THE MAGAZINE OF THE DIOCESE OF OAKLAND CATHOLICVOICEOAKLAND.ORG DECEMBER 2021 VOLUME 59 ISSUE 11 - WHY ARE WE CATHOLIC? ST. ANTHONY AT 150 ...
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THE MAGAZINE OF THE DIOCESE OF OAKLAND • CATHOLICVOICEOAKLAND.ORG
DECEMBER 2021
VOLUME 59 • ISSUE 11
O COME
LET US
Page 12
WH Y AR E
WE CAT H OL I C ?
A daughter's
religious journey
Page 16
ST. ANT H ONY
AT 1 50
A living legacy
of faith, diversity
and welcome
INSIDE DECEMBER
The magazine of the
Diocese of Oakland
Copyright 2021
DECEMBER 2021
VOLUME 59, ISSUE 11
3 From the Bishop 14 The Crossmaker
Bishop Michael C. Barber, SJ sends his Who constructs the crosses in the Bishop Michael C. Barber, SJ
Advent and Christmas message to the churchyard on San Pablo Avenue? PUBLISHER
people of the diocese.
Helen Osman
ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER
16 St. Anthony at 150
5 Advent & Christmas Parishioners celebrate at St. Anthony/ Michele Jurich
Concerts, Christmas lights and other Mary Help of Christians. EDITOR
seasonal delights.
Bob Roller, Catholic News Service
COVER PHOTO
6 Blue Christmas
For some, joy is missing this season. The Catholic Voice is mailed to
households registered in parishes
of the Diocese of Oakland.
7 The Guadalupe Pilgrimage To receive The Catholic Voice,
The annual event returns, with a Mass contact your parish office and
along the route. ask to be added to The Catholic
Voice mailing list.
8 Simbang Gabi
The annual kickoff celebration of the
novena will be Dec. 14. 20 First Communion at 90
Welcome to the table, Kyle Griggs.
Elizabeth Martin Solsburg
PRESIDENT/CHIEF EXECUTIVE
9 Mission Alignment Process OFFICER
A Q&A with Father Brandon Macadaeg 25 Around the Diocese
on the power of possibility. Events and milestones. Rachel Squibbs
ART DIRECTOR
26 The Street Evangelist Stacy Love
GRAPHIC DESIGN
What does it take to share the faith
with strangers?
28 Here I Am
East Bay Jewish community stands
against antisemitism. The Diocese of Oakland is a
member of the Catholic Media
Association
30 Official
Bishop’s official schedule and The Catholic Voice (ISSN 0279-
statements. 0645) is published monthly
12 Why are we Catholic? by the Diocese of Oakland, 2121
Grandchild’s question invites a Harrison St., Oakland, CA 94612.
thoughtful response. Periodicals postage paid at
Oakland, CA and at additional
mailing offices: POSTMASTER:
Send address changes to: The
Catholic Voice, 2121 Harrison St.,
Oakland, CA 94612. © 2021 The
Catholic Voice, Diocese of Oakland.
2 The Catholic Voice • December 2021
FROM THE BISHOP
Share the joy – and His
name – this Christmas
Getty Images/RomoloTavani
I
think it’s good if we stop and reflect on what kind of world Christ is reborn in again this Christmas.
When I was young, the whole United States celebrated Christmas. The streets were decorated. As kids,
we rode the amusement park rides set up on the roof of The Emporium department store in San Francisco.
In every store we visited we greeted the staff and each other with “Merry Christmas.” Christmas Masses were
absolutely packed. Now it’s more generic “Happy Holidays,” and the memory of the reason we celebrate
Christmas as the birth of Jesus Christ is being lost.
What’s worse, I get letters end approaching? That was during others about the love Jesus had for
from parents lamenting that the “Age of Christendom”— which them, and the power and effective-
their children do not go to church, lasted from the baptism of Constan- ness of his message: the Gospel
or do not even believe in God. tine as the first Christian Emperor of love and mercy. And the first
What’s going on? in 337... up until recently. Christians were willing to die for
We used to live in the Age of Now we live in a “post-Christian” this Faith, rather than renounce it
Christendom. Society as a whole in era. Society as a whole is either in the face of vicious persecution.
the USA and Europe supported our not interested in Judeo-Christian They say history is circular. I
BY BISHOP
MICHAEL C. Judeo-Christian values, supported values — or is downright hostile showed up at a party a few years
BARBER, SJ families, and supported marriage. to believers. ago wearing some old clothes I
Bishop Michael The vast majority of Americans This is nothing new for the found in my bottom drawer. A
C. Barber, SJ
believed in God and went to church Church. When Christ was born, friend said to me in front of the
has been bishop
of the Diocese of or synagogue weekly. grew up and started his ministry, guests, “Just keep wearing those
Oakland since As kids, when we were home sick there were only 11 Apostles, a trousers, Michael, and they’ll
May 2013. from school, we used to watch the few hundred believers, no money, eventually come back into style.”
TV game show “Password.” Every no church buildings, no Catholic So it is with our Church and our
Friday afternoon before signing schools or universities, no religious Diocese at this time in history. First
off, the host Allen Ludden would orders, no seminaries. Nothing there was the Apostolic Age from
say, “Don’t forget, this weekend, ... but Faith! The Holy Spirit was Christ until 337. Then the Age of
worship at the church or synagogue alive, active and working. And the Christendom from 337 until 1965
of your choice … but worship!” Church grew and prospered. The (the year that church attendance
Have you ever heard a TV host say Faith spread mainly by word-of- was at its peak, and seminaries and
something like this with the week- mouth, by Christians testifying to convents were full to overflowing).
CONTINUED ON PAGE 4
3
And now we have returned to the Cal Berkeley. There they don’t wait results of their work and found that
Apostolic Age. for people to come to church. These those young people who were born
This is a tremendous opportunity. recent college grads go to the dorms, and raised Catholic and remained
Casual Catholicism, cultural Cathol- cafeterias, frat houses and gyms to practicing Catholics into their adult
icism or “Catholic-lite” just won’t meet students where they are. They life were those who had regular spiri-
survive anymore. What will survive befriend them. They share their tual conversations with their parents. Our Faith
are Catholics who have a personal re- experience of Jesus with them. And Parents’ sharing of their own personal
lationship with Jesus Christ through a accompany their peers through a experience of Faith in Jesus goes a today needs
divine intimacy of prayer and worship, growing process of exposure to the long way to handing on that faith witnesses.
experience friendship in the church Gospel message. It’s working. In effectively to their children. Just drop- Faith needs
community, live out their relationship the last 20 years since FOCUS was ping off the kids for CCD or Mass
through service — and then share founded, countless young people and going home without attending to be shared
their friendship with Christ with have become disciples of Christ Mass as a family just doesn’t work. — through
those who do not know him. and members of the Church. And Our Faith today needs witnesses. authentic
One movement that has been do- over 957 young people have entered Faith needs to be shared — through
ing this for years is Cursillo. It is still seminaries and religious communities authentic friendship — and practic- friendship
an excellent example of a weekend though involvement with FOCUS. I ing what we preach. — and
retreat experience that helps people know of no other modern school of Please consider this aspect when practicing
have a personal encounter with Jesus. new evangelization that has had such you worship at the manger of Christ
Another that is growing is FOCUS, success. These FOCUS missionaries and receive Him in Holy Commu- what we
the Fellowship of Catholic University are now being prepared to work in nion at Christmas. And share that preach.
