Serra Catechetical Institute

New class begins this fall in Antioch

This popular diocesan certificate program in English and Spanish for catechists, Catholic school teachers, parents and all adults begins again with classes every fourth Saturday of the month beginning September 27, 9:00am - 2:30pm, and continuing through November, 2009. Don't miss this chance!
More information about SCI | Register now!

End-of-Life Issues Conference

Saturday, September 13 in San Francisco

This conference, sponsored by the Archdiocese of San Francisco's Respect Life program, will cover a range of end-of-life issues, including definitions of death, organ transplant issues, assisted suicide legislation in California, living wills and other advanced directives, and more. Nursing continuing education credits available. For more information, download the brochure or contact Vicki Evans at 415-614-5533 or vevans1438@aol.com.

Faithful Citizenship Conference

Saturday, September 27 in Concord

This bilingual conference will assist clergy and lay leaders preparing the faithful of the Diocese to vote with a well-informed Catholic conscience. All are invited to this free conference! Bishop Allen Vigneron will celebrate Mass at 8:30am at St. Francis of Assisi Church in Concord. Following a continental breakfast, presentations and Q&A in English and Spanish will feature speakers from the USCCB, St. Patrick's Seminary, CCISCO, Catholics for the Common Good, and others. The conference concludes at 12:30pm.
More information | Register

Protect Marriage and Vote YES on Proposition 8

Your help is needed!

Prop 8 states in full: "Only marriage between a man and a woman is valid or recognized in California." The California bishops urge, "We must support traditional marriage as the source of our civilization, the foundation for a society that can be home to all human beings, and the reflection of our relationship with God." For more information and downloadable resources, or to donate or volunteer, visit catholicsforprotectmarriage.com.

Pastoral Message from Bishop Vigneron

In light of the recent California Supreme Court decision regarding same-sex "marriage", Bishop Vigneron has issued a pastoral message to the faithful of the Diocese of Oakland. The bishop states, "As faithful citizens, Catholics are called to bring our laws regarding marriage into conformity with what we know about the nature of marriage."
More | Statement from California Bishops

Celebrate Priesthood Sunday and World Priest Day

October 26, 2008

The last Sunday in October is Priesthood Sunday and World Priest Day, a special occasion to reach out and develop a greater awareness of and appreciation for the dedicated men who have said "Yes" to the Lord and the Church via the Sacrament of Holy Orders. Serra International and Worldwide Marriage Encounter have great tips and ideas, along with downloadable resources including sample letters, activities, prayers and more, to help you and the laity at your parish celebrate our priests.
Priesthood Sunday | World Priest Day

Upcoming Events

Keep your eye on the DEC Events calendar for formation opportunities and other events. You can even subscribe to the calendar using Google Calendar so you always have the latest information.
DEC Events

Catholic Radio in the Bay Area

1260AM Immaculate Heart Radio

Now you can hear the best in Catholic programming on your radio 24 hours a day! Immaculate Heart Radio is a listener-supported, Catholic lay apostolate bringing live call-in shows, Scripture study, Catholic news, youth programming and more to listeners from San Jose to Santa Rosa and beyond. Tune into 1260AM or listen online at www.ihradio.org.
Program Schedule | More information

Making Sense of Bioethics

The National Catholic Bioethics Center

NCBC provides online resources to answer your questions about the complex issues related to medical care and life sciences. 24/7 emergency consultation is available for those facing a health care crisis. Access published research and read breaking news and the popular column Making Sense of Bioethics.
NCBC website

Retrouvaille... a Lifeline for Marriages

www.helpourmarriage.com

The word retrouvaille is a French word meaning rediscovery. This program offers tools needed to recreate a loving marriage relationship and emphasizes effective and loving communication between husband and wife. Thousands of couples in cold and unloving relationships headed toward divorce have been successful in overcoming their problems by participating. Retrouvaille gives couples the opportunity to rediscover each other and their lives together in a positive way.
More information at www.helpourmarriage.com or call 510-648-6874.

For Your Marriage

What have you done for your marriage today?

See how couples, young and old and from a wide variety of backgrounds, answered this question at foryourmarriage.org, part of an initiative of the U.S. bishops to promote, strengthen, sustain and restore marriages. Resources for every couple are available, including daily tips, a monthly quiz, and information about common issues facing couples.
Visit the website

Tools for the New Evangelization

Four Guides for Catholic Living

These pithy, one-page guides promoting Sunday Mass, confession, prayer and the basics of Catholic living are perfect for parish literature racks, resource tables, or passing along to friends and family. They are available for free download (PDF):
Mass | Confession | Prayer | Catholic Living

Produced by the National Catholic Register.

The Golden Counsels

Required Reading for the Soul

The Golden Counsels is a collection of sayings of St. Francis de Sales on various aspects of spirituality, including peace, confidence, love, and God's will. Highly recommended by Bishop Vigneron, the wisdom of this saint is sure to enrich your spiritual life.
Provided by the Monastery of the Visitation, St. Louis, Missouri

Daily Readings Available Online

Did you know that you can read and listen to the daily Mass readings online?

The New American Bible is available on the USCCB's website to read by book or chapter or the day's readings for Mass. You can even sign up for a daily podcast of the daily readings to listen to on your computer or portable device (iPod not required!).
Read the NAB Online | Subscribe to the NAB Podcast