November 23, 2009   •   VOL. 47, NO. 20   •   Oakland, CA

Guadalupe procession The annual diocesan procession honoring Our Lady of Guadalupe takes place Dec. 5, beginning at 9 a.m. at St. Louis Bertrand Church in Oakland. Walkers, musicians and floats will proceed along International Blvd. to the cathedral where Mass will be celebrated at 2 p.m. GREG TARCZYNSKI PHOTO 2008

Pro-life warrior Lila Rose, a pro-life activist at UCLA and founder of Live Action, a student-led organization that uses “new media” to educate local and national communities and to fight the abortion industry, will speak at the Catholics@Work breakfast event on Dec. 8 at the Crow Canyon Country Club in Danville, 7 – 8:15 a.m. Mass is offered at 6:30 a.m. $20 for members, $25 for non-members.

Thursday, Nov. 26
Thanksgiving Day Mass. 10 a.m. at the Cathedral of Christ the Light, 2121 Harrison St., Oakland. Presider: Bishop Salvatore Cordileone. (510) 496-7203.

Friday, Nov. 27
Fall Story Time. 1 p.m. The Cathedral Shop is sponsoring this event that includes stories, fun and treats under the tented court yard, adjacent to the Conference Center. Docent-led tours will be available for families and friends at 1 p.m. and after Story Time at 2 p.m. A rare opportunity to view the installation of the new Cathedral organ (5,298 pipes and 92 ranks). All are welcome. Lower level Cathedral parking will be a flat rate validation fee of $5. The parking entrance is located on 21st Street. Reservations: (510) 496-7280. www.ctlcathedral.org.

Dec. 3, 12
Cathedral Concerts. Dec. 3: Piedmont High Choir, 7:30 p.m., $5 voluntary donation; Dec. 12: Chanticleer Concert, 8:15 p.m., tickets $30-$52. www.chanticleer.org.

Dec. 5 – 13
Advent Retreat. Jesuit Father Julian Elizalde, who has 40 years of experience as a retreat master, will preach at all the Masses on Dec. 5, 6, 12 and 13; and conduct special language sessions: Dec. 8, 6:30 – 9 p.m. (in Spanish), Dec. 9, 6:30 – 9 p.m. (Vietnamese) and Dec. 19, 6:30 – 9 p.m. (English). He will also preach at the daily Masses at 12:10 p.m. from Dec. 7 – 11.

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Monday, Nov. 30
An Advent Gathering of Support and Prayer for Those Affected by Cancer. 7:30 p.m. at St. Elizabeth Seton, Chapel, Catholic Community of Pleasanton. All are invited to join Ira Stein and Mary Ruth Cross for an evening of music and prayer, to share stories, and reflect on God’s promise of hope and healing. Contact: Mary Ruth Cross, jmscross@sbcglobal.net or (925) 600-4818.

Tuesday, Dec. 1
Finding Treasure in the Waiting Times. 7 p.m. in the chapel at St. Bonaventure Parish, 5562 Clayton Road, Concord. Kathy Roberts, a leader/teacher of pilgrimages to the Holy Land and speaker at women’s retreats, will lead this Advent talk which offers a reflective and humorous focus on the parts of Scripture related to Mary and her time of waiting for the birth of Jesus. Fellowship and hospitality will follow the talk. Sponsor: St. Bonaventure Women’s Christian Fellowship. Donna LaBrie, (925) 674-0478.

Dec. 2 and 8
Advent Days of Renewal. 9:30 a.m. – 3 p.m. at San Damiano Retreat, Danville. Presented by Rena Grant, MA (Dec. 2), and Father Evan Howard (Dec. 8). $25. Lunch and mass included. Kateri, (925) 837-9141, ext. 315; online registration: www.sandamiano.org.

Friday, Dec. 4
Christmas Concert and Silent Auction. 6:30 p.m. at Newman Hall/Holy Spirit Parish, 2700 Dwight Way, Berkeley. Enjoy Christmas music with the Newman choirs and musicians. The evening will begin with a silent auction, an opportunity to bid on unique Christmas gifts. Proceeds from the auction will benefit Newman Hall. A wine-and-dessert reception will follow the concert. (510) 848-7812.

