potluck luncheon; 7:30 – 9 p.m., Lenten Communal Reconciliation Service; March 15: 7:30 – 9 p.m., Mass. Donations requested at door. Julie Gallagher, (925) 447-4549 or upcatholic@aol.com.

March 20, 27, 29
Lenten Days/Evenings of Renewal. At San Damiano Retreat Center, Danville. March 20 and 29: 9:30 – 3 p.m. with Sister Michelle L’Allier, OSF. $20 includes lunch; March 27: 9:30 – 3 p.m., with special guest Bishop Allen Vigneron. $20 includes lunch.

March 31 – April 2
Lenten Retreat for Men. At San Damiano Retreat Center. Facilitator: Father Kenan Osborne, professor emeritus at the Franciscan School of Theology in Berkeley. Sponsor: St. Bonaventure Catholic Community Men’s Spiritual Network. Matt Remington, (925) 672-4006 or Peter Nixon, (925) 363-5884, or visit www.stbonaventure.net/msnretreat.shtml.

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SPIRITUALITY

Wednesdays, March 8, 15, 22, 29
Christ the King Bible Study and Charismatic Prayer Meeting. At 6 St. Lawrence Ct., Pleasant Hill. Bible Study begins at 7:30 p.m., prayer meeting at 8:15 p.m. All are welcome to share in charismatic praise, singing and openness to the gifts of God’s Spirit. Personal prayer for healing follows the prayer meeting. (800) 474-6644.

Friday, March 10
The Catholic Ladies’ Aid Society Annual Day of Recollection. At Mercy Retirement and Care Center, 3431 Foothill Blvd., Oakland. 9:30 a.m. registration; 10 a.m. Mass celebrated by Grand Chaplain Father Paul Devine, followed by lunch. $12. Alba Silva, (707) 762-6932.

Sunday, March 12
Grand Ultreya. 1:45 p.m. at St. Elizabeth Seton Church, 4001 Stoneridge Dr., Pleasanton. For the entire diocesan English-speaking Cursillo community and the Filipino Cursillo community.

Wednesday, March 15
Healing Mass. 7:30 p.m. at St. Leander Church, 550 West Estudillo Ave., San Leandro. Father Larry D’Anjou presiding.

Saturday, March 18
28th Annual SPRED Diocesan Liturgy. 5 p.m. at St. Paschal Baylon Church, 3700 Dorisa Ave., Oakland. Presider: Father George Mockel, vicar general. (510) 635-7252 or www.oakdiocese.org/spred.

Saturday Night with Jesus. 7:30 p.m. at St. Charles Borromeo, 1315 Lomitas Ave., Livermore. An introduction to the Charismatic experience. Sponsor: Charismatic Renewal Office. (925) 828-6644.

Wednesday, March 29
Sharing Christ’s Presence. 7:30 – 8:30 p.m. in the chapel, St. Agnes Parish, 3966 Chestnut Ave., Concord. Scripture, reflection, exposition of the Blessed Sacrament, praise music. Tom, tegr@earthlink.net.

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RETREATS

March 10 – 12
Marriage Encounter. In Pleasanton. A romantic weekend away for married couples. Mike and Jeanne Emry, (925) 672-2016 or http://oakland.lovemoredeeply.org.

Saturday, March 11
Reflection Day for Young Adult Women. 10 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. at Presentation Retreat Center in Los Gatos. The Sisters of the Presentation in San Francisco are inviting young adult women who want to deepen their relationship with God and help them explore their personal call from God to this Lenten retreat. Sister Gloria Loya, PBVM, (415) 422-5009 or gloya@pbvmsf.org.

Tuesday, March 14
Memoir Writing: Viewing My Life, Past and Present. At San Damiano Retreat Center, Danville. Facilitator: Ursual Caspary Frankel. Time for prayerful reflection, writing, sharing and laughter. No writing experience necessary. $55 fee includes lunch. (925) 837-9141; www.sandamiano.org.

