Welcome to St. Francis of Assisi Church

Statement regarding recent revelations of clergy sexual abuse from Bishop Barber

Aug. 16, 2018

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

The news we have been receiving about the horrible actions of priests, bishops and cardinals has stunned and disgusts me. Those who have harmed children and vulnerable adults must be held accountable. The bishops who refused to stop this immoral and criminal behavior must also be held accountable. I am shamed by the actions of these men and have vowed to work with all people of good will to make our Diocese a safe place for all.

To that end, we have policies and procedures in place mandating that every person who serves in our Diocese, whether clergy, religious, staff or lay volunteer, receives training in how to identify and stop predatory behavior. The Diocese of Oakland has a zero tolerance policy to the sexual abuse of minors on the part of anyone who serves the church. We also have staff which respond to each allegation of abuse, and have a loving and responsive team to assist survivors of clerical sexual abuse. We have an independent Diocesan Review Board composed of lay experts in psychology, police investigators, retired judges and abuse survivors, which examines complaints of misbehavior. I follow their recommendations.

I welcome the initiative of Cardinal DiNardo, President of the US Bishops Conference, whose August 16 statement, to establish an investigation into questions surrounding bishops’ accountability, an opening of new and confidential reporting channels for complaints, proper independence and lay, not clerical, leadership of the process. (You can go to the Oakland Diocese website to see this statement: https://www.oakdiocese.org/offices/communication/media-relations/news-releases-2018/bishop-barber-welcomes-initiative-to-improve-accountability)

The love of Christ compels us to be better models of Jesus’ love, mercy, and healing. We must never violate the trust placed in us. As Bishop of Oakland, I promise there will be consequences for those who do.

Yours sincerely in Christ,

The Most Reverend Michael C. Barber, SJ, Bishop of Oakland

Any reports of abuse should be directed to our Chancellor, Steve Wilcox, at swilcox@oakdiocese.org or 510-267-8334.

Over 10 years ago, the Diocese of Oakland implemented a “Safe Environment” policy and program to protect our children and vulnerable adults from sexual abuse by anyone working or volunteering at our churches or schools. The program requires an FBI background check via finger printing of any person, clergy or staff or volunteers, who work directly with children here at St. Francis of Assisi Church and School. In addition, all volunteers and ministry members are required to take an online sexual abuse awareness class at the www.Virtus.org website every 3 years. This website is now being used by many Dioceses throughout the united States and provides a regional and national database. In addition, a Megan’s Law check is run every year to ensure that none of our St. Francis of Assisi clergy or staff or volunteers are recently convicted sex offenders. Bishop Barber has made it clear that he has a zero tolerance policy regarding sexual abuse of minors on the part of anyone who serves the church.

PARISH FINANCIAL INFORMATION

WEEKLY COLLECTIONS:

Sunday Collections September 17 = $9,996

Faith Direct eGiving = $2,942

TOTAL Donations = $12,938

The parish needs $16,000 weekly just to meet expenses

Year To Date SHORTFALL = ($41,019)

January to August Expenses for Parish = $761,520

Parish Repairs second collection on September 22 and 23

To see the Report to the Parish on 2017 Financial Results click on this link: Report to the Parish on 2017 Financial Results

Thank you to all who continue to support our parish through your donations.

Parish News

INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL - SUNDAY OCTOBER 7, 2018

All are welcome and invited to our Annual Parish International Festival . This is a family day of fun, games, good food, free entertainment, and some lucky winners of cash prizes. Mark your calendars, and save the date to join in the festivities. Raffle tickets will be sold after each weekend Mass beginning September 1st. Cash prizes of $2,000, $1,000 and $500 will be awarded to some lucky winners. Raffle Tickets sales will be $5 for one ticket or $20 for five (5) tickets. Take a chance and be lucky winner!

Click below for our 2018 International Festival flyer:

International Festival Flyer

St. Joseph Prayer for the Protection & Renewal of the Church - Sexual Abuse Scandal

To you, St. Joseph we bring our broken hearts and all of the discouragement that weights us down. Impurity and scandal have wounded our Church and have brought much shame, sorrow and tears. We ask you dearest St. Joseph, to be our guide along this very dark path, for you are the model of faith, purity and devotion that we need so desperately. May the Lord send forth the burning fire of the Holy Spirit and renew the face of the Church, and the world. O St. Joseph, pray ceaselessly for the Church during this time of suffering and great mourning. May this current pain inflicted upon the Church be transformed by the power of Christ’s cross, and lead to further renewal and continued purification. Amen

Amazon Smile Donates to St. Francis of Assisi Church When You Make Amazon Purchases

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Parish Office Closed Every Tuesday From 11 am to 1:00 pm

The Parish Office will be closed every Tuesday from 11 am to 1:00 pm. this is to allow the staff to hold meetings and their prayer groups at a set time and date each week. thank you for your understanding.

