Sign up for Continuing Formation

Sponsored by the School for Pastoral Ministry

Are you interested in continuing your adult faith formation? Advanced courses in catechetical methods, the profession of faith, sacraments, lay leadership, and more are available at locations around the diocese, October through June. Choose a one-day class or an entire course! Some prior study is recommended. Recommended for catechists and Master Catechists, teachers and other adult Catholics interested in advanced formation.
More information | Register | Cursos en español

Adult Confirmation

January 17 at the Cathedral

This celebration of the Sacrament of Confirmation is for baptized, catechized adults. Parish coordinators must have paperwork for each candidate completed and returned no later than December 19. Parish information letter and instructions, registration forms, and parish checklist are available for download.
More information | Download forms

Busy Person's Winter Retreat

Choose Thursday or Saturday mornings, in Newark

This six-session retreat at St. Edward Parish Hall in Newark focuses on paths to holiness, searching for the center of our lives, and our ultimate goal... to be a saint. Fr. Robert Barron of Chicago (appearing via video) paints a beautiful image of what it takes to be a follower of Jesus Christ. Thursdays, 8:15-8:45am (January 8 - February 12) or Saturdays, 7:30 - 8:30am (January 10 - February 17). For more information and to advertise, download the flyer
More information | www.wordonfire.org

Rites of Election

The Rite of Election of Catechumens and Call to Continuing Conversion of Candidates will be held on March 1, 4, and 8, 2009, at 7:30pm at the Cathedral of Christ the Light. Parishes interested in participating must register by January 21, 2009.
More information | Download form

The Year of St. Paul

Resources for parishes and individuals

This Jubilee year in honor of St. Paul, through June 29,2009, is a special time of grace for the church. There are many events and resources available for teachers, parents, parish staff and anyone to celebrate the Year of St. Paul.
More information

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

St. Anthony of Padua Institute

The St. Anthony of Padua Institute is dedicated to forming an authentically Catholic community of higher learning in the San Francisco Bay Area and offers a variety of courses and other activities to meet the needs of Catholics engaged in the New Evangelization. Current offerings, documents, audio lectures and more information about the Institute is available online at www.stanthonypaduainstitute.org

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