March 8, 2010   •   VOL. 48, NO. 5   •   Oakland, CA

Glee from Notre Dame The University of Notre Dame Glee Club will perform at St. Elizabeth Seton Church, Catholic Community of Pleasanton (CCOP), 4001 Stoneridge Dr. in Pleasanton on March 9 beginning at 7:45 p.m. A special prelude will be offered by members of the CCOP Music Ministry. $8 in advance, $10 at the door. Proceeds to benefit the Pope John Paul II Activity Center at CCOP. Zachary Gustafson, (925) 487-0985 or Zachary.gustafson@gmail.com.

Saturday, March 13
Cathedral Concerts. 7:30 p.m. at Cathedral of Christ the Light. Oakland Symphony Chorus. Featuring Bach’s “Mass in B minor.” Conducted by Lynne Morrow and accompanied by instrumentalists from Magik Magik. Free admission; free-will donations accepted. (510) 207-4093; www.oaklandsymphonychorus.org.

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March 8 – 10
Lenten Retreat. At St. Charles Borromeo Church, 1315 Lomitas Ave., Livermore. Session times are 10 – 11:30 a.m. or 7:30 – 9 p.m. Presenter: Holy Cross Father Patrick Hannon, author of “Geography of God’s Mercy: Stories of Compassion and Mercy.” All are invited to experience how a story telling teacher and preacher walks with us as we search, discover and celebrate God’s mercy and compassion in both our every day and spiritual life. Open to all. Julie, (925) 447-4549, ext. 114, or upcatholic@aol.com. A $5 free will offering is appreciated.

March 9, 16, 23
Soup for the Soul. Noon in the parish hall at St. Albert the Great Parish, 1022 Holly St., Alameda. Program includes a soup meal (free-will offering) and presentation. March 9: “Charity in Truth (Caritas in Veritate) and the Church’s Stand on Social Issues.” Father Joy Kumarthusseril offers a reflection on Pope Benedict XVI’s 2009 encyclical, Caritas in Veritate; March 16: “Water and the Sacrament of Baptism.” Father Dana Michaels offers a presentation on water and Baptism; March 23: “The Passion of Earth: How Are We to Respond?” Franciscan Sister Kathleen McCabe speaks on our role as stewards of creation. Sponsor: The Alameda Deanery. Anne Marie, (510) 995-9409 or afourre@st-joseph-community.org.

March 10, 16, 23
Lenten Days of Renewal. 9 a.m. (registration); 9:30 a.m. – 3 p.m. at San Damiano Retreat in Danville. $25 cost includes lunch. Kateri, (925) 837-9141, ext. 315 or register online: www.sandamiano.org.

March 10, 17, 24
Voices of Peace – Lenten Reflection Series. 7:30 – 8:30 p.m. in Stack Hall, at Our Lady of Grace Church, 3433 Somerset Ave., Castro Valley. March 10: John Bass, meditation practice coordinator for San Francisco Bay Area Nalandabodhi and Rev. John Wichman, pastor at Westminster Hills Presbyterian Church in Hayward; March 17: Rabbi Harry Manhoff, Temple Beth Sholom in San Leandro and professor at St. Mary’s College in Moraga; March 24: Lorin Peters, member at St. Leander Parish in San Leandro and member of Pax Christi. (510) 733-9880.

March 12 – 14
Lenten Weekend Retreat. At San Damiano Retreat in Danville. Presented by Franciscan Father Rusty Shaughnessy and Paula Jenkins. Discover the power of the word of God to awaken and renew. Registration on March 12 from 4 – 6:30 p.m. Retreat ends March 14 with lunch at noon. $180 shared room/$210 private room. Kateri, (925) 837-9141, ext., or online registration: www.sandamiano.org.

March 12, 19, 26
Stations of the Cross. Noon at St. Augustine Parish, 400 Alcatraz Ave., in Oakland. Parking and wheelchair access. (510) 653-8631.

March 19 – 21
Silent Meditation Retreat. At San Damiano Retreat in Danville. Presented by Benedictine Sister Barbara Hazzard. During this weekend participants will experience Scripture passages for Holy Week, followed by silent sitting meditation in the Christian tradition. Registration on March 19, from 4 – 6:30 p.m.; ends on March 21 with lunch at noon. $180 shared room/$210 private room. (925) 837-9141, ext. 315 or online registration: www.sandamiano.org.

