We are very fortunate, in the Oakland Diocese, to embrace so many cultures within our own community. Bishop John Cummings established Ethnic and Cultural Pastoral Centers where the Catholic Faith is celebrated in sensitivity to language and cultural traditions. The Ethnic Pastoral and Cultural Centers is an extension of the pastoral role of the office of the Bishop to these communities. We recognize and nurture the strong bond between culture and faith. Diversity of Faith expressions are valued and supported.
Our Ethnic and Cultural Pastoral Centers also provide assistance and support to parishes and other diocesan agencies to promote understanding, awareness and a deep appreciation for the rich cultural diversity among our congregations.
If you are new to the community, or seeking to join us for the first time and would like more information specific to your cultural heritage, please review our current Ethnic Pastoral & Cultural Centers listed here or refer to our language-specific Mass schedule.
Today the Oakland Diocese is comprised of some 550,000 Catholics amid a total population of 2.8 million people in our part of the Bay Area. As the Catholic population of the East Bay has grown, so has its diversity. Our Diocese is home to numerous ethnic pastoral and cultural centers, and Masses are celebrated regularly in more than a dozen languages, including Spanish, Portuguese, Polish, Kmhmu, Vietnamese, Indonesian, Cantonese, Mandarin, Korean, and Tagalog. Some of our pastoral centers have websites/ministries which can be viewed through the links below. Contact information for the centers is avaialble in the next section below.