Students. We have FOCUS mission- parishes as well as colleges campuses. joy — and His name — with others.
aries working in our diocese at the One other thing. The people who A blessed Advent and Christmas
Newman Hall-Holy Spirit Parish at guide FOCUS have studied the to all of you.
C H R I S T M A S M A S S E S AT T H E
C AT H E D R A L O F C H R I S T T H E L I G H T
Christmas Eve — Friday, Dec. 24
• 5 p.m. Mass in Vietnamese celebrated by Father Bich Nguyen
• 8 p.m. Solemn Mass of Christmas Night celebrated by Bishop
Michael C. Barber, SJ
ristmas
Christmas Day — Saturday, Dec. 25
• 8 a.m. Mass in Vietnamese celebrated by Father Bich Nguyen
• 11 a.m. Solemn Mass of Christmas Day celebrated by Bishop
AT THE
Christmas Michael C. Barber, SJ
CATHEDRALAT THE
• 1:30 p.m. Solemn Mass of Christmas Day (bilingual) celebrated
by Father Brandon Macadaeg
5:00 PM
ICLEER CHRISTMAS
CATHEDRAL DECEMBER 21, 5:30 PM
BLUE CHRISTMAS
Feast of the Holy Family — Sunday, Dec. 26
• 8 a.m. Mass in Vietnamese celebrated by Father Bich Nguyen
• 11 a.m. Solemn Mass celebrated by Father Dennis McManus
hant procession to the triumphant gospel A SERVICE OF READINGS & REFLECTIONS FOR THE
DECEMBER 12, 5:00 PM DECEMBER 21, 5:30 PM
A CHANTICLEER
Christmas cleaves to their founder Louis Botto’s LONGEST CHRISTMAS
NIGHT BLUE CHRISTMAS • No 1:30 p.m. Mass this day only
A CHANTICLEER CHRISTMAS
oy and transcendence through beautifully sung BLUE CHRISTMAS
om classical to carols. The joyDECEMBER
of our Christmas 12, 5 P.M.
Blue Christmas recognizes that this seasonDECEMBER
can be hard for those21, 5:30 P.M.
who
mourn and for those going through painfulSERVICE
From the candlelit chant procession to the triumphant gospel A passages OF READINGS
in their lives. & REFLECTIONS FOR THE
New Year's Day — Saturday, Jan. 1
aring with you the same feeling about this
year. TICKETS: chanticleer.org
conclusion, A Chanticleer Christmas cleaves to their founder Louis Botto’s
In this service
original vision to offer joy and transcendence we honor
through the need
beautifully
A SERVICE OF READINGS &
LONGEST NIGHT
sung in each of us to reach out seeking
Blue Christmas recognizes that this season can be hard for those who
music of all centuries from classical to carols.
peace The joyfor
and comfort of our
ourChristmas
souls. REFLECTIONS FOR THE
g season comes from sharing with you the same feeling about this
mourn and for those going through painful passages in their lives.
• 7:30 a.m. Mass in Vietnamese
HARMONIES OF THE SEASON
precious moment in the year.
LONGEST NIGHT
In this service we honor the need in each of us to reach out seeking
• 11 a.m. Solemn Mass of Mary, Mother of God (Octave Day
peace and comfort for our souls.
8:00 PM
TICKETS: chanticleer.org DECEMBER 24, 8 PM
DECEMBER 18, 8 P.M.
DECEMBER 25, 11 AM
IES OF THEDECEMBER SEASON
The Pacific Boychoir Academy NATIVITY
DECEMBER 24, 8 OF PM THE LORD of Christmas) celebrated by Father Brandon Macadaeg
HARMONIES
with
18, 8:00
demy, choir-in-residence at the Cathedral, will
Conroy
NATIVITY
PM
OF THE
Memorial SEASON
Organ.
OF THE DECEMBER LORD 25, 11 AM
DECEMBER 24, 8 P.M. and
avorites with audience carols accompanied on SOLEMN MASS
The Pacific Boychoir Academy, choir-in-residence at the Cathedral, will
ent Conroy Memorial Organ. NATIVITY OF THE LORD • No 5 p.m. Mass this day only
TICKETS:
sing traditional pacificboychoir.org
Bishop
holiday favorites Michael
with audience C. Barber,
carols SJ, Celebrant
accompanied on DECEMBER
SOLEMN MASS 25, 11 A.M.
oir.org Cathedral
the Cathedral’s magnificent Conroy Memorial Schola
Organ. Cantorum & Cathedral Orchestra
SOLEMN MASS with Bishop
Feast of the Epiphany (Patronal Feast of the Cathedral) —
Bishop Michael C. Barber, SJ, Celebrant
Rudy de Vos, Director of Music Cathedral Schola Cantorum & Cathedral Orchestra
TICKETS: pacificboychoir.org
John Renke, Organist
LA NATIVITÉ DU SEIGNEUR Rudy Michael
de Vos, Director C. Barber, SJ,
of Music
8:00 PM DECEMBER 20,
Missa Brevis in B-flat Major, K. 275 Mozart
8 Carol
Nativity P.M. Rutter
John Renke, Organist
MissaCelebrant
Sun, Jan. 2
DECEMBER 20, 8:00 PM Brevis in B-flat Major, K. 275 Mozart
ITÉ DU SEIGNEUR
There is No Rose Stopford
• 8 a.m. Mass in Vietnamese
Nativity Carol Rutter
LAOrganist Jonathan O Holy NightDimmock
NATIVITÉ DU SEIGNEUR
Adam There is No Rose Stopford
O Holy Night Adam
mmock will perform Olivier Messiaen’s La
ADMISSION:
Jonathan Dimmock free-will offering Learn more at CTLcathedral.org
• 11 a.m. Solemn Mass celebrated by Father Brandon Macadaeg
Organist will perform Olivier Messiaen’s La
meditations for organ inspired
Nativitéby
duthe birthnine
Seigneur, of meditations for organ inspired by the birth of
Christ.
ffering ADMISSION: free-will offering • 1:30 p.m. Mass in Spanish
4 The Catholic Voice • December 2021
Deacon Dave’s Christmas Display
I
t was dark and gloomy last Christmas season at Casa del
Pomba in Livermore, home of Deacon Dave Rezendes’
magnificent Christmas display. For public safety, Deacon
Dave canceled his annual display in 2020. Lessons & Carols
But the lights — about 700,000 of them — will be shining brightly after
the opening ceremonies Dec. 3 when the 38th celebration begins. The cere-
monies will begin at 6:30 p.m. with the annual Christmas Procession down
Hillcrest Avenue in Livermore.
Visitors will be welcomed from 6 to 9 p.m. Sunday-Thursday and 6 to 10
p.m. on Friday and Saturday. The display will close at 9 p.m. Jan. 1, 2022.
Updated information for visitors will be posted at www.casadelpomba.com.
