November 20, 2006 • VOL. 44, NO. 20 • Oakland, CA

Lessons and carols Members of the 11 a.m. Sunday Mass choir at Fremont’s Holy Spirit Parish (some of whom are pictured above), along with other local choirs will perform a variety of Christmas and Advent songs and choral works on Dec. 10 at Holy Spirit Church, 37588 Fremont Blvd. in Fremont, at 3:30 p.m. Free- will offerings will be accepted at the door. Information: (510) 797-3409.	nia...
The road to holiness Jean-Francois Racine, associate professor of New Testament at the Jesuit School of Theology in Berkeley, will talk about the Gospel of Luke, on Nov. 28 at 10:15 a.m. and on Nov. 30 at 7 p.m. in Mullen Commons at St. John Vianney Parish, 1650 Ygnacio Valley Road in Walnut Creek. Racine is writing a book on this Gospel, emphasizing how much Jesus is on the road in the stories in Luke. Information: Nora Petersen, (925) 939-7911 x107 or npetersen@sjvianney.org.
Seeking the light During Advent, Catholics celebrate the power of light over darkness. Franciscan Father Rusty Shaughnessy will facilitate a Silent Advent Retreat, “Let in the Light,” Dec. 8 – 10 at the San Damiano Retreat Center in Danville. The cost is $185 for a private room and $155 for a shared room. For more information: (925) 837-9141 or www.sandamiano.org

ADVENT SPIRITUALITY

Nov. 30, Dec. 7, 14
Thursday Evening Advent Series: Longing for the Healing Balm of Christ Coming. 7 – 9 p.m. (6:30 p.m. check-in) at San Damiano Retreat Center, Danville. Presented by Chiara’s Lantern. Includes lectio divina, prayer, guided meditation, ritual and sharing. Pre-registration requested, walk-ins welcome. $15/evening. (925) 837-9141 or www.sandamiano.org.

Friday, Dec. 1
Advent Evening of Reflection and Concert. 7:30 – 9:30 p.m. at St. Charles Borromeo, 1315 Lomitas Ave., Livermore. Families of all ages are invited to come and quiet their pre-Christmas, frenzied life with music and reflection. Music by Sister Rebecca Shinas, O.P., adult spiritual formation coordinator at St. Simon Parish in Los Altos.

Dec. 1, 8, 15, 22
Holiday Prayer Group. At Crosstown Community Center, 1303 High St., Alameda. Dec. 1 and 8: 1:30-3:30 p.m., Dec. 15 and 22: 10:30 a.m. – noon. Greta Rosenberger, (510) 865-2626 x15 or Amy Rumberger, (510) 521-7673.

Sunday, Dec. 3
Soli Deo Gloria’s Performance of “And It Came to Pass.” 3:30 p.m. at St. Philip Neri Church, 3800 Van Buren St., Alameda. A newly-composed setting of Luke’s Christmas story, incorporating works by various composers. Allen H. Simon, conductor and artistic director. Reception to follow in O’Brien Hall. Advance tickets: free, K-8th grade; $22 general; $17 seniors and students (9-college). At the door: $25 general, $20 seniors and students (9-college). (888) 734-7664. Sponsors: ICF Branch 10 and St. Philip Neri Parish.

St. Augustine Parish’s Annual Community Festival of Lessons and Carols. 4 p.m. at St. Augustine Church, 400 Alcatraz Ave., Oakland. Family-oriented event will focus on the story of salvation history from the creation up to the Nativity. The timeless story will be presented in Scripture and song. (510) 653-8631.

Dec. 5, 8, 12
Advent Days of Renewal. At San Damiano Retreat Center, Danville. Dec. 5: “Contemplative Day of Waiting,” presented by Rena Grant, MFT; Dec. 8 and 12: “Advent Grace: Let In the Light,” presented by Father Rusty Shaughnessy, O.F.M., meet from 9:30 a.m. – 3 p.m., $20 cost includes lunch. (925) 837-9141 or www.sandamiano.org.

