November 3, 2008   •   VOL. 46, NO. 20   •   Oakland, CA

Values in Hollywood? Barbara Nicolosi, founder and executive director of Act One, a non-profit program for grooming Christians to become film and TV executives, will be the featured speaker at the Catholics@Work breakfast forum on Nov. 11 at Crow Canyon Country Club, 711 Silver Lake Dr., in Danville. The event begins at 7 a.m. with a full buffet breakfast. $20 for members; $25 for non-members. Infor-mation: www.catholicsatwork.org or (925) 683-5263..

Nov. 4, 11, 18, 25
Rosary and Prayer Group. 6:30 p.m. (1st Rosary), 7 p.m. (2nd Rosary) in the chapel next to the parish office at St. Jarlath Parish, 2634 Pleasant St., Oakland.

Monday, Nov. 5
Healing Mass. 7:30 p.m. at St. Edward Church, 5788 Thornton Ave., Newark. Bert/Norma, Abba Father Prayer Group, (510) 793-1750. Every second Monday.

Nov. 5, 12, 19 ,26
Christ the King Bible Study and Charismatic Prayer Meeting. 7:30 p.m. at 6 Saint Lawrence Court, Pleasant Hill. Share in charismatic praise, singing and openness to the gifts of God’s Spirit. Sponsor: Charismatic Catholic Renewal. (800) 474-6644.

Monday, Nov. 3
Mass of Remembrance. 7:30 p.m. at St. Elizabeth Seton Church, 4001 Stoneridge Dr., Pleasanton. All are invited, regardless of religious orientation, to attend this special liturgy celebrating the memories of loved ones who died. Steve, (925) 426-9414.

Nov. 6 –9
The Next Women’s Cursillo Weekend. At Holy Redeemer Center, 8945 Golf Links Road., Oakland. Nina Volker, (925) 828-9442 or Carolyn Steele, (925) 648-4890.

Friday, Nov. 21
Taize – Prayer Around the Cross. 8 p.m. at Mother-house Chapel, Dominican Sisters of Mission San Jose, 43326 Mission Blvd., Fremont. Join others in prayer and song around the cross. Maria Shao, (408) 839-2068 or maria49830@aol.com or Sister Beth Quire, O.P., (510) 449-7554 or beth@msjdominicans.com.

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

Sunday – Monday
24 Hours a Day. Divine Mercy Center and Perpetual Adoration Chapel, 11152 San Pablo Ave., El Cerrito. (510) 412-4715, divinemercyjesus@aol.com, or www.DivineMercyWestCoast.org.

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

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.

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.

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Nov. 21 – 23
Men’s Retreat: “Authenticity, An Adventurous Vocation.” At San Damiano Retreat in Danville. Presenters: Franciscan Father Rusty Shaughnessy and Michael John Poirier. This weekend is about “awakening to the sacred . . . to the voice of God calling … daring us to do soul work.” $205 private room/$175 shared room (per person). (925) 837-9141, ext. 315 or www.sandamiano.org.

Nov. 28 – 30
Recovery Retreat: “New Life – The Exciting Adventure of the 12-Step Program.” At San Damiano Retreat Center, Danville. Presenter: Sister Briegeen Moore, a Sister of St. Clare, aka “Sr. B.” This weekend will focus on the opportunities presented in the 12-step program for newnewss of life, freedom, happiness, hope, courage and relationship with God. $210 private room/$180 shared room (per person.) (925) 837-9141, ext. 315 or www.sandamiano.org.

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Sunday, Nov. 9
Annual Mass and Luncheon for Y.M.I. and Y.L.I. Members, Deceased Members, Widows and Families. 11 a.m. Mass at St. Lawrence O’Toole Church, 3725 High St., Oakland. Luncheon: 1 p.m. at Elio’s Restaurant, 260 Floresta Blvd., San Leandro. Lunch: $16 – 20 (chicken or steak or linguini and scampi). Lunch is free for all widows of Y.M.I. members. Deadline: Nov. 5. Contact: Alex Schmitt, (510) 706-0899 or Rosemarie Pierce, (510) 531-1878.

