January 8, 2007 VOL. 45, NO. 1Oakland, CA

Searcher meets sage Steve T. Georgiou will lecture and present a slide show about his book, “The Way of the Dreamcatcher,” at St. Joseph Basilica, 1109 Chestnut St., Alameda, on Jan. 19 from 7– 9 p.m. In his book Georgiou details his encounter with American poet Robert Lax on the Greek isle of Patmos. Lax, a close friend of Thomas Merton, converted to Catholicism after much wandering and eventually chose the life of a hermit. Information: Herb, (510) 521-5421.

SPIRITUALITY

Wednesdays, Jan. 10, 17, 24
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. Sponsor: Charismatic Catholic Renewal. (800) 474-6644.

Sundays, Jan. 14, 28, Feb. 4
African American Celebrations at St. Columba Church. 10:30 a.m. Mass, 6401 San Pablo Ave., Oakland. Featuring guest homilists and the parish’s Gospel Choir. This year’s theme is “Love Rejoices in Truth.” (510) 654-7600.

Saturday, Jan. 20
Charismatic Healing Mass. 7:30 – 10 p.m. at St. Anne Church, 32223 Cabello St., Union City. RoseMarie, (925) 828-6644 or Valerie, (925) 551-5827.

Sunday, Jan. 28
Adult Confirmation Liturgy. 3 p.m. at St. Augustine Church, 400 Alcatraz Ave., Oakland. Music to be provided by a diocesan-wide choir directed by Jim Gilman, director of music ministries at St. Augustine. (510) 653-8631.

Friday, Feb. 2
First Friday Devotions and Monthly Concert. 8 a.m. Mass. Adoration until noon. 11:15 a.m. concert, Angelus and Benediction, at St. David of Wales Church, 5641 Esmond Ave., Richmond. (510) 237-1531.

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RETREATS

Sunday, Jan. 14
Youth Retreat. 12:30 – 7:30 p.m. at St. Agnes Church, 3966 Chestnut Ave., Concord. Led by Father Larry Richards, who will also give the homily at the weekend Masses on Jan. 13-14. Parents and adult family members are invited to a preview presentation on Jan. 13 from 6 – 7 p.m. The retreat is exclusively for high school and college-aged youth. Refreshments will be served. $5 donation requested. Reese, (925) 689-0838 or reeseho@stagnesod.org.

Jan. 19 – 21
Francis and Clare: Embracing Hope with Brother Bill Short, OFM. At San Damiano Retreat Center, Danville. $190 private room/$160 shared room. (925) 837-9141 or www.sandamiano.org.

Saturday, Jan. 20
Professional Development: Silencing Our Inner Critic. At San Damiano Retreat Center, Danville. With Peter Coster, M.Div., Ph.D. Explore the psychodynamic and spiritual aspects of your inner critic. 6 CEU’s for MFT, LCSW, RN, LVN. $95 cost includes lunch. (925) 837-9141 or www.sandamiano.org.

Jan. 26 – 28
Married Couples Retreat. A Weekend of Nourishment for Heart, Body and Soul(Mates). At San Damiano Retreat Center, Danville. With Father Rusty Shaughnessy, OFM, and Richard and Karla Obernesser. $280 per couple. (925) 837-9141 or www.sandamiano.org.

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bible study

Thursdays, Jan. 11, 18, 25
Thursday Morning Bible Study at St. Ignatius Parish. 9:30 – 11 a.m. at 3351 Contra Loma Blvd., Antioch. Rose, (925) 754-3425.

Wednesdays, Jan. 10, 17, 24
Men’s Bible Study. 6:30 – 7:30 a.m. at St. Isidore Parish, 440 LaGonda Way, Danville. John Duncan, mensbible@yahoo.com.

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 or rfkeller@pacbell.net.

LECTURES

Thursday, Jan. 11
Meet Bob Lujano. 7:30 p.m. in Soda Center, St. Mary’s College, Moraga. Bob Lujano was one of the quadriplegic rugby players profiled in the critically acclaimed documentary, “Murderball,” which chronicles the trials and triumphs of the U.S. Quad Rugby team as they prepared for the 2004 Paralympic Games in Athens, Greece. (925) 631-4771.

Saturday, Jan. 13
Free Seminar on Osteoarthritis of the Knee. 9:45 – 11 a.m. at Senior Center Building, Mercy Retirement and Care Center, 3431 Foothill Blvd., Oakland. Learn about osteoarthritis of the knee, who it affects, and how to effectively manage chronic pain. Limited seating. RSVP: (510) 534-8547, ext. 630. Refreshments provided.

Saturdays, Jan. 13, 20, 27
Biblical Greek Workshop. 2:30 – 3:50 p.m. in parish hall at St. Margaret Mary Church, 1219 Excelsior Ave., Oakland. Information: Rebecca O’Hare at ascende@sbcglobal.net.

