News - Life & Justice Ministries

Adequate and nutritious food is a basic need and a fundamental human right. Nothing should stand in the way of people having access to the food they need to live. Ask your members of Congress to support the RESTORE Act which eliminates the ban on SNAP benefits for people with drug-related felony convictions.

Each year, Catholics around the globe set aside a week for prayer and action towards care for God’s creation in the spirit of the encyclical Laudato Si’ on Care for our Common Home. Pope Francis invites Catholics to hear the cry of the earth and the cry of the poor in responding to the climate crisis. This year, Laudato Si' is May 21-28. Resources through the link.

The mission of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul is “a network of friends, inspired by Gospel values, growing in holiness and building a more just world through personal relationships with and service to people in need.” ​St. Vincent de Paul is calling for volunteers to work at the West Oakland Direct Service Campus. Join their mission to feed, clothe, house and heal our neighbors. Share your passion for making a difference. Contact information through the link.

Join the California Catholic Conference’s Novena for Migrants and Asylum Seekers at the U.S. Border to pray for the migrants and asylum-seekers at the border now that Title 42 has expired and tens of thousands are expected at the southern U.S. Border each day.

On February 6, a 7.8 magnitude earthquake devastated large areas of southern Turkey and northwest Syria. Since then, several earthquakes and aftershocks have been confirmed in the same region—including a 5.6 magnitude quake on February 27. At least 8.8 million people are affected across both countries, with the death toll surpassing 50,000 and continuing to rise. The earthquakes led to the total destruction of homes and infrastructure, and left millions of people without food, water and shelter. Read more through the link.

January is National Human Trafficking Awareness and Prevention Month, and February 8th is the feast of St. Josephine Bakhita as well as the International Day of Prayer and Awareness Against Human Trafficking. USCCB has shared resources for your parish.

Preparémonos juntos para recibir al Niño Jesús, Obtén gratis la guía de oración para el Adviento. Lea a través del enlace.

“The passage of Prop. 1 is devastating for women, children, and families in California." “The Catholic community in California invites you to join us through our We Were Born Ready campaign to educate Californians on ways to support and advocate for women in crisis pregnancy situations in our communities. And we continue to pray for our state and the countless lives lost to abortion.” Read the full statement through the link.

Don’t miss this transformative annual gathering for leaders in Catholic social ministry and advocacy! Financial assistance is available for leaders from under-represented ethnic, cultural, or disability communities. 

Presentamos "Hablemos: La Serie De Conversaciones Valientes". Un mensaje inspirador del proceso sinodal fue la petición de más. Más conversaciones, más espiritualidad, más recursos católicos, más conexión. Las Oficinas de Vida y Justicia de la Diócesis de Oakland y CatholicsCare están lanzando esta nueva serie, diseñada para la oración, el diálogo y el desarrollo de habilidades. Detalles a través del enlace.

An inspiring message from the Synod Process was the request for more - conversations, spirituality, Catholicism, and connection. This event series will include events in English and Spanish and all are welcome. We invite you to share the flier below with your community. Let's talk!

The Diocese of Oakland Office of Life & Justice shares the following letter that Pax Christi Northern California signed onto as part of a coalition of religious communities calling for the elimination of nuclear weapons.

The diocesan office of Catholic Relief Services (CRS) is now accepting proposals for 2022 CRS Rice Bowl Grants. The application process is now open through Monday, October 3rd, 2022. Detailed information and application forms available through the link.

Real Options is looking for registered nurses, nurse practitioners, patient services managers, volunteers, etc. See post for details and to share.

The St. Vincent de Paul of Contra Costa has announced a new cycle of the Workforce Development Program.

Santa Clara University’s Graduate Program in Pastoral Ministries is offering a new Online & In-Person Graduate Certificate in Restorative Justice and Chaplaincy.