March 17 – 19
Men and Women’s Silent Retreat: The Unfolding of Divine Love. At San Damiano Retreat Center, Danville. Facilitator: Paula D’Arcy. Presentations, prayer and quiet reflection time. $50 deposit. $210 private room/$175 shared room. Limited number of bedrooms available. (925) 837-9141;www.sandamiano.org.

Saturday, March 18
The Gospel of Thomas: A Christian Meditation Retreat Day. 9:30 a.m. – 3:15 p.m. at Holy Spirit/Newman Hall Parish, 2700 Dwight Way, Berkeley. Presenter: Kim Nataraja, coordinator of the International School of the World Community for Christian Meditation. Bag lunch suggested or nearby cafes. $20 registration. Make check payable to Christian Meditation Retreats and send to 1666 Mendocino Dr., Concord, CA 94521 or call Jeannie, (510) 849-2181.

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LECTURES

Monday, March 6
Bible Study on the Gospel of John 1 – 10. 7:30 – 9:30 p.m. in the Pope John XXIII Room, St. Charles Borromeo Parish, 1315 Lomitas Ave., Livermore. Join the Catholic communities of St. Charles and St. Michael parishes for this seven-week session that focuses on the theme: “I Am The Bread of Life.” $10 donation for materials. Julie Gallagher, (925) 447-4549 or upcatholic@aol.com.

Tuesday, March 7
Theology on Tap. 7 p.m. at Kerry House, 4092 Piedmont Ave., Oakland. Rosemary Feerick, co-director of Harvest Time, will examine the topic of faith and money in her presentation, “Levi’s Table: Welcoming Our Money ‘Sinner’ at the Table with Jesus.’” Sponsor: St. Leo Parish and Kerry House. (510) 654-6177.

March 9, 16, 23, 30
Living Our Faith Series. 7 p.m. in Sablan Room, St. Joseph Basilica Parish, 1109 Chestnut St., Alameda. (meeting room on Encinal Avenue entered through rear parking lot). March 9: The Jewish Festival of Passover: Festival of Freedom with Rabbi Allen Bennett of Temple Israel; March 16: Twelve Step Spirituality with Father Vince Cotter, pastor of St. Philip Neri, Alameda; March 23: Great Women Chefs of the New Testament, with Father Anthony Herrera, former chef and pastor of St. Barnabas, Alameda; March 30: Hearts Broken From Birth with Father Rich Danyluk, pastor of St. Joseph Basilica Parish. Donations accepted. Anne Marie Fourre, (510) 749-7158 or (510) 522-0181.

Saturday, March 11
Does God Love War? 7 p.m. at Martin Luther King Jr. Middle School Auditorium, 1781 Rose St., Berkeley. Preceded by reception/book signing from 6:15 – 6:45 p.m. An evening of conversation and discussion with Pulitzer Prize winning writer Chris Hedges and American-Muslim thinker and theologian, Hamza Yusuf. Free admission, donations accepted. Sponsors: South Bay Islamic Association and MeccaOne Media. (510) 582-1979,info@zaytuna.org, or www.zaytuna.org.

Tuesday, March 14
Mission Forum. 7:30 p.m. at Maryknoll Mission Center, 16300 Foothill Blvd., San Leandro. Veteran Maryknoll missioner Art Willie will share his memories of his longtime friend Julius Nyerere, the first president of Tanzania. The Sacred Congregation for the Causes of Saints in Rome recently gave Nyerere, who integrated his faith with his political career, the title of “Servant of God,” to signify the beginning of the process towards sainthood. (510) 276-5021, mdulka@maryknoll.org or www.maryknoll.us.

Saturday, March 25
Saturday Semester at Holy Names University. 9 a.m. in the Valley Center for the Performing Arts, 3500 Mountain Blvd, Oakland. Be a student for the day and attend lectures on options for the poor in Christian theology, alternative energy, and social justice. Open to the public with $40 for admission for the day. Donna Chan, (510) 436-1240 or chan@hnu.edu.

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sOCIALS

Saturday, March 11
Chili Bowl Bingo. 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. at St. Columba Church Hall, 6401 San Pablo Ave., Oakland. Donation: $10 and receive a pack of 12 bingo cards. Sponsor: St. Columba Women’s Group. Lucy Castro, (510) 527-0232 or parish office, (510) 654-7600.

