January 25, 2010   •   VOL. 48, NO. 2   •   Oakland, CA

Champions of faith John Morales, host of Catholic Exchange and former Fox sports anchor, will discuss “Understanding Sports as a Metaphor for Life’s More Difficult Lessons” at the monthly Catholics@Work breakfast event on Feb. 9 at the Crow Canyon Country Club in Danville. A full breakfast buffet will be served starting at 7 a.m. Mass will be offered at 6:30 a.m. at the same location. $20 for members, $25 nonmembers. Online registration is recommended at www.catholicsatwork.org .

Feb. 11, March 6
Dedication Recital Series. 8 p.m. at the Cathedral of Christ the Light, 2121 Harrison St., Oakland. Feb. 11: Olivier Latry, Notre-Dame Cathedral, Paris; March 6: Rudy de Vos, director, Cathedral Music. Free will donation at all organ concerts.

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Jan. 24, 31, Feb. 7
African American Celebrations at St. Columba Parish. At 6401 San Pablo Ave. in Oakland. Theme: “Wait on the Lord and Be of Good Courage.” Jan. 24: Deacon Marvin Threatt, a lecturer, motivational speaker and educator from the Diocese of San Diego; Jan. 31: Social Service Sister Eva Lumas, assistant professor of religious education and culture at Franciscan School of Theology, Berkeley; Feb. 7: Father Kwame Assenyoh, a member of the Society of Divine Word. (510) 654-7600.

Mondays, Jan. 25, Feb. 1, 8
Filipino Ministry at St. Clement Parish. 7:30 p.m. at the parish center, 750 Calhoun St., Hayward. Contact: Simon Medrano, chairman, (510) 303-2965.

Tuesdays, Jan. 26, Feb. 2, 9
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.

Feb. 2, 16
Faith Sharing and Prayer Group. 7:30 – 9 p.m. in parish hall at Transfiguration Parish, 4000 East Castro Valley Blvd., Castro Valley. Rosary, Bible reading, sharing and petition prayers. All ages welcome. Every other Tuesday. Charles, (510) 566-9267.

Sunday, Feb. 7
Taize Prayer Around the Cross. 7 p.m. at Christ the King (CTK) Church, 199 Brandon Road, Pleasant Hill. On every first Sunday four churches in Pleasant Hill (Hillcrest Congregational Church, Church of the Resurrection, Episcopal, St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church, and CTK) sponsor an hour of devotional prayer in the spirit and music of Taize (the ecumenical monastic community in southern France). The prayer time (one hour) includes song, Scripture, quiet time and the opportunity to touch or kneel by the cross with your intentions, worries and burdens. The location rotates through each of the participating churches.

Monday, Feb. 8
Mass for the Sick. 7:30 p.m. at St. Edward Church, 5788 Thornton Ave., Newark. Bert/Norma, Abba Father Prayer Group, (510) 793-1750. Every second Monday.

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Saturday, Feb. 6
Writing the Sacred Workshop. Registration at 9 a.m.; program from 9:30 a.m. – 4 p.m. at San Damiano Retreat in Danville. Presenter: Ray McGinnis will use his book, “Writing the Sacred: A Psalm-Inspired Path to Appreciating and Writing Sacred Poetry,” to lead participants into a vivid connection with the original psalm writers and the intent and meaning of the Hebrew psalms. For those who love to write and those who seldom write. $75. Kateri, (925) 837-9141, ext. 315 or online registration: www.sandamiano.org.

Spiritual Spa Day. 9:30 a.m. – 4 p.m. at Presentation Center, 19480 Bear Creek Road, Los Gatos. Nourish body and soul and enjoy precious time for your own spiritual growth and abundance through peaceful labyrinth walks on the grounds of the Center as well as soul collage, Mandala work, massage, guided prayer and discussion with two facilitators: Dominican Sister Joan Prohaska, an experienced teacher and pastoral minister, and Kathy Miranda, who holds an MA in transpersonal studies. $85 cost includes lunch and 20-minute massage. Registration required by calling Jane Hetherington, (408) 354-2346, ext. 310 or e-mail: jhetherington@presentationcenter.org.

Feb. 12 – 14
Married Couples Retreat. At San Damiano Retreat in Danville. Presenters: Franciscan Father Rusty Shaughnessy and Richard and Karla Obernesser. Join other couples this Valentine’s weekend and explore sacred Scripture and discover the many blessings of love. Registration on Feb. 12, 4 – 6:30 p.m. Retreat ends on Feb. 14 with lunch at noon. $310 per couple. Kateri, (925) 837-9141, ext. 315 or online registration:www.sandamiano.org.

Feb. 17, March 5, 10
Lenten Days of Renewal. 9 a.m. registration; day from 9:30 a.m. – 3 p.m. at San Damiano Retreat, Danville. $25 cost includes lunch. Kateri, (925) 837-9141, ext. 315 or online registration: www.sandamiano.org.

