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  • vocations:  a call from god

    • Who has a Vocation?

      All the baptized have a vocation – a Call from God.
       

      Your vocation has two aspects:

      • First, you have a call to holiness; to become a saint; to engage the Holy Spirit in a lifelong journey of conversion to Jesus Christ.
      • Second, your call is to a particular ‘way of life’ in the Church: as a married person, as an unmarried (single) person, as a priest, or a deacon or a member of a religious congregation.

      Vocations Inquiry Form

    • Contact Us

      • Father Carl Arcosa
        Father Carl Arcosa
        Director of Office of Vocations, Pastor of St. Michael Parish, Livermore
        carcosaoakdiocese.org
      • Cielo Barroso-Branco
        Administrative Assistant
        510-267-8356
        CBrancooakdiocese.org
  • faqs about vocations

    • who has a vocation?

      All the baptized have a vocation – a Call from God. Your vocation has two aspects: First, you have a call to holiness; to become a saint; to engage the Holy Spirit in a lifelong journey of conversion to Jesus Christ. Second, your call is to a particular ‘way of life’ in the Church: as a married person, as an unmarried (single) person, as a priest, or a deacon or a member of a religious congregation.

    • why so many?

      The Church needs good and holy priests, it needs good and holy religious, it needs good and holy married couples and all the other vocations mentioned above. Why? The different vocations complement each other and build upon each other. They make for a vibrant Church built of ‘living stones’ to carry the message of God’s love in Jesus to others.

    • why is it important?

      God created you to be joy-filled and to share your gifts and talents in order to be the light of Christ for others. This is the true meaning of life, its destiny and your opportunity to join Christ for eternity in heaven. God needs you! He has a plan to use your gifts and talents for His glory. So engage discernment of your vocation! It is a journey that leads you to your truest self – the self that God sees when He sees you.

  • learn more about specific vocations: priesthood, deacons, & religious life

    • Discernment Resources to Know Your Vocation
      • The process of coming to know your vocation is called discernment. It is a committed prayerful interaction with Jesus himself who invites you to, “Come, follow me.” It begins by getting to know Jesus personally; in the Bible, in prayer and in the sacraments of the Church. Jesus cannot lead us to our vocation unless we begin by ‘taking up our cross and following him.’

        Consider Jesus’ action after he was baptized by John in the Jordan River. The Spirit led Jesus to the desert where he fasted and prayed for 40 days. This was the place where Jesus discerned his Father’s will. In a sense, we must spend our time in the desert too before God can reveal our particular vocation. This ‘desert’ is where we turn to God in prayer, where we ‘fast’ from distractions and temptations that draw us away from God, where we encounter God in quiet moments of peace.

        God will use people in your life to help you discern your vocation. You may hear a comment like, “You would make a good priest” or “Have you ever thought about being a sister?” Pay attention to what others observe about you. It could be the Holy Spirit speaking through them.

        Over and over Jesus said to his followers, “Do not be afraid.” He tells you that now. Don’t be afraid to turn to him. He wants only the best for you.


        Resources for Discernment

        The resources below are just a few to help you in discerning God's call, and helping others discern if God might be calling them to the priesthood. For additional resources, please contact the Vocations Office.

        Family & Catechetical Resources

        Family & Catechetical Resources

        Diocesan Prayer for Vocations

        English 
        Spanish 

        Parish Resources

        The Parish Vocation Advocates Guide 
        Holy Hour for Vocations 

        Recommended Reading

        Highlighted items may be found online:

        “Spiritual Combat” by Lorenzo Scupoli
        Intro to the Devout Life, St. Francis DeSales
        Fire Within, Fr. Thomas Dubay
        Witness to Hope, George Weigel
        The Story of a Soul, St. Therese
        Confessions, St. Augustine
        Pastores Dabo Vobis
        Presbyterorum Ordinis
        The Imitation of Christ, Thomas a Kempis 
        ”...And You are Christ’s,” Fr. Thomas Dubay

        Links

        The Vatican
        The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops
        Diocese of Oakland
        St. Patrick Seminary & University
        Roman Catholic Vocations Blog
        For Your Vocation

    • Priesthood
      • Why the priesthood?