Tuesday, Jan. 16
Surprised by Mercy! 7:30 p.m. in Borromeo Hall at St. Charles Borromeo Parish, 1315 Lomitas Ave., Livermore. With Father Rusty Shaughnessy, O.F.M.. Learn what mercy is and how it can change your life this New Year. $5 freewill donation requested. Julie, upcatholic@aol.comor (925) 447-4549. Sponsor: L.I.F.E. (Lessons in Faith Experience).

Wednesday, Jan. 24
Fifth Annual LEM Convocation. 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. at St. Joan of Arc Parish, 2601 San Ramon Valley Blvd., San Ramon. Tom Beaudoin, professor of religious studies at Santa Clara University, will discuss “Speaking Frankly in the Church.” Continental breakfast and lunch provided. Peggy Maurer, Pmaurer@oakdiocese.orgor (510) 273-4981.

Jan. 28, 31, Feb. 1, 4
Combat Adultitis! Jan. 28: 10:30 – 11:45 a.m. at St. Joan of Arc Parish, 2601 San Ramon Valley Blvd., San Ramon; (925) 830-4710; Jan. 31: 7:30 – 9 p.m. at St. Elizabeth Seton Church, 4001 Stoneridge Dr., Pleasanton; Feb. 1: 7:30 – 9 p.m. at St. Augustine Church, 3999 Bernal Ave., Pleasanton, (925) 846-3531 for both Pleasanton events; Feb. 4: at All Saints Church, 22824 Second St., Hayward, (510) 538-2711. National speaker and cartoonist Jason Kotecki will share key strategies for de-stressing life by renewing and embracing a childlike faith.

Monday, Jan. 29
How to Increase Church Attendance. 7 – 8:30 p.m. at St. John Vianney Parish, Mullen Commons, 1650 Ygnacio Valley Road, Walnut Creek. Father Dan Danielson, pastor, Catholic Community of Pleasanton, will reveal how his parish increased its October Count by 450 between 2005 and 2006 and more. Refreshments available. Workshop is courtesy of the Bishop’s Appeal. Office
for Pastoral Planning, (510) 267-8358 or csiebenand@oakdiocese.org.

Thursday, Feb. 8
The New Creation: Beyond the False Step. 7 p.m. at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 114 Montecito Ave., Oakland. Franciscan Father Richard Rohr, an internationally known teacher and preacher, will examine this subject both theologically and psychologically. $5 donation requested. Information: norcalmen@gmail.com. Sponsors: St. Paul’s Episcopal Church and Northern California Men As Leaders and Elder’s Home Group.

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social action

Saturday, Jan. 20
Walk for Life West Coast. In San Francisco. Bishop Allen Vigneron will join other Bay Area bishops in concelebrating Mass at 8 a.m. and leading the 11 a.m. walk which begins at Justin Herman Plaza. Youth groups especially welcome. www.WalkforLifeWC.com.

sOCIALS

Sunday, Jan. 14
Pancake Breakfast and Raffle. 9 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. at 301 West Richmond Ave., Point Richmond. Menu includes pancakes, fruit juices, eggs, bacon, sausage plus coffee or tea. Donation: $8. Proceeds benefit the Building and Preservation Fund for Point Richmond’s historic Our Lady of Mercy Church. (510) 232-1843.

Saturday, Jan. 20
Chili Bowl Bingo. 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. at St. Columba Church Hall, 6401 San Pablo Ave., Oakland. $10 donation includes pack of 12 bingo cards. Enjoy homemade chili, desserts and other refreshments. Prizes. (510) 527-0232 or church office, (510) 654-7600.

Polenta Dinner. 6 p.m. (social), 7 p.m. (dinner) at St. Philip Neri Parish Hall, High and Van Buren, Alameda. $16 adults, $8 children under 12 years. Reservations to Pat Pasquinelli, (510) 521-2485 by Jan. 15. Advance payment required to ICF Br. 10 and mail to Pasquinelli at 549 Lincoln Ave. Alameda, CA 94501.

Saturday, Jan. 27
Annual Salad Bar Luncheon and Bingo. Noon at All Saints Church Gym, 22824 Second St., Hayward. $10 donation includes lunch and bingo. Proceeds go to charitable causes. Sponsor: Young Ladies Institute #166. Reservations: Bette, (510) 538-5447.

Saturday, Feb. 3
Pre-Super Bowl Annual Luncheon. Noon at Assumption School Hall, 1851 - 136th St., San Leandro. $10. Raffle prizes and football pool for $2 per square. Proceeds from luncheon go to the Golden Jubilee Burse (priesthood funds). Reservations: Liz Ferreira, (925) 429-1135, by Jan. 29. Sponsor: Noel Institute 113 Young Ladies Institute.

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crab feeds

Saturday, Jan. 13
Annual Crab Feed. 6 p.m. at Good Shepherd Parish Hall, 3200 Harbor St., Pittsburg. Dinner at 7 p.m. $35 per person. Open bar. Raffles. Sponsor: Young Men’s Institute, Sadoc Council #59, Good Shepherd Stewardship. (925) 432-6404 or www.GoodShepherdCrabFeed.com.

