Bishop Barber
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 missionBearing 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 appointmentsSpecial appeal for Vietnam and the Philippines
With deep concern for the suffering in the home dioceses in Vietnam and the Philippines of many of our clergy, Bishop Michael C. Barber asks all parishes to consider a voluntary second collection before Feb. 1, 2026 to aid typhoon disaster relief in Vietnam and the Philippines. Checks may be sent…
More about Special appeal for Vietnam and the PhilippinesBishop Michael C. Barber, SJ, and Tom Greerty discuss the life and impact of St. John Henry Newman, who was declared a doctor of the church by Pope Leo XIV on Nov. 1, 2025.
More about St. John Henry NewmanOn 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 ThérèseImplementation of new model for pre-marriage preparation and catechumenal pathways for married life
Dear brother priests, As you may know, this year our Diocese has been discerning and preparing for the implementation of the Catechumenal Pathways for Married Life—the pastoral guidelines from the Dicastery for Laity, Family, and Life that invite us to renew the way we accompany couples and families. This beautiful document…
More about Implementation of new model for pre-marriage preparation and catechumenal pathways for married life