        Jesus called the apostles by name to learn from him and to carry on his ministry. He gave them extraordinary powers to baptize, to preach his gospel, to forgive sins, to feed his people with his own body and blood; to serve and not to be served. From the birth of the Catholic Church at Pentecost until today men have responded to Jesus’ call to serve as his ministers of Word and Sacrament. He will continue to do so until he returns in glory at the end of time.

        Is Jesus Calling You?

        Every Catholic man ought to prayerfully consider if Jesus may be calling him to the priesthood. Often those who are called say that the thought of the priesthood entered their mind and wouldn’t go away. They find that time at Mass brings deep peace and joy. Gradually they sense that Jesus may be inviting them in a very personal way to investigate the possibility of the priesthood.

        What Qualities Are Needed To Be a Priest?

        A priesthood candidate firstly needs to have a personal relationship with Jesus. He is a man of prayer and fidelity to the Catholic Church. He is energized by the Church’s ministry and seeks to make his particular gifts and talents available at the service of the Church. He should be disciplined and responsible, of at least average intelligence and mature.

        What About Celibacy?

        Jesus himself was celibate and gave himself completely to his Father’s will. Priests in the Roman Rite do not marry. They give their time, energy, love and commitment to those that they serve. Celibacy is not for everyone, but for those who are called to the priesthood it is a way to live and love in the world after the example of Jesus himself, and is not a burden


        Next Steps:

        If you think you may be called to the priesthood, contact Fr. Carl Arcosa, who will be happy to meet with you to discuss it.

        What is a Deacon?


        What is ordination?

        Ordination is the sacramental ceremony in which a man becomes a deacon, priest, or bishop and enabled to minister in Christ’s name and that of the Church. There are three ordinations in the Sacrament of Holy Orders: deaconate, priesthood, and Episcopal. The ordination ceremony includes various rituals, rich in meaning and history, e.g., the prostration, laying on of hands, anointing of hands, giving of the chalice and paten, sign of peace.

        When does the ordination actually take place?

        The essential rite of the sacrament, i.e., when it takes place, is the laying on of hands and prayer of consecration. This is an ancient tradition in the Church, mentioned in the Bible.

        Who can ordain priests?

        Only a bishop can ordain a priest because he shares in the ministry of Jesus passed down through the apostles.

        What is the meaning of the laying on of hands?

        By this ritual the ordaining bishop and the other priests invoke the Holy Spirit to come down upon the one to be ordained, giving him a sacred character and setting him apart for the designated ministry.

        Why does the ordinand lie prostrate during the ordination?

        It symbolizes his unworthiness for the office to be assumed and his dependence upon God and the prayers of the Christian community.

        What is the meaning of the newly ordained priest receiving the stole and chasuble?

        These are vestments which pertain to his office and have symbolic meaning. The stole symbolizes the authority and responsibility to serve in imitation of Christ. It reflects the line from Scripture: “For my yoke is easy and my burden light” (Mt 11:30). The chasuble is the principal garment of the priest celebrating the Eucharist and is the outermost vestment.

        What does the anointing of the hands signify?

        Anointing with oil stems from the Old Testament and indicates that someone or something is being set apart for a sacred task or duty. The anointing of the hands signifies that the hands of the newly ordained priest are being prepared for the sacred duties and vessels which will be part of the priestly ministry, for example, offering the bread and the wine, anointing the sick and blessing people. The bishop says as he anoints the hands: “The Father anointed our Lord Jesus Christ through the power of the Holy Spirit. May Jesus preserve you to sanctify the Christian people and to offer sacrifice to God.”

        Why does the ordaining bishop hand the ordinand a chalice and paten?

        The Eucharist is at the heart of the priesthood and this ritual highlights the importance of celebrating the Eucharist in the life of the priest and its meaning, as seen in the words which are spoken by the bishop: “Accept from the holy people of God the gifts to be offered to him. Know what you are doing, and imitate the mystery you celebrate: model your life on the mystery of the Lord’s cross.”