49th Annual Crab Feed and Dance. 6:30 p.m. at the St. Lawrence O’Toole Gym, 3725 High St., Oakland. Begins with no-host cocktails and seating. Dinner: 7:30-9 p.m., dancing: 9:30-11 p.m. Adult tickets only: $45 per person. Crab Feed Hotline: (510) 633-0203.

Saturday, Jan. 20
St. Leo the Great School Crab Feed Social. 6 – 8 p.m. in the gym, Ridgeway St. between Howe Street and Piedmont Ave., Oakland. $40 per person. Lynn Thomas-Scoggins, (510) 849-4636 through Jan. 10 for tickets.

St. Francis of Assisi Crab Feed. 6:30 p.m. at St. Francis of Assisi Family Center, 860 Oak Grove Road, Concord. Dinner at 7:30 p.m. Tickets: $35 per person. Contact Fred Schaub by Jan.14 at (925) 930-8470 for tickets.

Saturday, Jan. 27
St. Alphonsus Crab Feed. 6 p.m. in Troik Hall, 16290 Foothill Blvd., San Leandro. Dinner at 7 p.m. $28 adults, $15 children (12 years and under). Nancy, (510) 276-7363 or Ginger, (510) 614-8130.

St. Elizabeth High School Nineteenth Annual Benefit Auction and Crab Feed. 6:30 p.m. at St. Joan of Arc Parish Gym, 2601 San Ramon Valley Blvd., San Ramon. Begins with social hour and silent auction, dinner at 7:45 p.m. (chicken available for non-crab lovers), live auction and raffle at 9 p.m. $40 per person. Proceeds benefit the SEHS Tuition Assistance Fund. RSVP by Jan. 15. Tickets will not be sold at the door. Development Office, (510) 532-6473.

support groups

Thursday, Jan. 11
Small Group Grief Support. 7 – 8:30 p.m. at St. Michael Convent, 4th and Maple St., Livermore. No fee. No registration but a phone call would be helpful. Margaret Johnson, (925) 447-2282.

Catholic Divorced Widowed and Separated of Contra Costa. 7 – 9 p.m. at Faith Formation Hall, St. John Vianney Parish, 1650 Ygnacio Valley Road in Walnut Creek. Call Joan S., (925) 939-1007 or Diane G., (510) 527-2148 for directions.

Thursdays, Jan 11, 25
Ongoing Bereavement Support Group. 2 – 3:30 p.m. in the Castro Valley room at Eden Hospital, 20103 Lake Chabot Road, Castro Valley. Meets second and fourth Thursdays. Barbara Gordon, (510) 450-8867.

Bereavement Support Group. 7:30 p.m. at St. Elizabeth Seton Church, 4001 Stoneridge Dr., Pleasanton. Kim, (925) 735-3741.

Thursday, Jan. 25
Catholic Divorced Widowed and Separated of Contra Costa. 7 – 9 p.m. at St. John the Baptist Church, 11150 San Pablo Ave., El Cerrito. Call Joan S., (925) 939-1007 or Diane G., (510) 527-2148 for directions.

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art/music

Wednesday, Jan. 10
Coro Hispano De San Francisco. 7:30 p.m. at St. Mary’s College Chapel, Moraga. Coro Hispano De San Francisco with the vocal and instrumental artists of Conjunto Nuevo Mundo present this concert as part of the 20th Annual Dia de los Reyes Concert Series. Under the direction of Juan Pedro Gaffney Rivera, Coro and Conjunto will balance the opulent sonorities of Early Baroque polychoral motets with the ebullient sounds of folk-originate works from Mexico, Argentina, Nicaragua, Venezuela and Peru. Free and open to the public. (925) 631-4200.

Jan. 13 – March 4
Carlos Villa Retrospective. Hearst Art Gallery, St. Mary’s College, Moraga. Group tours by appointment. A long-time San Francisco Art Institute professor, Carlos Villa uses his own Filipino traditions to explore the meaning of cultural diversity in American Art. He was one of the first artists in the Bay Area to incorporate images of indigenous peoples and ritual objects into his work, reflecting the Oceanic, Asian and African heritage that is a part of the region’s cultural history. Gallery hours: Wed. – Sun. 11 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. $2 adult; free for children ages 12 and under. (925) 631-4379.

Sundays, Jan. 14, 21
Sunday Afternoon Recitals. 3:30 p.m. at Cathedral of St. Mary of the Assumption, 1111 Gough St., San Francisco. Jan. 14: Russell Hancock, piano. Mendelssohn Trio in d-minor. Jan. 21: John Dillistone (UK), organist. Free will offering requested at the door. Free parking. (415) 567-2020, ext. 213.

Thursday, Jan. 25
Sacramental Light: Latin American Devotional Art. 4 – 6 p.m. at Thatcher Gallery, University of San Francisco, 2130 Fulton St., San Francisco. Opening reception for exhibition from the private collection of Antonio and Lola Roig Ferre. Important canvasses from the School of Cuzco and a variety of Central and South American ateliers. Also: silver liturgical objects and unique folkloric sculptures. (415) 422-5178 or www.usfca.edu/library/thatcher.

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