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Saturday, Feb. 6
La Troisieme Fete: Mardi Gras! 6 p.m. in Father Kozina Hall at St. Margaret Mary Church, 1219 Excelsior Ave., Oakland. Featuring dinner at Pat O’Brien’s Supper Club and Lounge, dancing to BluesBox Bayou Band until 11 p.m., coronation of Mardi Gras King and Queen. Leave name and phone number at (510) 482-0596 or www.stmargmaryoak.org. Proceeds to help refurbish the church and rectory.

Polenta Dinner. 6 p.m. (social hour), 7 p.m. (dinner) in parish hall at St. Philip Neri Parish, High Street and Van Buren, Alameda. $20 adults, $8 children under 12 years. Pat Pasquinelli, (510) 522-6215 by Jan. 29. Mail check (ICF Br 10) to Pat Pasquinelli, 549 Lincoln Ave., Alameda, CA 94501.

Saturday, Feb. 13
Fourth Annual Mardi Gras Casino Night Valentine Special. At. St. John the Baptist Church, 264 East Lewelling Blvd., San Lorenzo. No-host bar and hors d’oeuvres at 6:30 p.m.; casino opens at 7 p.m.; poker tournament at 8 p.m. (Poker, blackjack, craps, roulette and big money wheel.) $20 per person and receive $20 in casino script. Many great prizes – winners must be present to win. Information or sponsorship: (510) 351-5050.

Jan. 29, Feb. 19, March 26
St. Ignatius Adult Education Series. At 3351 Contra Loma Blvd., Antioch. 8 a.m. liturgy, 8:45 a.m. simple breakfast; 9:15 – 10 a.m. teaching. Jan. 29: The Scriptures of Lent; Feb. 19: The Scriptures of Holy Week; March 26: The Scriptures of Easter.

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Monday, Jan. 25
A Talk by Cathleen Kaveny. 7:30 p.m. in classroom 1 at Dominican School of Philosophy and Theology, 2301 Vine St., Berkeley. The scholar, who focuses on the relationship of law and morality, will discuss “Law, Morality and the Culture Wars.”

Mondays, Jan. 25, Feb. 1, 8
Six-Week Winter Bible Study. (St. Charles and St. Michael parishes) 7:30 – 9 p.m. in the Pope Room at St. Charles, 1315 Lomitas Ave., Livermore. Topic: 2 Corinthians: Power in Weakness. Learn what Paul means when he talks about God’s power in human weakness. Information/reserve material ($10.book): Julie, upcatholic@aol.com or (925) 447-4549, ext. 114.

Wednesdays, Jan. 27, Feb. 3, 10
Dr. Scott Hahn’s video series, “Letter and Spirit.” 7 – 7:30 p.m. in the ministry center, St. Agnes Parish, 3966 Chestnut Ave., Concord. Learn how to more fully understand Sacred Scripture in the Mass. David Zarri, (925) 686-9277 or
davidlzarri@earthlink.net.

Jan. 26 – 28
Earl Lectures and Leadership Conference. On the campus of the Pacific School of Religion, 1798 Scenic Ave., Berkeley. This year’s program will explore the increasingly popular phrase “spiritual but not religious.” Workshops, which are open to the public, are lead by leaders in theology, education and ministry. www.psr.edu or (510) 849-8227.

Thursday, Jan. 28
Catholic Charities USA Centennial Leadership Summit. 9:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. at Santa Clara University, The Mission Room, 500 El Camino Real, Santa Clara. Featured speakers and presenters include: Father Larry Snyder, president of Catholic Charities USA; Kirk Hanson, executive director, Markkula Center for Applied Ethics, Santa Clara University; Catherine Manfredo, executive director, Catholic Charities of Fresno. One of eight leadership summits across the country where people from all walks are life will take part in a conversation to identify ways to reduce poverty 50 percent by the year 2020. Information: www.CatholicCharitiesUSA.org/centennial.

Sunday, Jan 31
St. Agnes Elementary School, Concord. Open House. After 9 a.m. Mass at 3886 Chestnut Ave., Concord. Applications for next school year for grades K-8 will be available and accepted through February. Testing for new students on Feb. 24 and 27. Information: www.stagnesconcord.com or (925) 689-3990.

St. John the Baptist School Open House and Book Fair. At 11156 San Pablo Ave., El Cerrito. Events begin at 9:30 a.m. with Kindergarten Mass followed by hospitality in the science room at 11 a.m. Tours will end at 1 p.m. Applications for the next school year will be available. The book fair will be open throughout the open house. (510) 234-2244.

Queen of All Saints School Information Day. 3 p.m. at 2391 Grant St., Concord. Family Mass at 5 p.m. (925) 685-8700 or www.qasconcord.org.