St. Patrick’s Day Dinner. 6 p.m. social hour, 7 p.m. dinner at St. Jarlath Church, 2620 Pleasant St., Oakland. Entertainment: Irish dancers, songs. Raffle. Adults: $12, children: $7. Sponsor: Knights of Columbus, Magellan Council 2730.

Sunday, March 12
A Springtime Picnic in the Park. 1 p.m. at Good Shepherd Church Hall, 3200 Harbor St., Pittsburg. Casual attire encouraged. Adults: $12, children 10 and under: $6. No tickets sold at the door. Proceeds to fund the Bishop’s Burse. Sponsor: nine Catholic Daughters courts in the Oakland Diocese. Host: Court 1450 St. Mary Margaret, Pittsburg. Josie Torres, (925) 432-2265.

Wednesday, March 15
A Day at the Races. At Golden Gate Fields in Albany. Sponsor: St. Anne’s Confraternity of St. Edward Parish in Newark. $25 per person admission includes seating in the Terrace Room, buffet, and a race book. Tickets are limited. Helen Bettencourt, (510) 793-1594.

Friday, March 17
St. Patrick’s Day Fish Fry. At St. Patrick Parish, Father Howard Community Center, 1630 Tenth St., Oakland. Dinner served 4:30 – 8:30 p.m.; lunch available 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. if pre-ordered by March 14. Choice of catfish or red snapper. To pre-order lunch: (510) 444-1081 (1 – 5 p.m.) or (510) 532-5003 (daytime), (510) 535-0912 (after 6 p.m.). Music and dancing: $11 adults, $6.50 children (10 and under).

Saturday, March 18
DCCW’s Annual Fashion Show Luncheon. Noon at the Royal Vista Golf Club, 9430 Fircrest Lane, San Ramon. Clothes by House of Fashions in Alamo. $30 per person. Kay Horsell, (925) 829-0940.

St. Patrick’s Day Dinner. 5:30 p.m. social hour, 6:30 p.m. dinner, at Ryan O’Connell Hall, 575 W. Estudillo Ave., San Leandro. $15 adults, $7.50 children 12 and under. No tickets sold at the door. (510) 895-5631. Deadline for ticket purchase is March 15. Sponsor: St. Leander Conference of the St. Vincent de Paul Society.

St. Patrick’s Dinner/Dance. 6 p.m. no host bar; 6:45 p.m. corned beef dinner in parish gym, Assumption Parish, 1100 Fulton Ave., San Leandro. $25 for adults, $10 children under 10, free children under six. Rhina Ruggiero, (510) 352-1537.
The Irish-American Culture Club’s 6th Annual St. Patrick’s Day Dinner-Dance. At Crow Canyon Country Club, Danville. No-host cocktails at 6 p.m., buffet dinner at 7 p.m., dance music from 8 – 11 p.m. Formal or party attire. Members:
$45/person; non-members: $50/person. Betty, (925) 939-5285.

Saturday, March 25
Spring Auction. 6 – 11 p.m. at the Faculty Club, UC Berkeley. Live and silent auctions; auctioneer is Bubba Paris. Wine bar and hors d’oeuvres. Benefits the School of the Madeleine, Berkeley. $45 in advance, $50 at door. (510) 273-9628.

Sunday, March 26
Italian Catholic Federation Honors Bishop Allen Vigneron. At St. Philip Neri Church, 3108 Van Buren St., Alameda. 3 p.m. Mass, 4 p.m. no-host cocktails, 5 p.m. banquet. $25 per person donation. JoAnn D., (510) 523-9472 for reservations.

Friday, March 31
St. Francis of Assisi School’s Ninth Annual Auction and Casino Night. 6 p.m. at Concord Center . Reservations: $55 per person includes a safari buffet, no-host bar, live/silent auction, casino and dancing to the live band “After Midnight.” Donations also accepted. Chris and Ann Wright, (925) 685-9177.

