Bishop’s message
Special pastoral message on immigration
On Nov. 20, 2025, Bishop Michael C. Barber, SJ, led a prayer service at Divine Mercy Parish. There, he officially promulgated a special pastoral message that he and his brother bishops approved at their General Assembly the week before. The video below can be “auto-translated” using YouTube. Click on these…
More about Special pastoral message on immigrationThe Most Rev. Michael C. Barber, S.J., Bishop of Oakland has approved the following appointments by the appropriate provincials: Reminder of prior announcements:
More about Official appointmentsWe mourn for those who lost their lives, were wounded or lost loved ones Sunday in the horrific tragedy at Bondi Beach. We condemn such violence, especially violence in the name of anti-Semitism. In solidarity with our Jewish brothers and sisters we pray for God’s mercy and that He may…
More about In memoriamAgreement-in-principle for bankruptcy case
This week, the Diocese of Oakland submitted a term sheet setting forth the diocese’s agreement-in-principle with several of its insurance carriers in regards to our bankruptcy case. In that term sheet, the Diocese informed survivors of sexual abuse – and the public – it is willing to pay, together with…
More about Agreement-in-principle for bankruptcy caseTwo week extension for resolution of bankruptcy case
Bishop Barber has released the following statement after action by the mediators regarding the diocese’s filing of a voluntary petition for bankruptcy relief under Chapter 11 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code. Early today (Nov. 26) the mediators reached out to all the parties in the bankruptcy. The mediators strongly urged all…
More about Two week extension for resolution of bankruptcy caseOn Oct. 18, 2025, eight Jesuits from the United States, along with four other Jesuits, were ordained deacons at the Cathedral of Christ the Light in Oakland by Bishop Michael C. Barber, SJ. In his homily, Bishop Barber reflected on the universality of our faith and how Catholics are committed…
More about Friendship with ChristBishop Barber: the appeal of the relics of Saint Thérèse
On Oct. 22, 2025, the relics of St. Thérèse of the Child Jesus and the Holy Face came to the Cathedral of Christ the Light in Oakland. In his homily that day, Bishop Michael C. Barber, SJ, reflected on the powerful witness of St. Thérèse. His words have been edited for…
More about Bishop Barber: the appeal of the relics of Saint ThérèseApology to Survivors of Abuse
I want to convey a heartfelt and unconditional apology to the survivors of child sexual abuse in the Diocese of Oakland, both those with claims in the bankruptcy, as well as all other survivors. I see the pain and destruction that was perpetrated by representatives of the Church. Like my predecessor…
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