Friday, Feb. 5
Behind the Wall: Emerging Strategies of Palestinian Nonviolent Resistance. 7 p.m. in the chapel, at St. Joseph the Worker Church, 1640 Addison St., Berkeley. Carol Sanders reports back from her recent trip to the West Bank. Under desperate circumstances, a culture of creative nonviolent resistance has emerged in response to occupation and dispossession. She will discuss the concept of Sumud that inspires this grassroots movement and the crucial role of international solidarity. Free admission. (510) 499-0537.

Feb. 6, 13, 20, 27
A Quick Journey Through the Bible. 9 – 11 a.m. in St. Augustine Parish Hall, Room B, at 3999 Bernal Ave. in Pleasanton. Pre-registration suggested. Materials cost $20; scholarships available. Suzanne Slupesky, (925) 352-8447 or suzanneslu@yahoo.com.

Wednesday, Feb. 10
Social Justice in Action. 7 p.m. in St. Patrick Church, 7th St., Rodeo. Speakers: Carolyn Krantz, director of the Family to Family program at Catholic Charities of the East Bay (CCEB) and Solomon Belette, CEO at CCEB.

Thursday, Feb. 11
Special pre-release screening of “Race to Nowhere.” 6:45 p.m. at Grand Lake Theater, 3200 Grand Ave., Oakland. Since its debut at the Mill Valley Film Festival, this film sparked a national conversation about the debilitating pressures American schoolchildren and their teachers face moving into the 21st century. $10 at the door or in advance. Complimentary popcorn will be served. A discussion with director Vicki Abeles from Lafayette, will follow the film. Due to sensitive content, it is not recommended for children. This screening is sponsored by Corpus Christi School and Reel Link Films.

Saturday, Feb. 13
Setting the Table for Everyone: A Conference on Global Solidarity. 9 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. at Holy Names University, 3500 Mountain Blvd., Oakland. Catholics from parishes throughout the Bay Area are invited to a day of workshops and networking opportunities. Participants will gain a better understanding of – and tools for – teaching the Catholic principles of human dignity, solidarity and social justice, particularly in this global economy. Keynote speaker: Jesuit Father William O’Neill, professor of social ethics at the Jesuit School of Theology in Berkeley. Registration: $15 ($10 students) before Feb. 5 and $20 ($15 at the door). Sponsors: Diocese of Oakland, Just Faith, Catholic Relief Services. There will be food for purchase (so bring cash) or bring your own bag lunch. Online registration: www.oakdiocese.org/pastoral/SocialJustice/ or jwatkins@oakdiocese.org or (510) 267-8379.

Manhatten Forum Lecture Series. 3 p.m. in Father Kozina Hall, St. Margaret Mary Church, 1219 Excelsior Ave., Oakland. Free monthly program designed to introduce the Bay Area to the Manhattan Declaration on the sanctity of human life, traditional marriage, and religious freedom. Dominican Father Michael Sweeney, president, Dominican School of Philosophy and Theology, will speak on “The Common Good and the Apostolate of the Laity.” Lecture will be followed by Mass at 5 p.m. and reception at 6 p.m. Sponsor: St. Anthony of Padua Institute. Information: www.sapi.org.

Feb. 19 – 22
Marriage Encounter Weekend. For married couples who would you like to experience new romance, deeper communication, and feel closer to your spouse. For more information, contact Ray and Roberta Montes, (510) 351-2649 evenings after 6 p.m.

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Thursdays, Jan. 28, Feb. 11
Bimonthly Grief Support. 7:30 p.m. at St. Elizabeth Seton, 4001 Stoneridge Dr., Pleasanton. Join others who are struggling with the reality of the death of a loved one. Mary, (925) 846-5377.

Feb. 3, 17
Divorced And/Or Separated Group. 7:30 – 9:30 p.m. at St. Elizabeth Seton Chapel, 4001 Stoneridge Dr., Pleasanton. Come and join others who have lost a marriage and begin to build your new life. Pre-registration required. Lisa, (925) 600-1765. Sponsor: Catholic Community of Pleasanton.

Thursday, Feb. 18
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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Jan. 27, 28
The St. Mary’s College Performing Arts Department presents: Rip Van Winkle. At LeFevre Theatre, St. Mary’s College, Moraga. Jan. 27: 7 p.m.; Jan. 29: 4 p.m. This children’s theater show is based on the story by Washington Irving. Suitable for grades pre-K through three. Tickets: $8. Reservations: (925) 631-4381; scahill@stmarys-ca.edu.

Sunday, Feb. 7
Lolek. 7:30 p.m. at Our Lady of Peace, Family Learning Center, 2800 Mission College Blvd., Santa Clara. A 90-minute play on the life of the young Karol Wojtyla (Pope John Paul II) as a university student in Nazi-occupied Poland. Preceded by Polish dinner at 6:30 p.m. $20 per person; $50 family. Tickets available by Paypal at www.ccwf.org and Our Lady of Peace bookstore or download registration form and mail to CCWF, P.O. Box 3294, Los Gatos, CA 94024.

