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The California bishops approved a statement regarding the moral acceptability of the two COVID-19 vaccines coming to the public this month. Bishop Barber has issued his own statement in support of this decision.

In a statement December 3, 2020, the California Catholic Conference affirms that the imminent Pfizer and Moderna COVID-19 vaccines are morally acceptable. Full statement, English and Spanish, through the link.

Effective immediately, parishes in the Diocese of Oakland have revised their protocols for Catholics to attend Mass and receive Holy Communion. Follow the link for full details.

"Your home is a holy place; worship the Lord there." Bishop Barber shares a message of hope for the Oakland Diocese faithful as we contend with the increase in COVID-19 cases and all the challenges it brings throughout our state.

The annual very special celebration will be done in a new, Covid-19 safe way this year. Read further for additional details.

Debido a un aumento significativo en casos de COVID-19 y hospitalizaciones, el Condado de Contra Costa ha modificado el límite de ocupación en áreas interiores.

Due to a marked increase in COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations, Contra Costa County has modified the occupancy level for indoor gathers. Effective Friday, Nov. 6, parishes may only allow indoor attendance at Masses to be at 25% occupancy or 100 people, whichever is fewer—the same as Alameda County.

Bishop Barber participated in an ecumenical Operation Ceasefire Walk Against Gun Violence the evening of October 23, based at St. Benedict’s parish in E. Oakland. Fr. Jayson Landeza, pastor at St. Benedict's, and Mayor Libby Schaaf also attended. Of the event, Bishop Barber said, "I believe that the Church’s Pro-Life position also includes helping preserve lives from violent death in our inner city neighborhoods." Local news story through the link.

28 de octubre -  El Condado de Contra Costa permitirá aumentar la capacidad de asistentes para el culto en áreas interiore

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.

Blessings and congratulations to Cardinal-elect Wilton Gregory, archbishop of Washington DC on his appointment to the College of Cardinals by Pope Francis. It is a historic appointment, as the cardinal-designate will be the first African-American cardinal in the history of the Church. Archbishop Gregory has been a longtime friend of the Diocese of Oakland. We share in the joy of this appointment!

A note on the preeminent priority for the upcoming election from The Most Reverend Joseph F. Naumann, Archbishop of Kansas City, and Chair of the USCCB Committee on Pro-Life Activities.

A partir de octubre, el Condado de Alameda permitirá el culto público restringido en áreas interiores. Las parroquias del Condado de Alameda pueden reanudar las misas en áreas interiores a su discreción. La Diócesis de Oakland requiere que todas las parroquias cumplan con los protocolos litúrgicos que se emitieron desde el pasado12 de junio y se modificaron el primero de octubre. Los protocolos incluyen limitar la asistencia a en áreas interiores al 25 por ciento, sin exceder un máximo de 100 personas. Siga el enlace para más información.

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.

Yesterday, the Bishop led a group of soon-to-be ordained Deacons from the Jesuit School of Theology of Santa Clara, as they made sure everyone was fed. The effort to care for those in need in Berkeley is ongoing and survives on donations and volunteers.

No pude soportar ver el primer debate presidencial. Tuve que salirme de la sala de la televisión donde mis compañeros sacerdotes y yo estábamos viéndolo, después de 15 minutos.

Bishop Barber's latest column discusses where our faith community can turn to for guidance on General Election issues ahead of Election Day on November 3rd. Follow the link to access this column.

The current issue of The Catholic Voice was released today. Stay current with our Catholic Elementary School Guide. Read Bishop Barber's latest column on voting and learn about jubilarian priests and. As always, this issue includes news of parishes and religious communities. Follow the link to the October 19 issue.

Primero De Octubre - Actualización Sobre Covid-19: Todavía No Hay Adoración Pública En Espacios Interiores En El Condado De Alameda

Primero De Octubre - Actualización Sobre Covid-19: “Adoración Pública En Espacios Interiores” Para El Condado De Contra Costa