March 21, 27, 28, April 2
The Sacred Drama of The Passion of Our Lord. At the Church of the Good Shepherd, 3200 Harbor St., Pittsburg. For the 18th year, the youth of Good Shepherd Parish are presenting this inspirational project which involves the participation of over 75 youth and adult leaders. March 21: First viewing for family and friends; March 27: 5:30 p.m. liturgy; March 28 (Palm Sunday): 8, 10 a.m. and noon liturgies and 2 p.m. Spanish Mass; April 2 (Good Friday): 7:30 p.m. Debbie Lawson, (925) 439-1091.

Monday, March 29
Lenten Communal Reconciliation Service. 7 p.m. at St. Augustine Parish, 400 Alcatraz Ave. in Oakland. Parking and wheel chair access. (510) 653-8631.

April 1 – 4
Holy Week Retreat. At San Damiano Retreat in Danville. Presented by the Retreat Team. Participants will come together during Holy Week to contemplate Jesus’s life, death and celebrate with joy, His resurrection. Retreat begins with dinner at 7 p.m. on Holy Thursday and ends on Easter Sunday with brunch at 10 a.m. $195 shared room/$230 private room. (925) 837-9141, ext. 315, or register online: www.sandamiano.org.

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Monday, March 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.

March 8, 9
Parish Mission. At St. Joseph Parish, 837 Tennent Ave., Pinole. “Making Holy Choices: Discerning God’s Will in Your Life (In Tough Economic Times). The mission continues with Father Jim Sullivan and Christine Watkins. (510) 741-4900.

March 8 – 11
Parish Mission. At Transfiguration Church, 4000 East Castro Valley Blvd., Castro Valley. Theme: “Transfiguring Our Community Through Faith.” Conducted by Passionist Father Thomas Bonacci. Morning sessions (March 9, 10, 11): 8 a.m., includes Mass followed by a session, coffee and pastries served; evening sessions (March 8, 9, 10, 11): 7 p.m. Reception after March 8 session and reconciliation on March 11 during the session. Sessions are free; free-will offerings on March 10, 11 go to Father Bonacci. (510) 538-7941.

Mondays, March 8, 15, 22
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, March 9, 16, 23
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.

Tuesdays, March 16, April 6
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.

Friday, March 19
Taize – Prayer Around the Cross. 8 p.m. at Dominican Sisters of Mission San Jose Motherhouse Chapel, 43326 Mission Blvd., Fremont. Join others in prayer and song around the cross. Third Friday of each month. Dominican Sister Beth Quire, (510) 449-7554 or beth@msjdominicans.org.

Friday, March 26
Taize: An Evening of Prayer Around the Cross. 8 p.m. at St. Joseph Basilica, 1109 Chestnut St., Alameda. An ecumenical, candlelit service of prayer offered in simple chant, Scripture readings, silent worship and veneration of the Cross. All are welcome. Information: taizeontheisland@yahoo.com.

Saturday, March 27
Charismatic Healing Mass. 7 p.m. (praise and worship), 7:30 p.m. (healing Mass) at Holy Rosary Church, 1313 A St., Antioch. Presider: Jesuit Father Robert Faricy. Bilingual: English/Spanish. Sponsor: Holy Rosary Church Charismatic Prayer Group. Ann Thomas, (925) 757-4397 or awedt@yahoo.com.

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Saturday, March 13
Our Prodigal God: More Love Than We Can Handle. 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. at Vallombrosa Retreat Center, 250 Oak Grove Ave., Menlo Park. Father Jim Schexnayder will conduct this retreat for gay and lesbian Catholics and Christians. The day will include reflections, prayer, private time, group sharing, opportunity for private spiritual direction and closing Eucharist. $50 cost includes lunch. Limited scholarship funds available. (650) 325-5614 or www.vallombrosa.org.

Sunday, March 21
Day of Dialogue for Gay, Lesbian, Bi-sexual and Transgendered People. 1 – 5 p.m. at San Damiano Retreat in Danville. A unique chance for family and friends to come together for an afternoon of sharing. No cost. (925) 837-9141, ext. 315, or online registration: www.sandamiano.org.