Through March 2
Voices of Musica Sacra Auditions. 7 – 9:30 p.m. at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 1924 Trinity Ave., Walnut Creek. Voices of Musica Sacra, a community chorus of 40 singers which sings primarily classical, sacred choral music, is holding auditions for all vocal parts (especially need tenors and basses) in conjunction with Monday rehearsals for June concerts – The Complete Choral Works of Samuel Barber. John Kendall Bailey, music director. Information/schedule: (925) 680-7089, infor@vmschorus.org or www.vmschorus.org.

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Saturday, Jan. 30
St. Elizabeth High School 22nd Annual Crab Feed and Auction. At St. Theresa Parish Event Center, 4850 Clarewood Dr., Oakland. 5:45 – 7:30 p.m.: social hour and auction, 7:30 p.m.: dinner, 8:30 p.m.: live auction. $50 per person. Proceeds benefit St. Elizabeth Tuition Assistance Program. (510) 532-6473.

Holy Names High School 20th Annual Crab Feed and Silent Auction. 6 p.m. social hour and silent auction (no-host bar), 7 p.m. dinner at 4660 Harbord Dr., Oakland. Tickets: $45 per person. Roasted half-chicken available for non-crab eaters. Table sponsorships available. No ticket sales at the door. Adults only. Reservations are held at the door. (510) 450-1110, ext. 112. Proceeds benefit Holy Names High School students and programs.

Knights of Columbus Council #7683 15th Annual Crab Feed. In Peace Room at St. Monica Parish, 1001 Camino Pablo, Moraga. 6 p.m.: appetizers and no-host cocktails; 7:30 p.m. dinner. Chicken is available when ordered in advance. Raffle follows dinner. Tickets: $50; must be reserved and paid for in advance and are non-refundable. Karl Anderson, (925) 283-3679.

Saturday, Feb. 6
St. Leander Parish Valentine Crab Feed. In Ryan O’Connell Hall, 575 W. Estudillo Avenue, San Leandro. Social hour 5:30 p.m., dinner 6:30 p.m. Crab, pasta, bread, salad. Dessert silent auction; sports memorabilia silent auction; 50-50 raffle. Tickets: $35; $40 after Jan. 31. The Parish Office, (510) 895-5631.

Carondelet Hawaiian Style Crab Feed. In the Silvio E. Garaventa Sr., Center at Carondelet High School, 1133 Winton Dr., Concord. Doors open at 6 p.m.; dinner at 7:30 p.m.; dancing at 9 p.m. Tickets: $45 per person. Lynn Velazquez, (925) 706-7636.

St. Joan of Arc Knights of Columbus Council 9206 Crab and Pasta Feed. In gymnasium at St. Joan of Arc Parish, 2601 San Ramon Valley Blvd., San Ramon. 6 p.m.: no host cocktails; 7:15 p.m.: dinner. Martini bar and raffle prizes. Proceeds to benefit the Food Bank of Contra Costa and Solano. $45 per person ($405 for a table of 10). No tickets will be sold at the door. Online registration: www.kofc9206.org. (925) 263-1776.

Knights of Columbus, Council #7663 Crab Feed. At St. Patrick Parish Hall, 825 7th St., Rodeo. 6 p.m.: no-host bar, 7:15 p.m.: dinner. Raffle prizes available after dinner. $40. Tickets available after each Sunday Mass until Jan. 31 at St. Patrick Church, Rodeo. Gavin Robillard, (510) 504-8294 or Joe Trevors, (510) 691-3745.

St. John the Baptist School, El Cerrito Crab Feed. 6 p.m. (social hour), 7:30 p.m. (dinner) at 11156 San Pablo Ave., El Cerrito. Raffle and auction. $35 per person. Maria Hornibrook, (510) 932-3008 or JRsmom@comcast.net.

St. John the Baptist’s CYO Annual Crab Feed. 6 p.m. (no-host cocktails), 7 p.m. (dinner and raffle), 9 p.m. (dancing), at 270 E. Lewelling Blvd., San Lorenzo. $40 per person. No one under 21 years old allowed. Emily, (510) 276-7337 or Kristen, (510) 331-1525.

St. Leo the Great School’s Annual Seafood Fundraiser Event. At 175 Ridgeway (Gym), Oakland. 6:30 p.m.: seating; 7 – 9 p.m.: dining; ‘til 10 p.m.: dancing. Crab Feed – all you can eat – Mardi Gras style. DJ, raffle, auction, drinks and dessert compliment the evening. $50 individual ticket/$500 table (incentives included). Monique Mackey, (415) 385-0945.

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