Nov. 19, 20
St. Mary’s College Women’s Guild Boutique. At Soda Center, St. Mary’s College, 1928 St. Mary’s Road, Moraga. Presale on Nov. 19, 4 – 7 p.m.; Boutique on Nov. 20, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Proceeds will go to SMC Scholarship Fund. (925) 376-4339.

Thursday, Nov. 20
Celebrating Sister Dorothy Stang. 11:30 a.m. at Ralston Hall Mansion, on the Notre Dame de Namur University campus, 1500 Ralston Ave., Belmont. A luncheon with actor and social justice advocate Martin Sheen to celebrate the life of the late Notre Dame Sister Dorothy Stang, who was murdered in February 2005 in Brazil where she spent 39 years working as a missionary to preserve the land of the poor in the Amazon rainforest. Sheen recently narrated an award-winning documentary by director Daniel Junge, “They Killed Sister Dorothy.” The luncheon is a fundraiser for NDNU’s Dorothy Stang Center for Social Justice and Community Engagement. $100 per person; seating limited to the first 150 guests. RSVP by Nov. 14 to (650) 508-4120 or dsc@ndnu.edu.

Saturday, Nov. 22
24th Annual Sports Collectors Show. 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. at St. Leanders’ Ryan O’Connell Hall, 575 West Estudillo Ave., San Leandro. A variety of vintage sports memorabilia items (1800’s – 2008) will be available for sale. Free appraisals are available (for pre-1975 items only). Door prizes will be given away all day. $3 general admission; free to those under 5 years old or over 65. Proceeds benefit St. Leander Parish and local charities. Mark, (510) 538-6245.

Nov. 22 – 23
Dominican Sisters’ Holiday Boutique. 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. (both days) at the Dominican Motherhouse, 43326 Mission Blvd., Fremont. (Entrance to the property is from Mission Tierra Place which is right part the old Mission.) Items for purchase include the Sisters’ famous California extra-virgin olive oil, homemade fruitcakes and other baked goods. In addition: ceramics, oil paintings, hand-made afghans, crocheted and knitted articles, and more. Lunch is also available. Free admission. Proceeds will be used for the ongoing ministries of the Dominican Sisters. Information: Sister Barbara Larner, O.P., (510) 657-2468, ext. 6310 or blarner@msjdominicans.org.

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Tuesday, Nov. 4
Kindergarten Open House. 8:30 – 10:30 a.m., 6:30 p.m. at Our Lady of Grace School, 3433 Somerset Ave., Castro Valley. During the morning hours visitors will have an opportunity to visit the classroom in action. During both times visitors will meet with Principal Wahl and Mrs. Fischer, kindergarten teacher and learn about the kindergarten curriculum, the mission of the school, and more. (510) 581-3155 or olgschool.org.

Wednesdays, Nov. 5, 12, 19
Father Corapi DVD Catechism Series. 7 – 8 p.m. in Cauchi Hall, St. Agnes Parish, 3966 Chestnut Ave., Concord. Father John Corapi, S.O.L.T. teaches The Catechism of the Catholic Church in this series. David Zarri, (925) 686-9277 or davidzarri@earthlink.net.

Nov. 5, 12, 19 and Dec. 3
WINGS, Women in God’s Spirit. 9:15 – 11:20 a.m. in Moran Hall at St. Raymond Parish, 11555 Shannon Ave., Dublin. The theme for the fall season is “They will know we are Christians by our love.” The speakers will reference the Beatitudes, also Corporal and Spiritual Works of Mercy. (925) 828-3623.

Friday, Nov. 7
Can Unarmed Civilians Break the Siege of Gaza? 7 p.m. at St. Joseph the Worker Church, 1640 Addison St., Berkeley. The Father Bill O’Donnell Social Justice Committee welcomes Paul Larudee of the Free Gaza Movement who will tell the story of how 45 unarmed civilians from 17 countries and five faiths embarked from Cyprus in two small boats last August to become the first international visitors to arrive by sea in Gaza in 41 years. Free (donations accepted). (510) 499-0537. Co-sponsors include The Free Gaza Movement (www.freegaza.org), Jewish Voice for Peace and Pace e Bene.