Deacon Dave and his helpers have been constructing this year’s theme —
a surprise until the words “Let there be light” are spoken. SUNDAY, DECEMBER 5
In addition to being a “must see” on Christmas lights lists in the Bay Area 5:00 PM
and beyond, in many ways, it’s Deacon Dave’s ministry of lights. Bishop Michael C. Barber, SJ, Presider
The Cathedral Schola Cantorum
Rudy de Vos, Director of Music
“There are people who come, John Renke, Organist
and they’re moved by the Spirit,”
2121 HARRISON STREET, OAKLAND, CA • CTLCATHEDRAL.ORG
Deacon Dave said. “They start ask-
Advent Lessons & Carols
ing questions. ‘Deacon, I’ve been
DEC. 5, 5 P.M.
away from the Church.’”
THE CATHEDRAL OF CHRIST THE LIGHT,
He carries 3 x 5 cards so they
2121 HARRISON ST., OAKLAND
can leave their name and number
and he can get back to them. “I’ll
contact you and we’ll talk about
getting you to come home,” he The Many Sounds of Christmas
tells them. If they’re from a differ- DEC. 11, LIVE STREAM AT 6 P.M.
ent religious tradition, he offers to put them in touch with his colleagues of FROM ST. COLUMBA CHURCH, OAKLAND
other faiths. Miranda Wilson will be the mistress of
The first year of the Christmas display coincided with Deacon Dave’s ordi- ceremonies for the concert, in which the
nation to the diaconate. If you visit, wish him a happy 39th anniversary. St. Columba Choir and classical, spiritu-
He approaches the 2021 Christmas season with the same enthusiasm and al, Gospel, hip-hop and jazz artists will
joy that accompanied his first. perform live. No audience in the church.
“People come from all over to see the display, and if it helps them see the Tickets available online at https://st-
meaning of Christmas,” he said. “It’s all worth it. There’s always a Nativity columba-oak.com/msoc21 at $35 per
scene in the window, bookmarks with the year’s prayer and a big board on household until Dec. 1 and $40 after that.
which the prayer has been painted. Not to mention the spirit that someone Music director: Paul Daniels
did this just for you.”
“
Blessing: Songs of Christmas
DEC. 17, 7:30 P.M.
ST. ELIZABETH SETON CHURCH,
4001 STONERIDGE DR., PLEASANTON
There are people who come, and they’re
Presented by the Catholic Community of
moved by the Spirit. They start asking questions. Pleasanton with a special performance
by the Tri-Valley Korean Catholic Church.
‘Deacon, I've been away from the Church.’”
Free-will offering.
Music director: Ira Stein
5
B L U E C H R I S T M A S : R E F L E C T I O N , P R AY E R , S A C R E D M U S I C
ON THE LONGEST NIGHT OF THE YEAR
The event will offer togetherness and comfort John learned of the Blue Christmas
to those who due to the loss of a loved one, DECEMBER 21 movement more than a dozen years ago,
or another personal tragedy, might not be and created a one-hour prayer service, with
IS THE SHORTEST DAY
enjoying the festivities of the Christmas season. Scripture, song and silence, while serving
AND LONGEST NIGHT OF as organist and director of music for the
The service recognizes that not everyone
feels joyful at Christmas and honors the THE YEAR. Episcopal Diocese of Hawaii.
need to reach out and seek peace and AT 5:30 P.M. , A SERVICE “It’s very reflective,” John said. “We talk
comfort in our souls. Quiet, moving musical about all the losses that accumulate through-
OF REFLECTION WILL
interludes, prayers, Scripture readings and out our lives,” he said, “the loss of a relation-
quiet song. The service ends with a candle- BE CONDUCTED IN ship, or a job or the loss of health.” The service
lighting ceremony. THE CATHEDRAL OF acknowledges, he said, “the things that weigh
Blue Christmas was introduced to the CHRIST THE LIGHT on people.”
Cathedral of Christ the Light by John Renke, The service ends with light, as participants
IN OAKLAND.
who directs the Office of Worship. are invited to come forward and light candles.
“WE TALK ABOUT ALL THE LOSSES THAT ACCUMULATE THROUGHOUT OUR LIVES.
THE LOSS OF A RELATIONSHIP, OR A JOB OR THE LOSS OF HEALTH. THE THINGS THAT WEIGH ON PEOPLE.”
Getty Images/loops7
—JOHN RENKE, OFFICE OF WORSHIP
Join us for our Annual
Remembrance Tree
Lighting and
Ornament Making
SATURDAY, DEC. 4
• HOLY SEPULCHRE CEMETERY, HAYWARD
• HOLY CROSS CEMETERY, ANTIOCH
• QUEEN OF HEAVEN CEMETERY, LAFAYETTE
• ST. JOSEPH CEMETERY, SAN PABLO
Ornament-making beginning at 10 a.m. You may bring an
ornament from home, but it cannot be returned to you.
The Remembrance Tree will be blessed during the 11 a.m.
Memorial Mass
Getty Images/Liliboas
Please check the website www.cfcsoakland.org for updated details.
6 The Catholic Voice • December 2021
P I L G R I M AG E I N H O N O R O F O U R L A DY O F G UA DA LU P E
L
ast year, because of COVID-19 begin at 11 a.m., at St. Elizabeth
restrictions, the 2020 cele- Church in the Fruitvale District.
bration was more subdued, Some pilgrims will continue
THE with the Mass live streamed with no on to the Cathedral of Christ the
TRADITIONAL public participation after drive-by Light, where Mass will start at 1 p.m.
PILGRIMAGE blessings in front of the Cathedral of Dec. 12 is the feast day of Our
Getty Images/ivanastar
Christ the Light. Lady of Guadalupe, the patroness
IN HONOR OF
This year, floats, musicians and pil- of the Americas. The appearance
OUR LADY OF grims will be out in great numbers. of Mary that became the feast of
GUADALUPE The pilgrimage draws 6,000 Our Lady of Guadalupe began Dec.
WILL TAKE TO pilgrims, far more than the cathedral 9, 1531, when a peasant, St. Juan
can hold, Héctor Medina, coordina- Diego, had a vision of a young Pilgrimage in honor of
THE STREETS
tor of Latino Ministry, said. There woman on a hill outside Mexico Our Lady of Guadalupe
OF OAKLAND is usually seating in the Cathedral City. The woman asked him to build WHEN: DEC. 4
Event Center, but it is under con- a church at that location. STARTING POINT:
ON DEC. 4,
ST. LOUIS BERTRAND CHURCH,
struction this year and unavailable. He reported this to the bishop,
THE OFFICE 1410 100TH AVE., OAKLAND 94603
Instead, Héctor said, at the sug- who asked for proof. Juan Diego ARRIVAL: 8 A.M.
OF LATINO gestion of Bishop Michael C. Barber, returned, saw the woman again, START WALKING: 8:40 A.M.
MINISTRY IS SJ, there will be two Masses offered who had him gather roses into his FIRST MASS:
HAPPY TO that day. The bishop of Oakland will cloak and go back to the bishop. ST. ELIZABETH CHURCH,
celebrate both Masses. It was winter, so roses would have 1500 34TH AVE., OAKLAND 94601
REPORT.