Advent Extravaganza. 7 – 9 p.m. at St. Charles Borromeo Parish, 1315 Lomitas Ave., Livermore. Experience what Advent is all about through: the Nativity story; a Youth Ministry skit; singing carols; creating a family Advent prayer votive; and cookies and cider. Bring “Peace” to this season. Admission price is food goods or a monetary gift which will go to Tri-Valley Food Pantry. Julie, upcatholic@aol.com or (925) 447-4549, ext. 114.

Saturday, Dec. 5
Advent Prayer Day. 8:15 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. at St. Francis of Assisi Church, 860 Oak Grove Road, Concord. Participants will spend the day praying with Scriptures and reflection as the Holy Family begin their adventure in the real world of Roman occupied Palestine. Carmen Scholl at (925) 944-5970 or cascholl@astound.net.

Dec. 5, 6
Songs of Nativity. Dec. 5: 5 p.m. at First Lutheran Church, 600 Homer, Palo Alto; Dec. 6: Christ Episcopal Church, 1700 Santa Clara, Alameda. Holiday concert presented by Soli Deo Gloria with Orchestra Gloria conducted by Allen H. Simon. Features Respighi’s “Laud to the Nativity” with chorus and soloists Pamela Sebastian, Heidi Waterman, and Brian Thorsett in the roles of angel, Mary, and shepherd. Tickets: $25 (general), $20 (students/seniors) at the door. Students in grades K-8 are free. Discount for advance purchase. (888) SDG-SONG or www.sdgloria.org/tickets.php.

Dec. 5, 6 and 20
The Berkeley Community Chorus and Orchestra Presents Franz Schubert’s Mass No. 6 in E-flat Major. Dec. 5 at 8 p.m.; Dec. 6 at 4:30 p.m.; and Dec. 20 at 4:30 p.m. at St. Joseph the Worker Church, 1640 Addison St., Berkeley. Schubert’s finest church composition with orchestra chorus and soloists: Tiffany Cromartie, soprano; Lauren Carley, mezzo-soprano; J. Raymond Meyers, tenor; Jim Molmen, tenor; and Paul Thompson, baritone. Free admission, donations appreciated. www.bcco.org, (510) 433-9599.

Sunday, Dec. 6
A Family Celebration of Advent: Lessons and Carols. 5 p.m. at St. Stephen Church, 1101 Keaveny Court, Walnut Creek. Refreshments will follow in the hall. Annette, (925) 210-0732.

Wednesday, Dec. 9
Advent Twilight Retreat. 4:30 p.m. (registration begins), 5 – 9 p.m. at San Damiano Retreat, Danville. Presented by Chiara’s Lantern. Take this retreat to slow down and ponder what may be on the horizon for you, for the world. $30 cost includes dinner. Kateri, (925) 837-9141, ext. 315; online registration: www.sandamiano.org.

Dec. 10 – 13
Silent Advent Centering Prayer Retreat. At San Damiano Retreat, Danville. Presentation by Eileen Halliburton and Father Tommy Brennan. $180 shared room/$210 private room. Kateri, (925) 837-9141, ext. 315; online registration: www.sandamiano.org.

Friday, Dec. 11
Hawaiian Holiday Christmas Concert. 7 p.m. at St. Anne Church, 32223 Cabello St., Union City. All are invited to honor Hawaii’s newly canonized saint, St. Damien de Veuster of Molokai, at this concert sponsored by St. Anne’s Aloha Ke Akua Choir and the Northern California Kaleponi Strings Ukelele Group. Program includes the singing of spiritual as well as contemporary Hawaiian Christmas music, dances, and prayer. (510) 471-7766.

Dec. 12, 13
Christmas Nativity Open House. 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. at 37445 Niles Blvd. in Fremont. Visit a 110-year-old Victorian house decorated for the holidays with 350 Nativity sets. A benefit for the Society of St. Vincent de Paul of Alameda County that serves homeless and low-income women, men and children. Free admittance, but financial contributions accepted. (510) 794-1368.

Sunday, Dec. 13
Advent and Christmas Concert. 2:15 p.m. at Holy Spirit Church, 37588 Fremont Blvd., Fremont. The four parish choirs will perform, accompanied by piano, pipe organ and other instruments. Sing-along carols are included. Free will donations accepted. (510) 797-3409.