Saturday, Dec. 9
Charismatic Advent Retreat: “Journey to Jesus.” 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. at Zandonella’s Italian Restaurant, Delta View Golf Course, 222 Golf Club Road, Pittsburg. Teaching, praise, fellowship, lunch. Advance reservations required. Connie Solis, (925) 754-2542.

SPIRITUALITY

Saturday, Nov. 25
Gregorian Chant Mass. 4:30 p.m. at St. Ambrose Church, 1145 Gilman St., Berkeley. Additional music will be offered by Alta Sonora, who will play Renaissance music for authentic period wind instruments.

Saturday, Dec. 2
Day of Prayer: “Listening to God in Silence.” 8:15 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. at St. Francis of Assisi Church, 860 Oak Grove Road, Concord. Introduction to topic of silent prayer and opportunities to experience, share, and dialog, as well as Eucharist, and spiritual direction. $15 fee includes breakfast and lunch. Carmen Scholl at (925) 944-5970 or cascholl@astound.net.

Tuesday, Dec. 5
Memorial Service for Victims of Violence in Oakland. 7 p.m. at St. Columba Church, 6401 San Pablo Ave., Oakland. Sponsor: The Oakland Chapter of the Family and Friends of Murder Victims. (510) 654-7600.

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

Dec. 7, 10
Healing Mass with Father Robert Faricy, S.J. at St. Albert Church, 1022 Holly St., Alameda. Dec. 7: 7 p.m. vigil Mass of the Feast of the Immaculate Conception of Mary; Dec. 10: 3 p.m. (510) 522-2185 orwww.robertfaricy.org.

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EUCHARIST ADORATION

Daily
6 a.m. to 8 p.m., at Mary’s House Chapel, 1850 Church Lane, San Pablo.
24 hours a day, at Divine Mercy Center and Perpetual Adoration Chapel, 11152 San Pablo Ave., El Cerrito. (510) 412-PERPETUAL.

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.

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RETREATS

Dec. 29 – Jan. 1, 2007
New Year’s Retreat. At San Damiano Retreat Center, Danville. $90 private/$60 double. (925) 837-9141 or www.sandamiano.org.

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bible study

Nov. 22, 29, Dec. 6
St. John the Baptist Scripture Study Class. 7:30 – 8:30 p.m. in the Community Center, 6500 Gladys St., El Cerrito. Course is written by leading Catholic authors and scholars including Scott Hahn. Lectures on DVDs are provided with each study. $60 for eight-month course. Richard Keller, (510) 234-1754 orrfkeller@pacbell.net.

Nov. 30, Dec. 7, 14
Thursday Morning Bible Study at St. Ignatius Parish. 9:30 – 11 a.m. at 3351 Contra Loma Blvd., Antioch. Rose, (925) 754-3425.

Fridays, Dec. 1, 8, 15
Bible Study with Father Phong. 7 p.m. in the parish center at St. Joseph Parish, 837 Tennent Ave., Pinole. (510) 741-4900.

Nov. 22, 29, Dec. 6
Men’s Bible Study. 6:30 – 7:30 a.m. at St. Isidore Parish, 440 LaGonda Way, Danville. John Duncan,mensbible@yahoo.com.

Mondays, Nov. 27 – Dec. 11
An Advent Bible Study: “Joy to the World.” 7:30 – 9:15 p.m. in Pope John XXIII room at St. Charles Borromeo, 1315 Lomitas Ave., Livermore. Prepare for the “Joy to the World” with Bible study readings from the Gospels of Matthew and Luke and the St. Charles-St. Michaels Bible Study Group. $10 donation for materials would be appreciated. Julie, (925) 447-4549 or upcatholic@aol.com.