Rosary Said Before 8:30 AM Daily Mass

We say the Rosary each morning at 8:15am just before our 8:30am Mass. All are welcome to come and pray with us. We also have Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament every Monday evening at 7:30pm in the Chapel. During this month of May - Mary’s month - come and join with others. The world does need our prayers. Everyone is invited!

SACRISTANS NEEDED

We are in great need of new Sacristans here at St. Francis of Assisi. Some of the Sacristan duties include assisting the Priest by preparing the Church before Mass and then cleaning the sacred vessels after Mass. Training will be provided. If you are interested in helping in this most important role, please contact the Parish Office or let one of our Priests or Sacristans know you would like to volunteer.

Casino Bus trip to Red Hawk Casino Saturday, September 22nd

Casino Bus trip to Red Hawk Casino Saturday, September 22, 2018 Cost is $35 per person, includes snacks & drinks. Bus leaves church rear parking at 8:30am For more information, please contact: Tony Lansang @ 330-9391 Beng Beza @ 285-2613 Or the Parish office @ 682-5447

REGISTRATION FOR ALL FAITH FORMAITION, RELIGIOUS EDUCATION AND SACRAMENT PROGRAMS

Questions on all registration should be addressed to one of the following coordinators:

Religious Education in Spanish for children and adults: Scarlett Salaverria (925) 375-1066 or Scarlett@sfaconcord.org

Religious Education in English for children and adults: Nathan Cho (925) 375-1067 or Nathan@sfaconcord.org

Youth Ministry and Teen Sacraments: Kathy De Lemos (925) 375-1057 or Youth@Sfaconcord.org

Ushers Needed

The parish is also looking for new Ushers at Sunday and Holiday Masses. if interested call the Parish Office at 925-682-5447 and leave your name and phone number.

First Friday Adoration

 We have Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament every first Friday of the month following the 8:30 am mass until Noon in the Chapel and again from 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm. All are invited.

Senior Luncheon

Our next Senior Luncheons will be on Tuesday, October 9th. HELP NEEDED! If you would like to help with this ministry either by preparing items, helping to set up or serve and/or clean up, contact Marion Morbeto at (925) 285-1846 or email mmorbeto@astound.net

Concert in Church on Friday, September 28th

We are excited to announce that a concert Mass composed by our former music director, Robert Cakebread, will be presented in the church on September 28 at 7:00 pm. With the gracious cooperation of our own music director, Kerry Leyden, the choir of St Francis as well as that from St Theresa parish, located in Oakland, will sing together along with an 9 piece orchestra conducted by world renowned classical guitarist and conductor, Julio Reyes.

BOOK SALE: SFA Gift Shop - Septmber 9th

SFA Gift Shop will hold a sale of books and religious items on Sunday, September 9th from 9am to 1PM in the Hospitality Room. Hope to see many of you there.

500th Anniversary of Catholic Evangelization in the Philippines

On September 29, 2018 (Saturday) from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm, we will host the 1st Symposium (one of a series of Symposia) with the theme: "Rooting, Uprooting, and Re-planting: The Filipino Experience of Moving from Home (Philippines) to Home (Oakland Diocese, Bay Area)," also dubbed as "Celebrating Our Faith from the Islands to the Mainland." It will be held at the Monsignor Cardelli Activity Center, St. Isidore Church, Danville.

ST VINCENT DE PAUL MINISTRY

Food Pantry Activity

An emergency supply of food was given to 83 households (346 individuals) in the month of July. Food Maxx gift cards were given to 54 eligible families. Special Assistance (utility, rent, etc.) was provided for three (3) families.

Most-Needed Food Items: (baskets for donations on the altar stairs) Apple or Grape Juice, Cheerios, Canned Soup, Vegetables, Fruits, Chili, Tuna or Meats, Saltine or Graham Crackers, Rice, Dried Pinto Beans, Cooking Oil, Masa Mix or any (non-expired) items you wish to donate.

St. Francis Church has four “second collections” each year for the SVdP Ministry. You can also make or send a donation anytime to SVdP here at our Church. We are most grateful for your continued and very generous support.

Food Pantry Hours: 9:30 - 11:30 a.m. on MONDAY, WEDNESDAY and FRIDAY. Closed on Tuesday and Thursday.

FAVORITE US ON eBAY - MAKE US YOUR PREFERRED CHARITY

Shop or sell on eBay and support St. Francis of Assisi Church. Add us as your Favorite charity on eBay to see us as your preferred charity in eBay checkout. You will also be able to easily donate a portion of your proceeds to us when you sell on eBay AND get some of your seller fees waived and receive the tax credits. Visit our charity page today and be part of a growing eBay community that has donated hundreds of millions of dollars to thousands of charities.

Click here to add us as your Favorite charity on eBay.