        How does one prepare for ordination to the priesthood?

        A man has to engage in a challenging program of priestly formation which lasts from five to thirteen years, depending upon his background and the seminary he attends. There are three levels of seminary: high school; college or pre-theology; and theology.

        Seminaries address four types of formation: human; spiritual; academic (intellectual); and pastoral. In addition to the academic course work, seminarians participate in a full schedule of spiritual activities, e.g., daily Mass, Liturgy of the Hours (Morning Prayer, Evening Prayer), and spiritual direction and retreats. At each level of seminary training, the seminarian prepares for future pastoral ministry in various settings, such as schools, religious education programs, hospitals and parishes. All of the formation takes into consideration the human person; human growth and development is fostered by community living, workshops and other programs. The formation of future priests includes practical learning, too, for example, preaching, saying Mass, and pastoral counseling.

        Do priests take vows?

        Priests who belong to a religious order (e.g., Benedictine, Dominicans, Franciscans, etc.) take the vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience. Diocesan priests make three promises: chaste-celibacy, respect and obedience to their bishop and his successors, and the promise to faithfully pray the Liturgy of the Hours; these promises are part of the ordination ceremony. It is also expected that diocesan priests will lead a life of simplicity consonant with the people they serve.

        Taken from the USCCB Committee on Clergy, Consecrated Life and Vocations

    • Deacons
      • Who is a Deacon?

        A deacon is an ordained minister of the Catholic Church. There are three groups, or "orders," of ordained ministers in the Church: bishops, presbyters and deacons. Deacons are ordained as a sacramental sign to the Church and to the world of Christ, who came "to serve and not to be served." The entire Church is called by Christ to serve, and the deacon, in virtue of his sacramental ordination and through his various ministries, is to be a servant in a servant-Church.

        What are these "various ministries" of the Deacon?

        All ordained ministers in the Church are called to functions of Word, Sacrament, and Charity, but bishops, presbyters and deacons exercise these functions in various ways. As ministers of Word, deacons proclaim the Gospel, preach, and teach in the name of the Church. As ministers of Sacrament, deacons baptize, lead the faithful in prayer, witness marriages, and conduct wake and funeral services. As ministers of Charity, deacons are leaders in identifying the needs of others, then marshaling the Church's resources to meet those needs. Deacons are also dedicated to eliminating the injustices or inequities that cause such needs. But no matter what specific functions a deacon performs, they flow from his sacramental identity. In other words, it is not only WHAT a deacon does, but WHO a deacon is, that is important.

        Why do some deacons become priests?

        For many years ordained ministers "ascended" from one office to another, culminating in ordination to the presbyterate, or priesthood. The Second Vatican Council (1962 – 1965), however, authorized the restoration of the diaconate as a PERMANENT order of ministry. So, while students for the priesthood are still ordained deacons prior to their ordination as priests, there are more than 13, 000 deacons in the United States alone who minister in this Order permanently. There is no difference in the sacramental sign or the functions between these so-called "transitional" and "permanent deacons."

        May married men be ordained deacons?

        Yes. The Second Vatican Council decreed that the diaconate, when it was restored as a permanent order in the hierarchy, could be opened to "mature married men," later clarified to mean men over the age of 35. This is in keeping with the ancient tradition of the Church, in which married men were ordained into ministry. Also in keeping with ancient practice is the expectation that while a married man may be ordained, an ordained man, if his wife should die, may not marry again without special permission.

        Is a Deacon ordained for the Parish or the Diocese?

        Whenever a person is ordained, he is to serve the diocesan Church. Deacons are no different in this regard: they are assigned by the bishop to ministries for which the bishop perceives a great need, and for which the deacon may have special gifts or talents. Most often, this will be within a parish setting, just as most priests serve in a parish. Once assigned to the parish, the deacon and any other clergy assigned to the parish minister under the immediate supervision of the pastor. However, this assignment may be changed at the request of the deacon or the initiative of the bishop.