The pilgrimage will begin at St. been nonexistent. MASS START TIME:
Louis Bertrand Church, with pilgrims When Juan Diego opened his 11 A.M.
gathering at 8 a.m. ready to begin cloak, not only the roses but also SECOND MASS:
THE CATHEDRAL OF CHRIST THE LIGHT,
their journey at 8:40 a.m. the image of the woman was on 2121 HARRISON ST., OAKLAND 94612
Pilgrims will be welcome to it, the classic icon of Our Lady MASS START TIME: 1 P.M.
attend the first Mass, estimated to of Guadalupe.
Light
SEASON OF
Come pray, reflect and remember
Join us from 5 to 7 p.m. every Tuesday in December
and January in the candle-lit chapels of
• Holy Sepulchre Cemetery, Hayward
• Holy Cross Cemetery, Antioch
• Queen of Heaven Cemetery, Lafayette
• St. Joseph Cemetery, San Pablo
A time to get away — for 10 minutes, for an hour —
from the busy-ness of the season and remember
your loved ones.
www.cfcsoakland.org
Getty Images/BrianAJackson
7
AC C O M PA N I M E N T
DEC. 14, 7 P.M. • CATHEDRAL OF CHRIST THE LIGHT
Simbang Gabi 2021 kicks AT THE PARISH LEVEL, PREPARATIONS ARE IN FULL SWING
FOR THE NOVENA MASSES:
off Dec. 14 at cathedral All Saints, Hayward: 6 a.m. Dec. 16-24; 510.914.4076
Holy Spirit, Fremont: 6:30 p.m. Dec. 15-23; patricia.saturnio@gmail.com
Immaculate Heart of Mary, Brentwood: 6 a.m. Dec. 16-24; 925.890.4317
The Filipino clergy of the Diocese of Oakland are
Most Holy Rosary, Antioch: 7 p.m. Dec. 15-23; 925.586.3165
excited to once again welcome everybody back — yes,
St. Anne, Union City: 5:30 a.m. Dec. 16-24; 510.471.7766
in-person! — to the Cathedral of Christ the Light at
St. Anthony, Oakley: 6:30 p.m. Dec. 15-23; 925.813.4311
7 p.m. Dec. 14 for this year’s Kick-Off Mass of the
St. Albert the Great, Alameda: 5 a.m. Dec. 16-24; ordinarioh@yahoo.com
Simbang Gabi with Bishop Michael C. Barber, SJ.
St. Catherine of Siena, Martinez: 6 a.m. Dec. 16-24; e.centeno@sbcglobal.net
While there will be no elaborate fiesta celebration
St. Francis of Assisi, Concord: 5:30 a.m. Dec. 16-24; bengbeza@sbcglobal.net
after the Mass this year, because of the restrictions still
in place in terms of serving food indoors, organizers St. Joachim, Hayward: 5:30 a.m. Dec. 16-24; stjoachimmusic@gmail.com
of the event are planning to distribute catered “to go” St. Joan of Arc, San Ramon: 7 p.m. Dec. 16-23, 7 a.m. Dec. 24; anbantug@
boxes while the Filipino priests and deacons serenade yahoo.com
the people gathered at the plaza. St. John Vianney, Walnut Creek: 6:30 a.m. Dec. 22; 925.876.8660
Re-experience the warmth of Christmas and the joy St. Joseph Basilica, Alameda: 6 p.m. Dec. 15-17, Dec. 20-23; 6 a.m. Dec. 18-19;
of growing in faith as we celebrate this time-honored aramos94501@gmail.com
tradition — the Filipino way! Come in your Filipini- St. Joseph, Pinole: 7 p.m. Dec. 15-23; 510.517.9055
ana attire, with your parish banner and lantern for the St. Michael, Livermore: 5:30 a.m. Dec. 16-24; anthony.contarciego@gmail.com
procession, and enjoy the festive music from the choir St. Patrick, Rodeo: 5 a.m. Dec. 16-24; 510.799.4406
assembled by Ariel Mayormita. St. Raymond, Dublin: 5:30 a.m. Dec. 16-23; getinvolved@srcdublin.org.
UPDATED LISTINGS
Look for updated listings of Simbang Gabi Masses online at www.catholicvoiceoakland.org.
8 The Catholic Voice • December 2021
MAP
Aligning our mission:
THE CHURCH HAS ALWAYS DEPENDED ON THE WORK
OF THE HOLY SPIRIT. THIS YEAR, THE DIOCESE OF
OAKLAND IS ALSO LOOKING TO THE FAITHFUL.
BY DEVEREAUX
SMITH
Embracing the Future
PHOTO BY DIANA
The Very Rev. Brandon Macadaeg has one appeal to BANASAN
parishioners of the Diocese of Oakland: hear once the
story of what Jesus Christ has done for us; that is the
extraordinary news of the Gospel. It is strong inspiration
for the task ahead — the Mission Alignment Process.
Local Roots Brandon to serve as the pastor and
Father Brandon Macadaeg grew rector of the Cathedral of Christ
up in different parts of the diocese, the Light.
attending Our Lady of the Rosary
in Union City and All Saints School Making Disciples
in Hayward. He graduated from In a recent conversation about
The Catholic University of America, the Mission Alignment Process,
receiving a combined bachelor’s Father shared “that the most
and master’s degree in philosophy. important goal of the Church is
During those years, he entered the simple: To Make Disciples. Jesus, in
seminary and, at the request of fact, even commanded that of his
then-Bishop Salvatore Cordileone, disciples when he ascended into
went on to study theology at the heaven. (Matthew 28:19) Jesus has
North American College in Rome. lovingly raised authentic, joy-filled
Father Brandon was ordained for missionary disciples in the Diocese
service in the Diocese of Oak- of Oakland, and we want them to
land in 2013. After ordination, he flourish, to be on fire with the love
became the parochial vicar at Holy of Jesus and boldly share the good
Spirit Parish in Fremont. In 2017, news that Jesus is the answer to the
“
he was assigned by Bishop Michael desires of every human heart.”
C. Barber, SJ to the parishes of St. CONTINUED ON PAGE 10
Lawrence O’Toole and St. Paschal
Baylon, where he worked to merge
the two parishes into one: Divine
Mercy Parish. When the Very Rev. We know there are issues and problems we are facing but we can’t let
Jay Matthews passed away in 2019, those issues distract us from furthering the mission of Christ. We must
Bishop Barber assigned Father align everything we have: parishes, leaders, treasures.
9
Likewise, the goal of the com- “We know there are issues and of this diocese to people who are
mission leading the process is to problems we are facing but we can’t courageously living their faith,” he
make sure all the resources of the let those issues distract us from said. “We recognize that we have
diocese are effectively channeled furthering the mission of Christ,” resources that need to be orient-
for the formation of missionary Father Brandon said. “We must ed to helping people flourish as
disciples and the sharing of good align everything we have: parishes, disciples. We want these disciples
news. Engage those on fire and set leaders, treasures. to be successful in growing deeper
them up for success in seeking the “We are led by the Holy Spirit in their faith and live out their faith
lost and sharing the Gospel. This, and are convinced that God is wherever God wants them.”
Father Brandon reminds us, is the calling us to align the resources
spiritual heart of the process. The
“
goal of the commission is about
people and what God is doing in
the lives of His people.