Nov. 7, 8, 9, 15
School for Pastoral Ministry, Information Sessions. Nov. 7: 6 – 6:30 p.m. at Santa Maria Parish, 40 Santa Maria Way, conference room, in Orinda; Nov. 8: 12 – 1 p.m. at Santa Maria Parish, 40 Santa Maria Way, conference room, Orinda; Nov. 9: 1 – 2 p.m. in St. Peter Martyr Parish, Centro Juan Diego Building next to school at 425 W. 4th St., in Pittsburg; Nov. 15: 12 – 1 p.m. at Holy Names University, Heafey Hall, 655, 3500 Mountain Blvd., Oakland. Gain insight about this three-year diocesan school where students learn more about their faith, discern their gifts as laity, and complete a certificate in pastoral theology studies. Dennis Purificacion, dpurificacion@oakdiocese.org or (510) 267-8386. Applications now being accepted for January 2009. Deadline: Dec. 10.

Saturday, Nov. 8
Episcopal Lecture Series. 1 – 7 p.m. in Soda Center, St. Mary’s College, 1928 St. Mary’s Road, Moraga. Bishop Emeritus John Cummins will give a lecture and lead a discussion on science, technology and the Church. A reception and Mass celebrated by the bishop will follow in the chapel. (925) 631-4000.

Tuesday, Nov. 11
Distinguished Faculty Lecture. 7 p.m. at Pacific School of Religon, Chapel of the Great Commission, 1798 Scenic Ave., Berkeley. Title: “Learning to Speak a New Tongue: Imagining a Way That Holds People Together,” by Fumitaka Matsuoka, Robert Gordon Sproul Professor of Theology and Executive Director, Institute for Leadership Development and the Study of Pacific and Asian North American Religion (PANA Institute), Pacific School of Religion. Respondent: Judith Berling, professor of Chinese and Comparative Religions, Graduate Theological Union, Berkeley. (510) 649-2440.

Wednesday, Nov. 12
Dominican School of Philosophy and Theology (DSPT) Aquinas Lecture. 7:30 p.m. in main lecture hall at DSPT, 2301 Vine St., Berkeley. Marga Vega, who recently joined DSPT as a regular full-time faculty in the Philosophy Department, will present this year’s topic: The Ontology of Art: An Anthropological Perspective. A reception will follow the lecture. (510) 883-2085 or advancement@dspt.edu.

Creative Writing Reading Series. 7:30 p.m., Soda Center at St. Mary’s College, 1928 St. Mary’s Road, Moraga. Speaker: Brenda Miller, an associate professor at Western Washington University whose book, “Season of the Body: Essays,” was a finalist for the PEN American Center Book Award. (925) 631-4000.
The Year of St. Paul. 7:30 p.m. at the Holy Family Friary, 19697 Redwood Road, Castro Valley. The first of a series of talks on St. Paul sponsored by St. Anthony of Padua Institute. For more information, visit www.StAnthonyPaduaInstitute.orgor phone (888) 619-7882.

Thursday, Nov. 13
Facing the Holiday Blues. 7:30 p.m. at St. Elizabeth Seton Church, 4001 Stoneridge Dr., Pleasanton. Join others who are dreading the approaching holiday season because of the death of a loved one, divorce, job loss, surgery, or has a spouse or child in Iraq. Facilitator: Father Padraig Greene, pastor at Catholic Community of Pleasanton. All are welcome regardless of religious affiliation.

Nov. 15 – 16
Feil Validation Training Series. 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. at Mercy Retirement and Care Center, 3431 Foothill Blvd., Oakland. First of a series of training sessions for individuals who wish to learn effective ways of communicating with older persons who have dementia. Registration fee: $1,250; payment schedule can be set up upon request. (510) 534-8540 or www.mercyretirementcenter.org.

Monday, Nov. 17
Theology of the Body. The St. Anthony of Padua Institute will offer a four-part, intensive series on the Theology of the Body to help participants who may be interested in leading a study/discussion group in their own parishes on the Theology of the Body. Also open to anyone who wishes to deepen their understanding of this work. Classes will be led by Ed Hopfner, the new coordinator for marriage and family life for the Oakland Diocese, who will contact all students via e-mail prior to the start of classes. Register by Nov. 15. (888) 619-7882 or www.StAnthonyPaduaInstitute.org.