        Requirements for becoming a Deacon

        Find out more about becoming a Deacon:

        Email Rev.Mr. Tim Moore, Director of Deacon Formation or call 510-267-8348

        Source: http://www.usccb.org  

    • Religious Life
      • What Is the Religious Life?

        For hundreds of years Jesus has called people to live together, to pray together and to serve him in a unique way. Religious sisters, brothers, and priests are individuals who live out their Christian faith as members of a larger group known as a religious community. There are many different kinds of religious communities and each community lives according to a particular charism which inspires and identifies them and gives a focus to their prayer and work.

        What Kinds of Religious Communities Exist?

        There are many religious communities in the Church. Some religious communities serve God through meditation, prayer and solitude. These groups are known as contemplative orders or "cloistered" orders. Women who belong to this type of a religious community are called nuns and the men are called monks. Other religious communities are known as "active" or Apostolic orders/congregations. These orders and congregations are active in the world, serving others in a variety of activities/apostolates. Women who belong to this type of a religious community are called sisters and the men are called brothers unless they are ordained priests.

        How Do the Religious Differ?

        Each religious order or congregation has its own special charism which forms its identity and mission. The charism envisioned by the founder or foundress is the motivating spirit that is the heart of the religious order or congregation. Some orders and congregations focus on serving the poor, such as the Franciscans. Others, such as the Dominicans, are preachers and teachers. Due to the variety of charisms, each religious order or congregation has a unique identity, mission, spirituality, and set of guidelines for living.

        What Are the Vows?

        Those who join religious orders and congregations take vows of poverty, chastity and obedience. They vow to share all their goods in common, not to marry and to obey their religious Superior. Contrary to popular thought these vows are actually quite liberating. They allow the religious sister, brother or priest to remain free to love and serve God and the Church with an undivided heart by putting all of their energy into prayer and the ministry of their order or congregation.

        What Is the Process for Becoming a Religious?

        After acceptance an individual enters the first step, called candidacy or postulancy. This period gives the candidate/postulant a chance to get to know the community. There is no set length of time for this period. The next step is the novitiate, which lasts between 1-2 years. This period allows the novice to learn more about the charism of the community through instruction, by participating in community life and apostolic service. At the end of this period, the novice makes first/temporary vows of poverty, chastity and obedience which are renewed on a yearly basis. During the period of temporary vows, a religious sister or brother continues their education in preparation for future ministry within their order/congregation. After having determined, over a period of at least 3 years, that the religious community is a right fit for them, a religious sister or brother becomes a full-fledged member of their community by making final/permanent vows. The entire process can take between 7-10 years.

    • Orders/Congregations of Religious Priests in Our Diocese
      • Orders/Congregations of Religious Priests in the Diocese of Oakland


        Augustinians

        Fr. Tom Whelan, OSA, 415-387-3626
        [email protected]
        www.osa-west.org

        Capuchin Franciscans

        Fr. Peter Banks, OFM CAP., 805-686-4127
        [email protected]
        www.beafriar.com

        Congregation of the Sacred Hearts

        Fr. Dedi Riberu. SS.CC. 808-321-9776
        [email protected]
        Fr. Brian Guerrini, SS.CC. 575-495-9331
        [email protected]

        Conventual Franciscans

        Fr. Paul Gawlowski OFM Conv, 510-671-0537
        [email protected]
        www.franciscanfriars.org

        Dominicans

        Fr. Steven Maekawa, OP, 510-658-8722
        [email protected]
        www.opwest.org

        Franciscans

        Fr. Alberto Villafan, OFM, 408-258-7057
        [email protected]
        www.sbfranciscans.org

        Holy Cross Fathers

        Fr. James Gallagher, CSC, 574-631-6385
        [email protected]
        www.holycrossvocations.org

        Jesuits

        Fr. Radmar Jao, S.J.
        [email protected]
        https://beajesuit.org/

        Maryknoll Fathers

        Br. Tim Raible, MM, 510-896-8689 or 510-552-1846
        [email protected]
        www.maryknoll.org