Tuesday, Dec. 15
St. Mary’s High School, Berkeley. Class of 1952 Annual Christmas Reunion. 11 a.m. Mass and luncheon, on the school campus, 1294 Albina Ave. Information/reservations: Joanne Howe, (510) 559-6227.

Dec. 16 – 24
Simbang Gabi or Misa de Gallo. 7 p.m. from Dec. 16 – 23, 5 a.m. on Dec. 24 at St. Joan of Arc Parish, 2601 San Ramon Valley Blvd., San Ramon. All are invited to attend this nine-day novena of Masses held to symbolically usher in the birth of Christ. Organized by the Filipino community at the San Ramon parish. (925) 525-6821.

Friday, Dec. 18
Concert of Advent and Christmas Music. 7:30 p.m. at St. Elizabeth Seton Church, 4001 Stoneridge Dr., Pleasanton. The Catholic Community of Pleasanton Music Ministry of over 150 adults, teens, children and instrumentalists (including piano, cello and harp), invites you to experience in song the beauty and joy of the Advent and Christmas seasons. All are welcome. Free admission; a free-will offering gratefully accepted and will benefit the CCOP Rome Pilgrimage Scholarship Fund. www.ccopmusic.org or www.catholicsofpleasanton.org. (925) 484-5020.

Dec. 18 – 19
Advent Weekend Retreat. At Dominican Sisters of Mission San Jose, 43326 Mission Blvd., Fremont. For young men and women discerning life choice at a significant junction in their lives. (510) 789-7079, blessings@msjdominicans.org or www.msjdominicans.org.

Sunday, Dec. 20
“Everlasting Light: The Journey,” a Christmas Musical Play. The Chabot College Performing Arts Center, 25555 Hesperian Blvd., Hayward. A joyous prelude to the Christmas season. Presented by St. Clement Parish of Hayward and Canadian Martyrs Catholic Church. Tickets: $15. Nel Penaflor, (510) 331-1996 or Penaflor4@aol.com.

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Nov. 29 – Dec. 7
Immaculate Conception Novena. At St. Philip Neri Church, 3100 Van Buren St., Alameda. All are invited to this novena which will include singing, recitation of the Rosary and group reading of the novena prayers, followed by the Liturgy of the Blessed Virgin.

Friday, Dec. 18
Taize. 8 – 9:15 p.m. at Motherhouse Chapel, Dominican Sisters of Mission San Jose, 43326 Mission Blvd., Fremont. Join others in prayer and song around the Cross. Every Third Friday. Contact: blessings@msjdominicans.org or Sister Beth Quire, (510) 449-7554; www.msjdominicans.org.

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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.

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

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

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

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.

Every fourth Tuesday
7:30 - 8:30 p.m. at Dominican Sisters of Mission San Jose, Motherhouse Chapel, 43326 Mission Blvd. (off Mission Tierra), Fremont. Every fourth Tuesday of the Month. Contact blessings@msjdominicans.org or call (510) 449-7554.
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.
Fridays

8 a.m. – 8:45 p.m. (Benediction at 8:45 p.m.), in the chapel at St. Michael Parish, 458 Maple St., Livermore. (925) 447-1585.

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Dec. 30 – Jan. 1
New Year’s Retreat. At San Damiano Retreat in Danville. Presented by Franciscan Father Rusty Shaughnessy, Rena Grant, and Franciscan Brother Eric Burke. Celebrate the past year and rejoice in the new with presentations, ritual and prayer. $180 shared room/$210 private room. Kateri, (925) 837-9141, ext. 315; online registration: www.sandamiano.org.

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Saturday, Nov. 28
St. Leander’s Meridians 25th 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 (1880’s – 2009) will be available for sale. Free appraisals are available (for pre-1975 items ONLY). Door prizes will be given away all day. Admission is $3, free to those who are under 5 or over 65 years of age. Proceeds benefit St. Leander’s Parish as well as local charities. Mark, (510) 538-6245.

Saturday, Dec. 5
Bingo! At St. Joseph School, 1961 Plum St., Pinole. Doors open at 4 p.m. Games begin at 5 p.m. Hosted by the 5th and 6th grades.

Dec. 5, 6
Boutique/Garage Sale. At St. Stephen Church, 1101 Keaveny Court, Walnut Creek. Dec. 5: 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.; Dec. 6: 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. Annette, (925) 210-0732.

