News - Why Catholic Schools

St. Joseph Notre Dame's principal pastor Father Steve Kim isn't slowing down.

Ordained at age 25 for the Diocese of San Jose, Father Steve Kim has been busy ever since. He became principal of Saint Joseph Notre Dame (SJND) in 2023, tasked with focusing on Catholic identity and sustainability.

Saintly Six at Saint Leo

St. Leo students enjoyed the Feast of All Saints, Nov. 1, with a lesson on the "Saintly Six" black Catholic saints and ice cream.

Our Lady of Guadalupe School closing June 6

Citing an unsustainable decline in enrollment and diminishing reserve funds, Our Lady of Guadalupe School in Fremont will be closing after the last day of school on June 6, 2024. The announcement was made by Father Joy Kumarthusseril, MF, pastor of Our Lady of Guadalupe School and Parish, in a letter issued Jan. 10, 2024.

All About Catholic Schools in the January 2024 Issue of The Catholic Voice

Celebrate Catholic Schools week (Jan. 28 - Feb. 3) and read about Catholic Schools in the Diocese of Oakland.

Knights of Peter Claver, Fr. Jay Matthews Council Scholarship Opportunities

The Knights of St. Peter Claver, Fr. Jay Matthews Council #336, at St. Benedict Catholic Church in Oakland, CA will award a Scholarship in the amount of $2000.00 to a Male of Color who attends or will attend an Alameda County Catholic High School in the Fall Semester of 2023. Details and application through the link.

Honoring the Class of 2022

Schools are invited to send a list of their 2022 graduates for publication online on The Catholic Voice page of the Diocese of Oakland website. Submission details through the link.

Andrew Currier welcomes Karen Goodshaw as Associate Superintendent for Leadership

Karen Goodshaw has accepted the position of Associate Superintendent for the Diocesan Catholic Schools Department. Ms. Goodshaw's wealth of experience in both public and Catholic schools will be a great benefit to our school leaders as she works with principals and pastors to find ways to strengthen school vitality well into the future. Learn more about Ms. Goodshaw's experience and perspective through the link.

Mission San Jose Youth Art Contest

All students in grades 4 through 6 in the Diocese of Oakland are invited to participate in “MISSION 225: THEN AND NOW” Art Contest as part of Mission San Jose’s 225th Anniversary Commemoration. Open March 1-31. Details through the link.

USCCB Release on Bipartisan Legislation Honoring Catholic Schools

The U.S. Bishops’ Education Chairman expressed his gratitude to Catholic Schools and applauded bipartisan legislation honoring Catholic Schools in Feb. 7 news release from USCCB.

30 de Agusto: Política de festivales y eventos parroquiales/escolares

Aug. 30: New policy re Parish/School Events

Please see the attached, updated Festivals and Events Policy for parishes and schools, in the Diocese of Oakland. Questions/clarifications should be directed to the Diocesan Insurance & Benefits Department (Kathleen Rabbach at [email protected] or Lisa Carlson at [email protected]).

Summer Message from New CSDO Superintendent Andrew Currier

CSDO Superintendent Currier reflects on the past year, shares thanks for former Superintendent Kathleen Radecke's service, and looks ahead to the 2021/2022 school year.

Digital Catholic Voice-- FACE Gala 2021-- Thank You!

Please visit page 3 of the current digital edition of the Catholic Voice for a message from our FACE Director, Terri Porter.

Bishop Michael C. Barber, SJ, has appointed a longtime Catholic educator as superintendent of diocesan schools. Dr. Andrew T. Currier, currently president of Archbishop Riordan High School in San Francisco, will begin work as superintendent on July 1. Full statement in English and Spanish available through the link.

May is Mental Health Awareness Month

The California Catholic Conference has shared resources for those helping our brothers and sisters who struggle with mental illness and for those struggling themselves. Details through the link.

Office of Safe Environment: April is Child Abuse Awareness Month

Diana Bitz, Safe Environment Coordinator, reminds our Diocese community about the required employee, clergy, and volunteer training in abuse awareness through Virtus as well as resources for April's Child Abuse Awareness month.

The Catholic Voice: Faces of FACE

Catholic school educator and parent Nicole Lewis shares her family's story of how FACE is making Catholic education possible for so many.

Ellen Show to Host Catholic School Principal from Oakland Diocese

The principal of St David of Wales in Richmond, Kenny Farr II, will be on Ellen DeGeneres Monday, February 8th, at 4PM. Tune in and watch with us as our Catholic Schools and our Diocese are represented on National TV!

Catholic Schools Honored through House/Senate BiPartisan Resolution

Bishop Barber, as United States Conference of Catholic Bishops Chairman of Catholic Education, applauds bipartisan legislation honoring contributions of Catholic schools.

Free Drive-Thru Food Distribution on Feb. 9, 10a-1p

Catholic Charities East Bay and the St. Vincent de Paul Society are hosting a free drive-thru food distribution. Anyone in need is welcome. Masks required.