Tuesday, Nov. 18
Life After Death: Hollywood’s Response to the Passion of the Christ. 7:30 – 9 p.m. at St. Charles Borromeo Church, 1315 Lomitas Ave., Livermore. Speaker: Ryan Parker, the creator, editor and main contributor of poptheology.com, a website that examines the religious and theological dimensions of popular culture. Other films, including the Chronicles of Narnia series, will be explored. Open to all. $5 free donation is requested to offset speaker fees. Julie, upcatholic@aol.com or (925) 447-4549, ext. 114.

Friday, Nov. 21
Coping With Loss During the Holidays. 7 – 8:30 p.m. in the Pope John Conference Room at St. Charles Borromeo Parish, 1315 Lomitas Ave., Livermore. Dr. Nancy Oehrle, a managing partner at the Del Valle Clinic in Livermore, will talk about and share thoughts and ideas for coping with the loss and absence of loved ones during the holiday season. (925) 455-0944.

Wednesday, Dec. 3
An Evening With the Stars. 7 p.m. at St. Agnes School, Cauchi Hall, 3886 Chestnut Ave., Concord. Parents who have a potential “star” who is ready to begin kindergarten in the 2009-2010 school year are invited to attend this program to learn more about the school and meet the teacher, Julie Ghelfi, and principal, Karen Mangini. (925) 689-3990.

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Saturday, Nov. 8
Harvest Tea. 12 – 3 p.m. at St. Bonaventure Hall, 5562 Clayton Road, Concord. An afternoon filled with entertainment and prizes. $18. Marie Lentseh, (925) 798-2948. Sponsor: Catholic Daughters of the Americas, St. John the Baptist Court 1934.

The 5th Annual St. Perpetua Wine Festival. 6:30 – 10:30 p.m. at Veteran’s Hall in Lafayette. Meet up with friends and taste some hard-to-find wines provided by Wine Thieves wine shop in Lafayette. Tickets: $55, includes wine tasting, food and entertainment. Tickets can be purchased online at www.stperpetua.org. (925) 284-1640.

Nov. 22, 23
Christ the King Holiday Boutique. Nov. 22: 11 a.m. – 7 p.m.; Nov. 23: 7 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. at Brandon Road and Gregory Lane in Pleasant Hill.

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Thursday, Nov. 20
Catholic Divorced Widowed and Separated of Contra Costa. 7 – 9 p.m. at St. Mary Church, 2039 Mt. Diablo Blvd., Walnut Creek.

Saturday, Dec. 6
No More Secrets – Monthly Support Group for Survivors of Clergy Sexual Abuse. 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. at Holy Names University, Brennan Hall, Room 75, 3500 Mountain Blvd., Oakland. Facilitated by a licensed psychotherapist. Survivors and their families are welcome. Claire Jeanette, (510) 843-6971.

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Sunday, Nov. 9
One Voice. 4 p.m. at Sacred Heart Church, 4025 Martin Luther King, Jr. Way, Oakland. A choral concert presented by the Choir of Sacred Heart Church to benefit the Alameda County St. Vincent de Paul Food Locker. Admission: donation of canned goods for the food locker.

Through Dec. 14
The Second Golden Age of Dutch Art. At the Hearst Art Gallery, St. Mary’s College, 1928 St. Mary’s Road, Moraga. Gallery hours: Wednesday through Sunday, 11 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. This exhibition features over 60 19th century Dutch masterpieces from the collection of Jan and Mary Ann Beekhuis which features a range of different artists and styles such as Impressionism, Realism, Romantics and the Hague School. $3 suggested donation. Free parking. (925) 631-4379.

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Nov. 15, Dec. 6
St. Mary’s College High School Class Reunions. On the school campus, 1294 Albina Ave., Berkeley. Nov. 15: Class of 1968 40 Year Reunion Dinner; Dec. 6: Class of 1993 15 Year Reunion Happy Hour. Information/reservations: Joanne Howe, (510) 559-6227 or jhowe@stmchs.org.

Saturday, Nov. 29
St. Joseph Notre Dame High School Alumni Homecoming Celebration. 8 p.m. on the SJND Quad, 1011 Chestnut St., Alameda. The celebration follows the alumni basketball games. There will be music from the DJs “DJ-DK,” some locally brewed beers, local wines, snacks and more. RSVP at (510) 814-7152 or visit www.sjnd.org.

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