Wednesday, Dec. 9
Winter Luncheon. 11 a.m. at Transfiguration Church, 4000 East Castro Valley Blvd., Castro Valley. Sponsored the Holy Family Guild of Alameda County, this annual event which includes door prizes, bingo and raffle, benefits the Sisters of the Holy Family. Tickets: Mable Moore, (510) 581-1961. $10.

2009 Kitchen of Champions Guest Chef Series Dinner. At Society of St. Vincent de Paul of Alameda County, Free Dining Room, 675 – 23rd St., Oakland. Featuring Bellanico Chef Jonathan Luce. Evening includes a reception featuring SVDP’s Artist-in-residence, 4:30 – 6:30 p.m., followed by a four-course meal featuring wine, 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. RSVP is required. $71 per person, $125 for two people, $475 for eight (table). Tickets must be purchased in advance. (510) 636-4261.

Saturday, Dec. 12
“Compassion for Fashion” Dinner and Fashion Show. At St. Columba Church, 6401 San Pablo Ave., Oakland. Doors open at 5 p.m., dinner at 6 p.m., show starts at 7 p.m. Directed by Darris Doss of D-Squared Productions. $25 donation. Sponsor: The Luau Committee. Tickets/information: (510) 654-7600.

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Tuesday, Nov. 24
The Missionary Connection. 9:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. in the Peace Room at St. Monica Parish Center, 1001 Camino Pablo, Moraga. Deacon Clement (Santa Maria Parish in Orinda) and Gladys Chen will share their missionary experiences in Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam and Laos. Learn about the many faces of God in worlds far away. Need transportation? Contact tobrien001@earthlink.net; babysitting information: (925) 283-3398.

Nov. 25, Dec. 2, 9, 16
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 davidlzarri@earthlink.net.

Thursday, Dec. 3
WINGS (Wings in God’s Spirit). 9:15 – 11:15 a.m. in the Pope Room in the Keeley Center at St. Charles Borromeo Church, 1315 Lomitas Ave. Livermore. Program of spiritual growth organized by members from both Livermore parishes. Speaker: Father Bob Mendonca, “Shepherd and Sheep.” (925) 447-4559.

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Saturday, Dec. 5
No More Secrets – Monthly Support Group for Survivors of Clergy Sexual Abuse. 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. at 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. Claire Jeanette, (510) 843-6971.

Thursday, Dec. 17
Catholics Divorced Widowed and Separated of Contra Costa. 7 – 9 p.m. at 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 or loneliness and depression are encouraged to participate. Joan S., (925) 939-1007.

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Friday, Nov. 27
St. Joseph Notre Dame High School Homecoming. 7:30 p.m. in the Quad, at 1011 Chestnut St., Alameda. Homecoming will be after the Alumni Basketball Game. All alumni are invited to the SJND campus to catch up with friends, share memories, and celebrate the years since graduation. Music will be provided by DJs “DJ-DK,” locally brewed beer from Linden Street Brewery of Jack London Square, local wines, hot dogs and other food. Mary McInerney, mmcinerney@sjnd.org.

Saturday, Dec. 5
St. Mary’s High School, Berkeley. Class of 1949 60-Year Reunion. Luncheon on the school campus, 1294 Albina Ave. Joanne Howe, (510) 559-6227.

Friday, Dec. 11
12th Annual Providence College of Nursing Alumni Holiday Tea. 11 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. at Health Education Center, 400 Hawthorne Ave., Oakland. Remember days gone by, renew friendships, reconnect with classmates and former instructors. Menu includes teas, scones, pinwheel sandwiches and seasonal fruit. RSVP by Dec. 4, $20 per person. Information: Samuel Merritt University, Office of Development and Alumni Affairs, 450-30th St., Suite 2840, Oakland, CA 94609.

Thursday, Dec. 17
Mini-Reunion for the Classes of ‘06, ‘07, ‘08 and ‘09. At Salesian High School, Richmond. Information: hmoe@salesian.com or (510) 234-4433, ext. 1104.

Monday, Dec. 21
St. Mary’s High School, Berkeley. Annual Young Alumni Reunion: Classes 2005 – 2009. At 1294 Albina Ave. Details/reservations: Joanne Howe, (510) 559-6227.

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