Saturday, April 8
FACE (Family-Aid – Catholic Education) Auction and Dinner Gala. 6 p.m., cocktails and silent auction; 7:30 p.m. dinner and live auction at the Greek Orthodox Community Center, Oakland. $150 per person. $10,000 cash drawing. $75 suggested donation (need not be present to win). Since its inception, FACE has provided over $12 million to 18,000 students attending Catholic elementary and high schools in the Oakland Diocese. (510) 628-2155.

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support groups

March 7, 14, 21
Partner Loss Grief Support Group. 10:30 a.m. – noon. Location convenient to BART. Facilitated by Sutter VNA and Hospice in San Leandro. Group is small and on a donation basis. Barbara Gordon, (510) 450-8867.

Wednesdays, March 8, 22
Safely Home Bereavement Grief Support Ministry. 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. at St. Anne Church, Dyer and Cabello streets, Union City. No reservations or sign-up required but a phone call would help for planning purposes. Roseann Langley, (510) 471-6545.

Thursdays, March 9 and 23
CDWS Support Group. 7 – 8:30 p.m. All who are struggling from a loss due to separation, divorce or death of a loved one are invited to participate in these peer group meetings. Dianne G., (510) 527-2148 or Joan S., (925) 939-1007 for additional information and locations.

Tuesdays, March 14, 28
Breast Cancer Prayer and Support Group. 7 p.m. at St. Elizabeth Seton Church, 4001 Stoneridge Dr., Room B, Pleasanton. Second and fourth Tuesdays. Donna Carlton, (925) 461-8411; Mary Merucci, (925) 846-8436; or Helen Wirtenson, (925) 462-3798.

Thursday, March 16
CDWS Board Meeting. 6:30 p.m. at St. Bonaventure Rectory, 5562 Clayton Road, Concord. Calling all members of the Catholic Divorced Widowed and Separated Catholics of Contra Costa! Help determine the election of officers for 2006 and how the organization is run.

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art/music

Sunday, March 12
Ethnic Art. 2 p.m. at Hearst Art Gallery, the art museum of St. Mary’s College in Moraga. Gregory Ghent and Scott McCue, co-curators, will give a presentation on the highlights of a new exhibition, “Touched by Wonder: Ethnographic Art from the Permanent Collection,” which includes art from Africa, Oceania, and Asia. (925) 631-4379 or http://gallery.stmarys-ca.edu.

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Crab feeds

Saturday, March 11
Mary’s House (A Home for Pregnant Women in Crisis). 6 – 7 p.m. (no-host cocktails); 7 p.m. (dinner); 9 p.m. – midnight (dancing, Karaoke). 6 – 8:30 p.m. silent auction. At St. David of Wales School Hall, 871 Sonoma St., Richmond. Analyn Garcia, (510) 236-0383 or Lou Santero, (925) 846-5124.

Saturday, March 25
I.C.D.E.S. “Caridade” Lodge. 5 p.m. no-host cocktails, 6:30 p.m. dinner, 8 p.m. to midnight, dancing, at I.D.E.S. Hall on Alvarado St. in San Leandro. Adults: $35, children (six – 12): $15. Patty Batchell, (510) 769-6784; Kim Perry, (510) 569-3790.

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anniversaries

Sunday, March 12
Carondelet High School, Concord. 40th Anniversary Celebration. Noon – 4 p.m. at 1133 Winton Dr. Festivities will begin with a liturgy celebrated by Father Michael Norkett, former faculty member. Refreshments and tours of the campus will follow. Memorabilia featuring highlights from the first four decades, along with proposed future plans, will be on display.

Saturday, March 25
St. Leander Elementary School, San Leandro. 125 Years. 4 p.m. Mass at 550 W. Estudillo Ave., San Leandro, followed by dinner and tours of the school. The Dominican Sisters of San Rafael, who for school for 100 years, will be honored for their years of service. (510) 895-5631.

Sunday, March 26
St. Joseph Elementary School, St. Joseph Notre Dame High School, Alameda. Celebrating 125 Years of Catholic Education. Noon Mass, at 1109 Chestnut St., Alameda. Open houses at both schools, a potluck lunch, and musical program. (510) 522-4457.

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