This summons is clearly in line I dream of a ‘missionary option,’ that is, a missionary impulse
with the vision of our Holy Father, capable of transforming everything, so that the Church’s customs,
Pope Francis, who said, “We need
ways of doing things, times and schedules, language and structures
to move ‘from a pastoral ministry
of ‘mere conservation’ to a decid- can be suitably channeled for the evangelization of today’s world
edly missionary pastoral ministry.” rather than for her [the Church’s] self-preservation”
(Evangelii Gaudium, 15) (Evangelii Gaudium)
10 The Catholic Voice • December 2021How to Best Serve highlighting the great gifts exhibit- by faith.” (Catechesi Tradendae 25)
ed by our courageous priests. We must hear again the story of
the People
what Jesus Christ has done for each
Father Brandon stresses that
parishes must be able to serve
How to Best Serve of us personally.
the people. As a diocese, we are Our Priests Father Brandon reminds us of the
The goal is to create an experi- Gospel: God created us out of in-
called to move to a more decisively
ence for priests that will benefit finite goodness and saw that we are
apostolic mindset of being Church;
their ongoing formation, providing “very good.” We were captured by
the framework which characterized
clarity on preferences and skills. It the lies of the evil one, who tricked
the early Church, where Christians
is critical that 100% of the active us into thinking that we can be
were overwhelmed by Jesus’ love
priests will have completed their happy without God. God sent his
for them and bold in their convic-
personal surveys. The team will Son to be our Savior and Redeemer,
tion to share the message of Christ
provide mentors and mentorship who has humiliated the evil one
to everyone without counting the
to the priests in the diocese as they and destroyed death, re-creating us
costs. For many decades, we have
examine their individual strengths and giving us access to the Father.
lost our apostolic courage and have
relating to parish life. Retired We each have the invitation to re-
been operating in a Christendom
priests’ participation provides spond deeply to get his world back.
model of church life, where the
wisdom and expertise about where May all of us rediscover the power
Church had been operating within
the diocese has been. The goal is and beauty of this Good News to
wider society that was more or less
for priests to come through this become the missionary disciples
aligned to Christian truths.
process with a deeper awareness of Jesus needs for our local Church.
Sadly, our comfort in a Christen-
leadership preferences and skills, a Ultimately this is the Lord’s work,
dom era made the Church luke-
future-oriented growth plan and a Father Brandon reminds us. God
warm in evangelizing, resulting in
network for pastoral support. is the architect and He is leading
the posture of working to maintain
our diocese. Therefore Father said,
structures, institutions or ways of
“Let us commit ourselves to ardent
doing things, that therefore make What's Next?
prayer and active discipleship for
the Church unable to cope with the Father Brandon reminds us that
that is the key to unlocking a dio-
current culture around us. this process can only be effective
cese committed to mission.”
To move forward, he says, we if we begin with trusting in the
need a more bold and apostolic power oft he Gospel. Pope St. John
approach to being Church today. Paul II once wrote that the ardent LEARN MORE at oakdiocese.org/
“I agree with Pope Francis that proclamation of the Gospel can mission-alignment-process.
the Church’s way of doing things “one day overwhelm someone
should be channeled not for preser- and bring them to the decision to
vation but for transmitting the good entrust themselves to Jesus Christ
news. I am confident and prayerful
that the Mission Alignment Process
will set us on the right trajectory
for where the Lord is leading us in
this modern era.” Mission Alignment Process Prayer
It’s an honor, he says, to be serv-
Dear Father in heaven, look kindly upon the Diocese of Oakland as we take
ing on the Steering Committee of
the MAP Commission, along with stock of the many gifts you have given us.
the co-chairs, Very Rev. Lawrence Send your Holy Spirit to inspire and guide us so that our efforts to proclaim the
D’Anjou, vicar general of the dio- saving Gospel our Lord Jesus Christ more effectively may bear tremendous fruit.
cese, and Rick Medeiros.
Equally important, Father Bran- May we, as your people, courageously proceed on this path of self-reflection
don chairs the MAP subcommittee and renewal.
on priests. The task of that sub- In the end, with your divine assistance, we know that we cannot fail.
committee is to support the priest
Holy Mary, Queen of the World and St. Francis de Sales, co-patrons of our
survey portion of the process and,
with the subcommittee’s team of Diocese, pray for us!
priests, will analyze resulting data
for consideration by Bishop Barber,
11F E AT U R E S T O R Y
Why are we
A DAUGHTER ILLUMINATES THE WAY FOR GENERATIONS TO COME
R
ecently my 10-year-old granddaughter asked,
BY KATE
GREENE “At what age do we decide what our religion
Kate Greene is a
retired nurse and will be?”
teacher. She is a
parishoner at St.
Mary Magdalen If you are like me, born and raised in a Catholic family,
Parish in Berkeley
and the mother attending Catholic school and weekly Mass, you may not
of two and
grandmother confront that decision until you are an adult, if ever. It is
of three.
often when we are challenged to remain faithful to our
religion that we must make that decision for ourselves.
12 The Catholic Voice • December 2021Getty Images/coffeekai
It may be stressful to examine or defend our be, but also provides the help I
beliefs but ultimately it can make our religious need by an ever-faithful Presence.
journey more personal and meaningful. I am moved by a God who under-
I was faced with this when I married a stands suffering and pain and was
non-Catholic. I knew a lot of theology, but it willing to come into the world in
was an internal, unexplainable faith that kept a human body. No other religion
me strong. has a God who would do this,
It wasn’t until years later, when my daughter, suffer and die just as we must
Allie, chose to be baptized that I heard my own do. This is a God who loves
feelings expressed in a way that I was never able and forgives and leads me to
to voice. My diligent Alexandra — known to us do the same. This is a God I
as Allie — had done the work to make the faith want to spend eternity with.
her own and, in doing so, was able to articulate The Catholic Church excites
her beliefs more clearly and beautifully than I had me because it is so universal
ever been able to do. and makes me feel connect-
Allie began her spiritual search in high school, ed to a body of holy people
studying many religions. We had Buddha on the around the world. There is
dresser for a while, followed by several Hindu music and ritual to match
goddesses. Allie attended church and temple ser- every culture, but at the
vices and had many cherished Jewish, Christian same time, the central prayers of the
and Muslim friends. Mass are the same in Africa, Israel, Ireland or
I knew she was actively exploring but we did wherever you may be. I feel at home everywhere
not discuss it very much. I could see she was in this Religion.” During a medical
mission to Ecuador,
sincere in her love for God and was pursuing Allie went on to be baptized and confirmed. Allie Greene assisted
her path with so much integrity; I did not want Motivated by the desire to love and serve, she a mother through
labor and the birth
to interfere. learned Spanish, went on medical trips to Third of her daughter. The
However, I will not deny my overwhelming joy World countries, became an emergency medical grateful new mother
and gratefulness the day she told me that she had technician and graduated from medical school. wanted to name
her child after her.
made her decision and wanted to be baptized. Al- Allie was not given a long life; we lost her in a Allie holds newborn
lie had found beauty in all the religions she stud- plane accident when she was 28. Alejandra.
ied but ultimately the Christian faith provided the Her faithfulness to God still inspires me, and PHOTO COURTESY
closeness to God she was looking for. I believe, as Father Al Moser announced at her OF KATE GREENE
In Allie’s words: burial, “Your family now has its own saint.” She
“Christianity asks a lot of us — I like that I am will have a lasting effect on my grandchildren,
called to be the most loving person I can possibly as they are all proud of Aunt Allie.