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March 12, 19, 26
Friday Night Fish Fry. In parish hall at St. Philip Neri Church, 3108 Van Buren St., Alameda. Dinner at 6 p.m., after 5:30 p.m. Stations of the Cross in the church. Menu: fried calamari-fish filets, salad, meatless pasta and rolls. $10 for adults, $5 children. No reservations required. Sponsor: I.C.F. Branch 10, Alameda.

Saturday, March 13
Fashions on the Green XII. Noon at San Ramon Royal Vista Golf Club, 9430 Fircrest Lane, San Ramon. Annual fashion show luncheon sponsored by the Oakland Diocesan Council of Catholic Women. $30 per person. Fashions provided by House of Fashions, Alamo. Information/reservations: Kay Horsell, (925) 829-0949, or write to 7687 Tuscany Dr., Dublin, CA 94568.

St. Patrick’s Day Dinner and Dance. In the gym at St. John the Baptist Parish, 264 E. Leweling Blvd., San Lorenzo. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. with no-host cocktails. Dinner at 6 p.m. DJ, dancing, and raffle. $12 per person if purchased in advance; $15 per person at the door. Alfred Musgrove, (510) 828-2584.

St. Patrick’s Day Dinner. 5:30 p.m. (social hour), 6:30 p.m. (dinner) at Ryan O’Connell Hall, 575 W. Estudillo Ave., San Leandro. $17 for adults, $9 children 12 years and under. Tickets (March 9 deadline): (510) 895-5631. No tickets sold at the door. Sponsor: St. Leander Conference of the St. Vincent de Paul Society. Proceeds support the conference’s work in assisting the poor and homeless in the community.

St. Patrick’s Day Dinner. 6 p.m. at St. Jarlath Parish Hall, 2620 Pleasant St., Oakland. Begins with social hour followed by corned beef and cabbage dinner; Irish dancers. $15 for adults, $10 for children. Sponsor: Knights of Columbus, Magellan Council #2730. Tickets: David Felise, (510) 846-2789, Mel Goulart, (510) 533-8212.

St. John the Baptist Endowment Dinner Dance. 6 – 11 p.m. in school gymnasium at St. John the Baptist School, 11156 San Pablo Ave., El Cerrito. Evening includes silent and live auction, dinner and dancing to 70s disco music by DJ Paul O’Sullivan of Good Vibrations Mobile Music. The best dressed 70s attire wins $100 cash prize. $30 per person. Tickets: Rachel Epperson, (510) 223-3956 or Frances Renty Williams, (510) 384-8203. Proceeds benefit St. John’s tuition assistance and enrichment programs for students.

Irish Social. 6 p.m. (social hour), 7 p.m. (dinner) at St. Philip Neri Parish Hall, High and Van Buren, Alameda. Corned beef/cabbage and the trimmings; Irish dancers. $20 for adults, $12 for children 12 years and under. JoAnn Dorn, (510) 523-9472 by March 9. Send check (ICF Br 10) to JoAnn Dorn, 2907 Santa Clara Ave., Alameda, CA 94501.

Saturday, March 20
FACE (Family-Aid Catholic Education) Gala Auction. 5:30 p.m. at Cathedral of Christ the Light, 2121 Harrison St., Oakland. Includes silent auction, dinner, tuition, live auction and raffle. FACE provides tuition assistance to ethnically diverse, low-income children in the Oakland Diocese Catholic schools regardless of race, religion, or gender. Tickets are $150 per person and must be purchased in advance through Debbie Crone-Palio, (510) 528-2155. KTVU news anchor Frank Somerville will host the event.

Sunday, March 21
Pancake Breakfast. 8 a.m. to noon at Our Lady of Mercy Church, 301 West Richmond Ave., Point Richmond. $8.

Friday, March 26
St. Rose Church 25th Annual Fish Fry. 11:30 a.m. – 7:30 p.m. in the St. Rose Parish Hall, on Starr Street between 3rd and 4th in Crocket. $15 for adult dinner tickets; $7 for children. Beverages available at a no-host refreshment bar. Home delivery is available only for Crockett, Tormey and Port Costa. Takeout dinners are available anytime during serving hours. Call (510) 787-2052 before Fish Fry Day for ticket, to place an order for home delivery or more information.