        Missionaries of Faith (MF)

        Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish
        Rev. Joy Kumarthusseril, MF, 510-315-7001
        [email protected]

        St. Philip Neri-St. Albert the Great Parish
        Rev. Robert Kennady Chinnapan, MF, 510-373-5201
        [email protected]

        Missionaries of the Precious Blood

        Fr. Ken Schnipke, CPPS, 937-228-6224 
        [email protected]
        www.cpps-preciousblood.org

        Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate

        www.omiusa.org

        Oblates of St. Francis de Sales

        Fr. Martin Lukas, OSFS, 419-724-9851
        [email protected]
        www.oblates.us

        Paulist Fathers

        Fr. David Farnum, CSP, 212-757-4260 or 800-235-3456
        [email protected]
        www.paulist.org

        Redemptorists 

        Fr. Tat Hoang, CSSR, 718-321-1394
        [email protected]
        www.redemptorists-denver.org

        Salesians of Don Bosco

        Fr. Vien Minh Nguyen, SDB, (562) 925-2250 ext. 217
        [email protected]
        www.salesianvocation.org

        Society of Mary (Marists)

        Mr. John Ridout, 510-845-3326 or 866-298-3715
        [email protected]
        www.maristsociety.org

    • Orders/Congregations of Religious Brothers in our Diocese
      • Augustinians

        Fr. Tom Whelan, OSA, 415-387-3626
        [email protected]
        www.osa-west.org

        Capuchin Franciscans

        Fr. Peter Banks, OFM CAP., 805-686-4127
        [email protected]
        www.olacapuchins.org

        Congregation of the Sacred Hearts

        Fr. Dedi Riberu. SS.CC. 808-321-9776
        [email protected]
        Fr. Brian Guerrini, SS.CC. 575-495-9331
        [email protected]

        Conventual Franciscans

        Vocation Director Fr. Paul Gawlowski, OFM CONV., 510-671-0537
        [email protected]
        www.franciscanfriars.org

        De La Salle Christian Brothers

        Br. George Van Grieken, FSG, 707-252-3861
        [email protected]
        www.brothersvocation.org

        Dominicans

        Fr. Steven Maekawa, OP, 510-658-8722
        [email protected]
        www.opwest.org

        Franciscans

        Fr. Alberto Villafan, OFM, 408-258-7057
        [email protected]
        www.sbfranciscans.org

        Jesuits

        Fr. Radmar Jao, S.J.
        [email protected]
        https://beajesuit.org/

         

        Maryknoll Brothers

        Br. Tim Raible, MM, 510-869-8689 or 510-552-1846
        [email protected]
        www.maryknoll.org

        Redemptorists

        Br. Larry Lujan, CSSR, 718-321-1394
        [email protected]
        www.redemptorists-denver.org

        Society of Mary (Marist)

        Mr. John Ridout, 510-486-1232 or 866-298-3715
        [email protected]
        www.maristsociety.org

    • Orders/Congregations of Religious Sisters in our Diocese
      • Adrian Dominican Sisters

        Sr. Mary Ellen Lecicjewski, OP
        [email protected]
        www.adriandominicans.org

        Carmelite Sisters for the Aged and Infirmed

        Sister Maria Therese, O. Carm.
        (518) 537-5000
        www.carmelitesisters.com
        [email protected]

        Congregation of Mother of Carmel

        Sr. Celine Pathiaparambill, CMC, 510-724-4178
        [email protected]

        Daughters of Charity of St. Vincent de Paul

        Sr. Trang Truong, DC, 650-949-8890
        www.daughtersofcharity.com

        Discalced Carmelite Nuns

        Reverend Mother Prioress
        Carmel of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph of Kensington, CA
        68 Rincon Road
        Kensington, CA  94707-1047
        All contact is done via physical mail.