“ This is a God who loves and forgives and leads
me to do the same. This is a God I want to spend
eternity with.” — Allie Greene
Getty Images/revel.stockart
13F E AT U R E S T O R Y
The
of St. Columba
I
N 2021, OAKLAND SUFFERED A SURGE IN
HOMICIDES. BY THE END OF SEPTEMBER,
MORE THAN 100 PEOPLE HAD BEEN
SLAIN IN OAKLAND, AND THE CARNAGE
SHOWED NO SIGNS OF ABATING.
STORY BY That means more volunteer work
AL DONNER for Rich Laufenberg, a member of St.
Al Donner is Columba Parish in Oakland.
a longtime
journalist and
Since 2004, Rich has been making
parishoner at and erecting stark crosses to be
Santa Maria placed in front of the church on
Parish in busy San Pablo Avenue. Each memo-
Orinda. rializes another Oakland homicide
PHOTO BY victim. Each cross bears an Oakland
AL DONNER
homicide victim’s first name, age and
the date they were slain.
The display starts anew each new year. The first
few crosses reflect early January killings. The display
continues to grow until the space is crowded near the
end of the year.
On New Year’s Eve, the crosses are taken down,
carried into the church and placed at the altar for an
afternoon memorial service.
The purpose is clear: to make people more aware of
the carnage taking place on the streets of Oakland. The
parish wants to be sure that the homicide victims are
more than just stark numbers; they were real people.
“We want to raise community awareness of the mag-
nitude of the issue,” Rich emphasizes.
Even one murder
is too many!”
14 The Catholic Voice • December 2021We want to come to a point where these crosses are no
longer needed — when there are no more murders.”
“One is too many,” he says pausing and shaking his Gun deaths reach all elements of the Oakland
head at the carnage that has surged in 2021. community. While the average fatality age is 35, he has
The display of remembrance crosses began in 2004 painted crosses for a baby of 1 and a person of 75.
when Father Jayson Landeza, then the pastor of St. “We want to raise community awareness of its mag-
Columba, started erecting them on the church lawn. As nitude,” Rich explains. “We want to come to a point
Oakland’s homicide rate continued surging, he asked where these crosses are no longer needed — when
Rich to help with the task. there are no more murders.
Rich agreed and is still at work. He now frequently “One murder is too many!”
is in his home workshop cutting, joining, sanding and This New Year’s Eve afternoon, parishioners and
painting the wooden crosses. friends will gather in front of the church. Each will
He finishes each by adding another Oakland homi- take a cross from the lawn, walk into the church and
cide victim’s first name, their date of death and their place it before the altar. A short prayer service will re-
age. He erects the crosses on the lawn in front of the call the people who died from gun violence in Oakland
church. Each represents another shooting victim’s in 2021.
name to the heavy traffic on the busy street. It is St. Then Rich will gather up the crosses, put them in
Columba’s effort to bring the evil of gun violence to storage and prepare to repaint them as the coming
more people. year’s Oakland homocide victims emerge with new
Underscoring the gun violence message, Rich adds names, ages and dates.
that he sometimes hears shooting on nearby streets His greater goal is that the crosses ministry not
while erecting the crosses. be needed.
And he has had people directly affected talk to him. “Even one murder is too many!”
“A woman came up once and asked if she could have Rich works and prays for that day, along with
the cross to take home,” he recalls. “She explained that the entire St. Columba community.
she knew the victim herself.” He gave it to her.
The crosses in front of
St. Columba Church, as
seen in late October,
will be removed in a
ceremony at 3 p.m.
Dec. 31 at 6401 San
Pablo Avenue, Oakland.
As of Oct. 30, 117
deaths in Oakland are
being investigated as
homicides.
PHOTO BY MICHELE
JURICH
15C OV E R S T O RY PHOTOGRAPHS BY
DOMINIQUE GHEKIERE-MINTZ
With gratitude to “Commemorating
50 Years of St. Anthony’s Parish”
for the text.
St. Anthony at
A living legacy
of faith, diversity
and welcome
A
From its humble beginning in s a community of African-American,
Eritrean, Filipino, Latino and Vietnamese
Catholics who make the parish its home
1871 to its 150th anniversary gathered to celebrate, and witness the
blessing of two new outdoor statues —
celebration in 2021, St. Anthony one of Our Lady of La Vang, and the other,
Our Lady of Guadalupe — the beauty and diversity of the
Church has reflected Oakland’s parish, which, since 2017, has been combined with nearby
Mary Help of Christians, was on full display.
Bishop Michael C. Barber, SJ celebrated the Mass, which
San Antonio neighborhood. was concelebrated by pastors and parochial vicars who
have served at the parish over the years.
Parishioners compiled a book, Commemorating 150 Years
of St. Anthony’s Parish, for the event. The team of parish-
1871 ioners credited the work of Father William Abeloe, and
built upon the work he did to commemorate the 100th
anniversary of the parish. In addition to his vocation as a
priest, Father Abeloe was an author, lecturer, teacher and
researcher in the field of California historical landmarks.
16 The Catholic Voice • December 2021Father Ghebriel Woldai serves as For the growing Latino
temporary parochial administrator community, a bilingual Mass was
of the parish. Rev. Huong Dinh, offered in the early 1970s, with
who was ordained to the priesthood the first Spanish Mass celebrated FOR THE GROWING
in May, serves as parochial vicar. around 1976, when Rev. Msgr. LATINO COMMUNITY, A
When first established, the Antonio Valdivia became pastor. BILINGUAL MASS WAS OFFERED
St. Anthony Parish community The community’s devotion to Our
IN THE EARLY 1970S, WITH
was primarily Irish and Portuguese. Lady of Guadalupe is celebrated
THE FIRST SPANISH MASS
By the beginning of its second not only in daily life, but in one
century, its population had grown of the outdoor statues dedicated CELEBRATED AROUND 1976,
to include substantial numbers of before the celebration Mass. WHEN REV. MSGR. ANTONIO
Black, Filipino and Mexican parish- The companion statue honors VALDIVIA BECAME PASTOR.
ioners. Over the years, the authors Our Lady of La Vang, a devotion
note, the community diversified, of the Vietnamese community. In
bringing new energy and devotions
to the parish. The Filipino commu-
nity, for example, devoted to patron
1991, then-Bishop John Cummins
granted permission for the Viet-
namese community that settled in
1970
St. Lorenzo Ruiz, worships at 8 Oakland to make its home at St.
a.m. Sundays. Anthony Parish. Today, at least four
CONTINUED ON PAGE 18
17Masses a week are celebrated in
the native language. The Vietnam-
ese Martyrs Mass in November
includes a procession around the
church property.