Saturday, March 27
St. Anne’s Institute #78 Spaghetti Dinner. 5 – 7 p.m. in auditorium at St. Joseph School, 1961 Plum St. in Pinole. All-you-can-eat spaghetti meal includes Caesar salad, garlic bread, coffee and the famous Y.L.I. cookies and cakes. Tickets: $10 per adult pre-sold, $12 at the door; $6 per child, aged 4 – 10 years; age three and under free. Dinner will be served buffet style. Drawing for door and raffle prizes. Lynn Jansen, (510) 223-0848.

The 2010 St. Agnes “Viva Las Vegas” Auction. 5:30 p.m. – midnight in the Silvio E. Garaventa Center, Carondelet High School, 1133 Winton Drive in Concord. The evening will begin with a silent auction followed by dinner and a live auction. Program includes casino style gaming and dancing. Tickets: $35 per person. Information: Sandra Bellafronte: (925) 687-2917 or Laurie Mercurio (925) 671-7577.

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Wednesdays, March 10, 17, 24
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.

Thursday, March 11
Electrifying Transportation – Foreign Oil to Domestic Electrons. 5:30 – 8:30 p.m. in the Soda Center, St. Mary’s College, 1928 St. Mary’s Road, Moraga. Plug Ins or hybrids? What does the emerging field of Electric Vehicle (EV) transportation hold in store for consumers? Top executives from EV companies come together in a forum to discuss what prospective car buyers want, need and the choices available in electric vehicles. The forum will also explore the costs for infrastructure and maintenance, and address real world consumer concerns about where and how to recharge an electric vehicle. $15 for St. Mary’s alumni, $20 for non-alum, free for current St. Mary’s students with valid ID. Admission includes appetizers and refreshments. Sponsor: Graduate Business Alumni Chapter of St. Mary’s College. Information: Jackie Williams, (925) 631-4653 or jyw1@stmarys-ca.edu or visit www.smcbusinessalumni.com/transportation.

Saturday, March 13
Manhatten Forum Lecture Series. 3 p.m. in Father Kozina Hall at St. Margaret Mary Church, 1219 Excelsior Ave., Oakland. Ernest Pierucci, Esq., Senior Fellow for Catholics for the Common Good, will speak on “Prospects for Marriage and the Family in the Current Legal Environment.” This free monthly program is designed to introduce the Bay Area to the Manhattan Declaration on the sanctity of human life, traditional marriage, and religious freedom. 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.

Monday, March 15
Magnificat Ministry for Women. 7 – 9 p.m. at St. Mary Parish, 2039 Mt. Diablo Blvd., Walnut Creek. Kathleen Beckman, author and western representative for the Magnificat Ministry for women will speak on “Is God Calling You to Live Mary’s Magnificat Spirituality?” and “Magnificat’s Eucharistic Spirituality.” Mary, (925) 954-7205.

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Thursdays, March 11, 25
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.

Thursday, March 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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Saturday, March 14
Piano Trio Music for St. Patrick’s Day. 3 p.m. at St. Jarlath Church, 2620 Pleasant St., Oakland. Featuring Bill Jackman on grand piano, Terry Hilliard on bass, and Johnny Apperson on drums. Suggested donation: $10 for adults, $7 for full-time students, $5 for youth 14 years and younger. Proceeds benefit St. Jarlath Parish. (510) 532-2068.

March 19, 20, 26 and 27
Fame – The Musical at St. Joseph Notre Dame High School (SJND). 7:30 p.m. on March 19, 20, 26 and 27 at 7:30 p.m. and 2 p.m. on March 21 in the theatre of St. Joseph Elementary School Learning Center, 1910 San Antonio Ave., Alameda. The story of a group of students at the High School for the Performing Arts in New York City. Tickets: $12 adults; $9 students and seniors; $5 children. (510) 995-9551 or stop by SJND’s main office for tickets.

Saturday, April 17
De La Salle High School, Concord, Spring Auction Gala “All That Jazz.” 5:30 – 11 p.m. at Blackhawk Auto Museum, 3700 Blackhawk Plaza Circle, Danville. Jazz-era fun in fabulous venue with sit-down dining and entertainment, silent and live auctions, to benefit student life. $125 per person. RSVP deadline: March 26. Cathy McFann, (925) 288-8181 or online: auction@dlshs.org. Full information: www.dlshs.org.

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