News - Worship

The Office of Worship shares this resource for parishes as we mark this year's 20th Anniversary of the 9/11 attack on America.

The Catholic Voice is seeking details of parish Christmas concert events for its November and December issues. Deadlines are approaching. Follow the link for instructions on how to submit your event info.

New order updates the previous August 2, 2021 order regarding masks indoors. New exceptions for necessary participation in religious activities. Read through the link.

This Order requires all individuals within the County of Alameda to wear face coverings when indoors in workplaces and public settings, with limited exemptions, and recommends that businesses make face coverings available to individuals entering the business.

This Order of the Health Officer requires all persons to wear face coverings while inside indoor public settings located in Contra Costa County (“County”), regardless of whether they have been fully vaccinated against Coronavirus Disease 2019 (“COVID-19”), unless specifically exempted from the face covering requirement.

Bishop Barber shares his thoughts and prayers on coming "home" to the Eucharist. Watch this new video through the link.

The Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments published an updated version of the Litany of St. Joseph. The new version adds seven invocations, drawn from the writings of recent Popes - Saint Paul VI, Saint John Paul II, and Pope Francis.

Bishop Michael C. Barber, SJ, has announced the lifting of the dispensation to attend Mass in person, effective Aug. 15.

Effective June 15, 2021, with the state's reopening plans, the Diocese of Oakland has updated worship guidance to share. Follow the link for a message from Bishop Barber in English & Spanish, as well as the guidance document.

Missed our Liturgical calendar for the year? Click through the link to access the PDF version in both English and Spanish.

Announcement regarding the kickoff of the 2021 Bishop's Appeal campaign.

Parish resources and information for the 2021 Lenten season.

The FDLC has prepared a resource webpage to enrich parish celebrations for “Sunday of the Word of God,” which takes place Jan. 24, 2021. Details through the link.

Contra Costa County has advanced to a less-restrictive COVID-19 tier. Effective immediately, indoor worship in the County can increase capacity to 50% occupancy or 200 people, whichever is fewer. Additional details through the link.

Alameda County will now allow restricted indoor public worship, effective Oct. 23. Parishes in Alameda County may resume indoor Masses at their discretion. The Diocese of Oakland is requiring all parishes to abide by liturgical protocols which were issued June 12 and modified Oct. 1. The protocols include limiting indoor attendance to 25%, not exceeding 100 people. Follow the link for more details.

As we face the annual cold and flu season, complicated by concerns over the novel coronavirus, it is important that we all understand and promote healthy practices in our parishes. At this time, it is not a diocesan directive, but an option for a pastor to suspend the giving of the Precious Blood at Mass, and the shaking of hands at the Sign of Peace. This may change depending on the public health situation in Alameda and Contra Costa counties. It is important to remind the faithful that the obligation to attend Sunday Mass does not apply to those who are ill, especially those who suffer from contagious disease. It is a sign of consideration for others that those with flu-like symptoms remain at home, perhaps watching a Mass on television, or reading the appointed Sunday scripture, and offering their illness for a spiritual intention. This applies equally to deacons, extraordinary ministers of Holy Communion, lectors, musicians, altar servers, ushers, etc., who experience any symptoms. The attached document has more information, including suggested bulletin and pulpit announcements and inserts, in English and Spanish.

All parishes and members of the Diocese are invited to celebrate the annual Chrism Mass on Thursday, April 2 at 6:30 pm. Join with us as the chief shepherd of our Diocese, Bishop Michael Barber, S.J., blesses the Oil of the Catechumens and the Oil of the Sick and consecrates the Sacred Chrism, all of which are taken back to the parishes for the celebration of the sacraments. This year's celebration begins with the musical prelude at 6:30 pm. Parishes are asked to send one lay person to serve as the oil bearer and parish representative. Please submit this information no later than March 25.

As we approach the season of Lent, Bishop Barber would like to share with all Catholics the 2020 Guidelines for Lent for your use. The Guidelines can be used to help plan, pray, and participate in Lent with prayerful piety and heartfelt devotion in this season of renewal. Pastors are encouraged to distribute this to your liturgical ministers, musicians, catechists, and other who may find it helpful.

Please find linked here the 2019-2020 Liturgical Calendar for the Diocese of Oakland in English and Spanish, with feasts and memorials proper to our diocese.