LECTURES

Nov. 24, 30
The Jesus We Always Wanted to Know. 7 – 8:30 p.m. a t Our Lady of Good Counsel Church, 14112 Azores Place, San Leandro. Father Andrews Amritharaj, who teaches moral theology and spirituality at St. Patrick’s Seminary and University in Menlo Park, offers a series of presentations on the Life and Mission of Jesus. (510) 483-2513.

Tuesday, Nov. 28
East Bay Theology on Tap. 7 p.m. (social), 7:30 p.m. (speaker) at the Kerry House, 4092 Piedmont Ave., Oakland. Sister Mary Litell, “You Are The Light of the World – Really!” Sponsors: St. Leo Parish, Oakland, and the Kerry House. www.churchofstleothegreat.org.

Wednesday, Nov. 29
Catastrophic Climate Change. 5:45 p.m. at USF Lone Mountain Campus, room 100, 2800 Turk Blvd., San Francisco. Peter J. Gleckler from the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory will discuss his research which is part of the work of the U.N. Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. Free and open to the public. Reservations recommended. (415) 422-6828.

Nov. 29, Dec. 6, 13
Walking God’s Paths, Christians and Jews in Candid Conversation. 7:30 – 9:30 p.m. at Congregation Beth Emek, 3400 Nevada Court, Pleasanton. Nov. 29: Season of Freedom, Season of Rebirth; Dec. 6: Metaphors for a Unique Relationship; Dec. 13: Mending Relationships, Mending the World. Series facilitated by Rabbi Richard Winer of Congregation Beth Emek, Father Dan Danielson of the Catholic Community of Pleasanton, and Gustavo Nystrom of Pax Christi. Mary Schneider, (925) 484-9013.

Thursday, Nov. 30
Understanding Filipino Catholicism. 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. at St. Anne Parish Hall, 32223 Cabello St., Union City. Presenter: Father Tito Cruz, executive vice president of the Franciscan School of Theology, Berkeley, and a popular speaker and leader in the Filipino community. $10 fee includes Filipino lunch. (510) 273-4981 or pmaurer@oakdiocese.org.

Friday, Dec. 1
First Friday at St. Joseph the Worker Church. 7 p.m. at St. Joseph the Worker School, 2125 Jefferson St., Marian Hall, 2nd floor, Berkeley. The parish’s Father Bill O’Donnell Social Justice Committee and BOCA (Berkeley Organizing Congregations for Action) will present “Hasta Cuando?: The Other Face of Mexico" with Francisco Herrera. In song and testimony from the front lines, the singer, storyteller, activist and KPFA radio co-host will explore the Congressional decision to build the 700-mile wall on the Mexican border, the continued detention and torture of activists at San Salvador Atenco, and the ongoing siege and death in Oaxaca. Presented in English and Spanish. Free admission. (510) 845-4740.

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sOCIALS

Saturday, Dec. 9
Dimond Winter Festival: An Interfaith Celebration. 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. at Fruitvale Presbyterian Church, 2735 MacArthur Blvd. Oakland. Spiritual leaders from various faiths will share words and music to honor and celebrate diversity. Also craft making with kids, photos with Santa ($5), crafts and giftware by local artists and vendors. Ruth, (510) 336-0105.

Dec. 9, 10
Christmas Boutique and “White Elephant” Sale. At St. Stephen Church, 1101 Keaveny Court, Walnut Creek. Dec. 9: 9:30 a.m. – 6:30 p.m.; Dec. 10: 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. Selection of handmade Christmas decorations, clothing, bake sale goods, books and gently used treasures. Annette Roux, (925) 939-3826 x44.

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support groups

Thursday, Nov. 30
Catholic Divorced Widowed and Separated of Contra Costa. 7 p.m. Call Diane G., (510) 527-2148 or Joan S. (925) 939-1007 for information and locations.

Wednesdays Nov. 29, Dec. 13, 27
Safely Home Bereavement Grief Support Ministry. 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. at St. Anne Church, 32223 Cabello St., Union City. No reservations or sign-up required but a phone call would help for planning purposes. Roseann Langley, (510) 471-6545.