The newest community to make
IN 1991, THEN-BISHOP MOST OF THE ERITREAN
its home at St. Anthony-Mary
JOHN CUMMINS CATHOLICS OF THE BAY AREA Help of Christians is the Eritrean
GRANTED PERMISSION IMMIGRATED TO THE UNITED Catholic community. Most of the
FOR THE VIETNAMESE STATES AS REFUGEES FROM Eritrean Catholics of the Bay Area
COMMUNITY THAT SETTLED EUROPE AND SUDAN IN THE immigrated to the United States as
refugees from Europe and Sudan in
IN OAKLAND TO LATE 1980S; A SECOND GROUP
the late 1980s; a second group emi-
MAKE ITS HOME AT EMIGRATED FROM SUDAN IN THE
grated from Sudan in the latter part
ST. ANTHONY PARISH. LATTER PART OF 2000. of 2000. Resettlement programs
conducted by the United States and
1991 2000
the United Nations helped bring
those displaced by the 30-year war
between Ethiopia and Eritrea. Some
displaced later came through reset-
tlement programs or on their own.
After making its home in
Berkeley at St. Joseph the Worker
Parish, the community moved in
18 The Catholic Voice • December 20212016 to Mary Help of Christians “Thank you for the efforts
Parish in Oakland. The title of and sacrifices you make daily to “We must
the community is Debre Qusquam make our city safe and for your
work together
(Flight of the Holy Family) continued assistance in dealing
Eritrean Catholics of the Ge’ez with the issues in our parish. as people of God
Rite of the Bay Area. We pray for the 87 people who
fostering a respect
The parish is also rightfully have lost their lives in our city
proud of St. Anthony School, due to violence this year. May of life and a love
which opened in 1877. Today, their souls rest in peace and may
for our neighbor to
it is one of the Lumen Christi God console their families.”
Academies, educating children To his parishioners, he eliminate poverty,
and brining change of to the said: “We must work together
homelessness and
neighborhood. as people of God fostering a
Father Ghebriel noted the respect of life and a love for our injustice in our
presence of Oakland Police chief neighbor to eliminate poverty,
community.”
and other city representatives at homelessness and injustice in
the Mass, which was celebrated our community.”
Sept. 18. FATHER GHEBRIEL WOLDAI
2021
19F E AT U R E S T O R Y
KYLE GRIGGS
IS RECEIVING HIS
—AT 90
I
t’s not often that you meet someone who decides to
prepare for sacraments at age 90.
Married to Sylvia for 62 years, Kyle Griggs has been a
widower for four years. Still heartbroken and a self-
proclaimed pessimist, he thinks that she would appreciate
his efforts. Here is his Sacred Story, as told to Tina Gregory
at St. Michael Parish in Livermore:
Where did you meet Sylvia? What did you do in the Army?
I grew up in Fresno, but I went I was drafted. I went willingly, but
to Taft, a junior college, for one not happily. I was Army Infantry as
semester before getting drafted a company clerk. I had taken typing
into the Army. I had an aunt and in high school, and I had two years
uncle who lived in McKittrick of college chemistry at that point, so
nearby, and they were like a I thought I could do well at a MASH
second set of parents there. So, hospital. I walked down there and
when I went to school there, I met talked to them, and they accepted
her at a Beer Bust! People would me. When I showed up with my
accumulate on weekends in such baggage, someone had blocked my
a hot climate over a case or two transfer, and I got sent back. That
(or more) of beer. She was there, wasn’t entirely bad because I spent
and I was there. She wrote to me a month or so as an infantryman
while I was in Korea. We were — a rifleman, the lowest form of
married for 62 years and had life! — but then the sergeant rotated
seven children. They have all home. I took his job because I could
moved out of the state. Oh, I have type! And so that’s where I stayed
one hanger-on, still living here in until I got out. I came home and
California, but he and his family finished my chemistry degree at
are on their way out too as soon San Jose State in 1956.
as he retires. They are scattered
all over, including one in Canada. CONTINUED ON PAGE 22
20 The Catholic Voice • December 2021KYLE GRIGGS,
INTERVIEWED
BY TINA
GREGORY
at St. Michael
Parish in
Livermore
21Then you moved to Livermore? how adults could complete sacra- Ha! That is a big reach in my
Yes, we moved to Livermore ments. After seeing it a few times, case. Well, I’ve not killed anybody!
in 1959, and I worked at the Lab I finally got up enough courage to I probably angered people. I had a
KYLE GRIGGS: FIRST COMMUNION — AT 90
as a chemist for 32 years. Sylvia not delete it. So I sent an email, and typical adolescent male upbring-
and I were both Catholic. Well, here I am. ing. Shame, shame on me. I’m not
she was really the Catholic. She proud of it. The only thing I don’t
Any reason is a good reason
grew up Catholic; I did not. I was know how to give up is that I can
to start. Where are you in
baptized at birth but didn’t get any hold a grudge and keep it. Yeah,
your preparation?
catechism, and I never received and that it’s going to be a very diffi-
Confession. Confession is going
Communion or Confirmation. We cult habit for me to break.
to really be something. I’ve got 90
were always at St. Michael’s Sunday What would surprise you
years of sin piled up. Father John
Mass at 6:45 a.m. I lost her four the most?
[Pietruszka, parochial vicar] says
years ago to pancreatic cancer. I’m To actually hear the words of ab-
he has heard it all. I told him that
still suffering from it. solution. That would be surprising.
if he’s missed any, I’m going to
I’m so sorry for your loss. [laughing] I would probably ask,
fill in the gaps! I’m not looking
Thank you. “Are you sure you heard me right?”
forward to it. And that’s where I
What did you do at the stand right now. In talking to her I honestly don’t know. It seems too
Lawrence Livermore Lab? on the phone the other day, my good to be true.
I was a chemist at the Lab, and daughter reminded me that one of
And you’re back to
I mainly did an analysis of toxic my worst sins is that I’m not very
celebrating Mass?
materials. I would analyze samples forgiving. I take exception to those
Yes, I come every Sunday. Well,
to ensure that they were being whom I feel have offended me,
lately I’ve been coming on Satur-
contained and that people weren’t and I hold a grudge. I hadn’t even
day evenings. When Sylvia was
breathing them. It’s not very considered that at all until the
here, we always went to 6:45 a.m.
exciting, but that’s what I did for conversation with her came up.
Always. Since then, I can’t get up
32 years.
Well, that is a shift, to that early. Saturday at 9 p.m. works
What made you want to notice what your daughter better for me.
prepare for First Communion pointed out. Are you enjoying your
and Confirmation? I suppose. I can’t think of any- catechism classes?
I thought maybe Sylvia would ap- thing else that has changed, but I think so. I’m meeting with
preciate it. Appreciate the effort. My my mind is going. Yeah, happens Lisa Malone, who is very knowl-
daughter said it wouldn’t be enough with age. edgeable and very friendly. She’s
of a reason and that I should come One way to look at Confession is getting me up to speed. She and I
up with a better one. But I saw the to think of it like a doctor’s office with think along the same lines, so we
ad in the Friday Flocknote on my the perfect cure or a health spa for do get along well.
computer, giving information about your soul.
Is there anything that you
need from the parish? Do you
want people to pray for you?
Well, I know I should say yes.
But I will be truthful with you, and
I’ll say, “okay.” Just okay, just all
Confession is going to really be something. right. But goodness knows I can
use all the help I get!
