Bishop’s message
The Mission Alignment Process: Challenges and Opportunities
The Mission Alignment Process (MAP), initiated five years ago, was designed to foster vibrant parishes by strategically aligning the valuable resources of the diocese. The goal is clear: to “Know Christ better and to make Him better known,” ensuring that every decision serves the mission of the Church. On April…
More about The Mission Alignment Process: Challenges and OpportunitiesAligning our reality with our mission
I write to you today regarding the next phase of MAP and the important role each one of us must play in aligning our operations with our sacred mission. With God’s help and with the resilience of our common faith, we press on in making our parishes places where people encounter Christ in the celebration of the Sunday liturgy, in our living the corporal and spiritual works of mercy and in our witness as missionary disciples.
More about Aligning our reality with our missionPriests renew their promises; holy oils blessed, consecrated and distributed at Chrism Mass
The Chrism Mass is one of the highlights of Holy Week in our diocese, Bishop Michael C. Barber, SJ, explained during his opening remarks at Mass on March 31 at The Cathedral of Christ the Light. Visitors to the Cathedral were greeted by students from St. Leo the Great School…
More about Priests renew their promises; holy oils blessed, consecrated and distributed at Chrism MassBearing one another’s burdens brings unity
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, As your bishop, I am continually inspired by the generosity and love I witness throughout our parishes, schools, and ministries across the Diocese of Oakland. It is my privilege to be your shepherd and serve Christ alongside you. In his first encyclical, Dilexi Te, Pope Leo XIV wrote, “Our love and…
More about Bearing one another’s burdens brings unitySpecial 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 Christ