Monday, Dec. 4
Friends for Life: A Breast Cancer Support Group. 7 – 9 p.m. in Walnut Creek-Pleasant Hill area. A Christ-centered support group that is open to all faiths. Meets first Monday of each month. Gale, (925) 685-0842 or Joy, (925) 939-0122.

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art/music

Nov. 28, 29. 30, Dec. 6
Hope Hospice Illumination Ceremonies. A night of music, reflection and hope to honor or memorialize a loved one. Participants are invited to light a bulb on a Tree of Life; A $20 tax-deductible donation lights a bulb on a tree that will burn throughout the holiday season. Nov. 28: 6:30 p.m. at Valley Memorial Hospital, Livermore; Nov. 29: 6:30 p.m. at Diablo Valley Bank Lobby, Pleasanton, music by Golden Gate Boys Bellringers; Nov. 30: 6:30 p.m. at Dublin San Ramon Services District in Dublin, dance by St. Charles Liturgical Dance Group; Dec. 6: 7 p.m. at San Ramon Regional Memorial Center. (925) 829-8770 or www.hopehospice.com.

Saturday, Dec. 2
Oakland Interfaith Gospel Choir 21st Annual Christmas Concert. 7:30 p.m. at Paramount Theatre, 2025 Broadway, Oakland. Under the direction of Terrance Kelly. Advance tickets: $35 front orchestra/rear orchestra/front balcony; $30 middle balcony; $22/$20/$10 rear balcony; $5 discount to seniors over 62. At the door: $5 over advance price. Paramount Theatre Box Office, (510) 465-6400 (password OIGC); Ticketmaster, (510) 625-TIXS or www.ticketmaster.com.

Sunday, Dec. 10
Golden Gate Boys Choir and Bellringers Annual Christmas Concert. 1 – 3 p.m. at Cristo Rey Monastery, San Francisco. Free-will donation accepted. (510) 887-4311 or (415) 431-1137.

Thursday, Dec. 14
Bishop O’Dowd High School Winter Concert. 7:30 p.m. in O’Dowd Theatre, 9500 Stearns Ave., Oakland. BOD’s Symphonic Band, Concert Band, Jazz Band and String Orchestra will perform a variety of Christmas classics. $10 for adults, free for all students.

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fundraisers

Saturday, Nov. 25
The Meridians of St. Leander’s 22nd Annual Sport Collectors Show. 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. at St. Leander Parish, Ryan-O’Connell Church Hall, 575 W. Estudillo Ave., San Leandro. A variety of vintage sports memorabilia (1880 – 2006) will be for sale. Door prizes. Admission: $3, free to those under five or over 65. Proceeds benefit St. Leander Parish as well as local charities. Mark, (510) 538-6245.

Dec. 2, 3
East Bay Sanctuary Holiday Crafts Fair. 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. at First Congregational Church, 2345 Channing Way, Berkeley. Purses, weavings, holiday décor, jewelry and more. Buy gifts that help the poor and work for justice. Proceeds benefit refugee work, women’s co-ops in Central America, Asia and Africa, and street children in Haiti. No admission charge. Many items under $10. Sandy Hunter, (510) 524-7989.

Sunday, Dec. 3
Holiday Arts and Crafts Fair. 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. at St. Augustine’s Gymnasium, 400 Alcatraz Ave., Oakland. Proceeds benefit Oakland Elizabeth House, transitional residence for women and children in North Oakland. Sophie, (510) 658-1380.
Hanna Boys Center’s 57th Annual Open House and Craft Bazaar. 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. at 17000 Arnold Dr., Sonoma. Learn about the program that has helped to change the lives of thousands of boys and their families. Tours of the campus.

Sunday, Dec. 10
Christmas Reception to Benefit Mary’s House. 3:30 – 6 p.m. at 1850 Church Lane, San Pablo. Tickets/information: (510) 236-0383.

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