I’ve got 90 years of sin piled up. Father Well, we will take your “okay”
and happily pray for you, Kyle!
John says he has heard it all. I told him Thank you for sharing your story.
We look forward to your First Com-
that if he’s missed any, I’m going to fill munion and Confirmation day!
in the gaps! Thank you for your time. It was a
pleasure to meet you.
22 The Catholic Voice • December 2021AC C O M PA N I M E N T
Joy and encouraging vocations
I
BY SISTER do a lot of outreach to the young on behalf of I was consoled to read the following testimony from
CONSTANCE my religious congregation, so I try to be aware of a young religious: “It is beautiful to have all different
VEIT, LSP
Sister Constance trends in vocations work and the common traits generations and ethnicities in one community, in one
Veit is director of emerging generations. house, if we allow ourselves to see that beauty.”
of communi- Recently, I took some time to review the latest Study What a hope-filled attitude on the part of a young reli-
cations for the on Religious Vocations, co-sponsored by the National gious! It really inspired me to stop bemoaning the aging
Little Sisters of of our religious communities and start seeing the beauty.
Religious Vocation Conference and the Center for Ap-
the Poor.
plied Research in the Apostolate, hoping that it would So, as we observe National Vocations Awareness
PHOTO:
COURTESY give me an “aha moment” on how to interest young Week, I would like to address a message of hope to my
women in our community of Little Sisters of the Poor. fellow women and men religious who, like me, are not
I was struck by a section of the report entitled In- so young anymore!
tergenerational Living. According to the 2020 NRVC/ May you too take heart in realizing that young people
CARA study, a mere 13 percent of perpetually pro- seeking religious life are not as deterred by the old-
fessed members of religious communities are younger er demographics of most of our communities as we
than 60, while the same proportion are at least 90 thought. They don’t seem to mind that many of us are
years of age.
These are pretty sobering statistics! CONTINUED ON PAGE 24
“
Pope Francis
has said, ‘If
the warmth
of God, of his
love, of his
tenderness is
not in our own
hearts, then
how can we,
who are poor
sinners, warm
the heart of
others.’
Sister Constance Veit, LSP, lower left, enjoys community time in San Francisco. Next to her is Sister Cecilia Mary
Sartorius, who died in October. Sister Cecilia served as a superior for many years and in many locations, influencing
younger Little Sisters with her joyful spirit. During the Year for Consecrated Life, she wrote, “Pope Francis has said,
‘If the warmth of God, of his love, of his tenderness is not in our own hearts, then how can we, who are poor sinners,
warm the heart of others.’ I have been blessed to possess this warmth and joy throughout my entire religious life.
On reflecting on my past 50 years of consecrated life, I see how often minor fears and inward hurdles, when handled
to the best of my ability, would somehow produce a positive outcome and were rewarded with a deepening of joy.”
23AC C O M PA N I M E N T
older — but they do hope that we will “It is ugly to see consecrated men and women with a
live simply, in solidarity with the poor, long face. It is ugly, it is ugly. Joy must come from with-
“
and that we will live and pray together in in: that joy that is peace, an expression of friendship.”
a spirit of joy. God forbid that any of us become ugly as we
So how do we connect with the young? grow older!
Let’s take a few cues from Pope Francis! In Christus Vivit, the exhortation he wrote following
We might begin by striving to become the synod on young people in the life of the Church,
As we grow young again. The pope has suggested that Pope Francis reminded us that Christ is alive and he
we seek to renew our youthfulness at every wants us to be fully alive.
older, we
stage of life. “When you feel you are growing old out of sorrow,
should never “As we mature, grow older and structure resentment or fear,” he wrote, “He will always be there
lose that our lives,” he wrote, “we should never lose to restore your strength and your hope.”
that enthusiasm and openness to an ever So, let’s ask Jesus, “himself eternally young,” to give
enthusiasm greater reality.” us hearts that are ever young and capable of loving,
and openness In Christus Vivit, our Holy Father encour- ready to welcome the new generations who knock on
aged us to let ourselves be loved by God, for our doors just as Elizabeth welcomed the Virgin Mary
to an ever he loves us just as we are. into her home in the Visitation.
greater A young friend and former FOCUS Let’s witness to these young women and men the JOY
missionary told me that this is the essential that fills our hearts, and is eager to fill theirs as well, if
reality.”
message we need to communicate to young only they give themselves to Him!
people. They need to
know that they are loved
as they are, even though
God wants to give them more.
God “values and respects you,”
we might say to them, borrowing
from the pope’s words “but he also
keeps offering you more: more of his
friendship, more fervor in prayer,
more hunger for his word, more
longing to receive Christ in the
Eucharist, more desire to live his
Gospel, more inner strength, more
peace and spiritual joy.”
This joy is something about which
the pope very often speaks, and it
is something that speaks deeply to
Retirement Fund
young people in their vocational
discernment.
It is something they see in the qual-
for Religious
ity of a gaze or a smile, in the serenity
with which a consecrated person
Please give to those who have given a lifetime.
embraces trials or suffering, and in the
generous gift of self to the poor day Please donate at your local parish or by mail at:
National Religious Retirement Office
after day. 3211 Fourth Street NE
Pope Francis insisted on joy in a Washington DC 20017-1194
recent speech to Discalced Carmelites, Make check payable to Retirement Fund for Religious.
retiredreligious.org
Visit retiredreligious.org/2021photos to meet the religious pictured.
©2021 United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, Washington DC • All rights reserved • Photo: Jim Judkis
24 The Catholic Voice • December 2021AROUND THE DIOCESE
Photo: Courtesy
ST. F RANCIS,
CO NCO RD :
WAL KING
W ITH MO MS
IN N E E D
Despite the harsh, rainy weather, Mommy and Baby Day at
St. Francis of Assisi Parish in Concord was a blessed event.
On Oct. 24, the parish celebrated Walking with Moms in Need,
a program of the USCCB that has begun in the Diocese of
Oakland under the auspices of the Office of Life and Justice.
Generous donors collected diapers and wipes for the babies.
In addition, donations of $500 in cash and $500 in gift cards
were gratefully received. Elida Leyva and Maria Roldan, lay
missionaries from the Missionary Servants of the Word, are
assisting at the parish and helped at the event, which also
brought in some darling clothes.
MORE INFORMATION: oakdiocese.org/momsinneed
ST. V I N CE N T D E PAU L O F
CO NTRA COSTA CO U N TY
finish your degree at HNU
In the Spirit of the Season, or in honor of a
loved one, please consider supporting St.
Vincent de Paul of Contra Costa County as
we assist our most vulnerable neighbors by
providing food, shelter, medical & dental
care, clothing, furniture and job training
to those seeking help. We offer assistance
while building a more just world by
developing relationships with and service
to people in need. We strive to offer service
with compassion and by offering hope.
TO DONATE: http://www.svdp-cc.org
TAX ID: 94-1448577 Bachelor’s degree-completion programs
with online and hybrid options. Affordable tuition
with HNU’s Catholic Partnership Discount
Visit hnu.edu/ccc-dcp
Holy Names University • Oakland, CA
510-436-1351 • admissions@hnu.edu
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