        Dominican Sisters of Mission San Jose

        Sister Dulce Aguilar, O.P.
        Vocation Director
        Cell:  209-406-8111
        [email protected]
        www.msjdominicans.org

        Dominican Sisters of Oakford

        Sr. Jodi Min, OP, 510-635-1480
        [email protected]
        www.oakforddominicans.org

        Dominican Sisters of San Rafael

        Sr. Patricia Farrell, OP, 415-257-4939
        [email protected]
        www.sanrafaelop.org

        Maryknoll Sisters of St. Dominic

        Sr. Mary Boyce, MM, 925-689-7729
        www.Maryknoll.org

        QuiNhon Missionary Sisters of the Holy Cross

        Sr. Maggalena Duong, LHC, 925-674-9639
        http://mtgqn.org/index.php/about-us/congregation

        Sisters of Mercy of Ireland

        Sr. Angela O'Donoghue, RSM, 510-233-6769
        [email protected]

        Sisters of Mercy of the Americas

        Sr. Maria Campos, RSM, 650-340-7434
        [email protected]

        Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur

        Sr. Jacinta Martinez, SNDdeN, 650-722-1040
        [email protected]
        www.snddenca.org

        Sisters of St. Francis of Penance and Christian Charity

        Sr. Graciela Martinez, OSF, 510-534-4330
        [email protected]
        www.stfrancisprovince.org

        Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet

        Sr. Jan Huang, CSJ, 310-889-2117
        [email protected]
        www.csjla.org

        Sisters of the Good Shepherd

        Sr. Elizabeth Schille, RGS, 415-586-2822
        [email protected]
        SistersOfTheGoodShepherd.com

        Sisters of the Holy Family

        Sr. Gladys Guenther, SHF, 510-624-4500
        [email protected]
        www.facebook.com/pages/Fremont-CA/Sisters-of-the-Holy-Family/19423411523
        www.holyfamilysisters.wordpress.com
        www.holyfamilysisters.org

        Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus & Mary

        Sr. Rosemary Everett, SNJM, 408-873-7858 or 408-656-1311
        [email protected]
        www.snjmca.org

        Sisters of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary

        Sr. Stephanie Still, PVBM, 415-422-5020
        [email protected]
        www.presentationsisterssf.org

        Sisters of Social Service

        Sr. Catherine Connell, SSS, 916-444-5590
        [email protected]
        www.sistersofsocialservice.com

        Society of the Sacred Heart

        Sister Mary Pat White, RSCJ, 510-525-5692
        rscj.org/vocations

        Union of Sisters of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary

        Sr. Julie Hurtado, PVBM
        [email protected]
        www.pbvmunion.org

  • news & events, including ordinations in the diocese

    • events

      • Ordination to the Priesthood
        Saturday, May 24, 11:00 AM
        Ordination to the Priesthood
        All are invited to join Bishop Michael C. Barber, SJ in celebration for the Priestly Ordination of Rev. Mr. Álvaro Josué Santamaría Jarquín on May 24, 2025 at 11:00am at The Cathedral of Christ the Light
        Read More
      • Dinner for Vocations
        Saturday, May 31, 5:00 PM
        Dinner for Vocations
        Join us for a dinner for vocations hosted at St. Anne Catholic Church in Union City. We will begin with Mass at 5:00 p.m. followed by dinner and a testimonial by Rev. Carl Arcosa.
        Read More
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      More Events
    • news

      • Discernment Evenings for the Priesthood
        Discernment Evenings for the Priesthood
        Join us for an evening of discernment! Multiple dates available in 2025.
        Read More
      More News
  • get to know our future priests & our deacons

    • With God's grace and your support, our seminarians today will be future the priests who will serve the Diocese of Oakland
      for years to come.

      Donate to Support Vocations

    • seminarians

    • deacons

    • our 2024-2025 seminarians

      Individual pictures of the seminarians in the Diocese of Oakland
  • connect with us

    • Find us on Facebook

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Diocese of Oakland

2121 Harrison Street, Suite 100  | Oakland, CA 94612
Phone: 510-893-4711
Fax: 510-893-0945

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