Ministries

Since the earliest days of the Church, Christians have gathered in each other's homes during the week to listen to the Scriptures, to help each other discover Jesus' presence in their daily lives, to support each other in living the gospel, and to pray. The Strategic Plan of our diocese and the writings of Pope John Paul II urge people from all walks of life to join with others in Small Christian Communities.

Our parish has a number of small communities. We usually invite people to form new communities in the fall and at the beginning of Lent. Support for facilitators and materials based on the Sunday readings are provided.

For more information, please contact Maureen Lahiff at 510 482 9920.

Retreats and Spiritual Direction

There are a number of retreat centers located within a few hours' drive of the Bay Area. These centers feature a year-round program of weekend and week long retreats. Many of these advertise in the Diocesan Directory and the diocesan newspaper, The Catholic Voice, both of which are available at the parish office.

The Bay Area is also blessed with a number of people trained in the art of spiritual direction, who support people as they seek to respond to God's call and assist anyone seeking to deep their prayer life. If you think spiritual direction would be helpful to you, Father Tony and the members of the Pastoral Team would be delighted to provide you with more information and referrals to experienced spiritual directors.

Marriage Support

Christian marriage is a vocation, a covenant relationship, strengthened by a special sacrament. In today's world, couples seeking to live out their marriage vows often need assistance from other couples and from priests and counselors who share the Catholic vision of marriage.

For those who seek support and enrichment for their marriage, Marriage Encounter is a process that we recommend. Marriage Encounter helps sound marriages flourish. The local contacts are Mike and Jeanne Emry, who can we reached by phone at 510 672 2016. Worldwide Marriage Encounter can be reached on the internet: www.wwme.org

For those who are experiencing major difficulties in their marriage, Retrouvaille is ministry coordinated by couples who have "been there." (Retrouvaille was started in Quebec; its name means 'rediscovery' in French.) The local contacts include Maria Elena and Dave Byron, who can be reached at 510 489 5799. An important feature of Retrouvaille is training in communication skills. Retrouvaille is also on the internet, at www.retrouvaille.org

Father Tony and the Pastoral Team can provide confidential referrals to experienced marriage counselors.

Ministry to the Sick and Homebound

Our parish has a special care for those who cannot join us for liturgy. On Sunday, and during the week, Eucharistic ministers take communion to those in the hospital, ill at home, or living in assisted care and convalescent hospitals.

If you or a member of your family is going in the hospital or moving to a rest home, please contact the Parish Office. HIV and AIDS Education and Outreach Ministry

The Catholic parishes of Alameda, in collaboration with other church communities, provide emotional, spiritual, and practical support to people with HIV and AIDS, their families, and care-givers.

The ministry provides training for those wishing to serve this community.

For more information, contact Cath Sullivan at 510 865 3051.

Funerals and Bereavement Ministry

The Order of Christian Funerals provides a series of rites to support families who are grieving. Please contact the parish office as soon as possible to arrange for funeral vigils, funeral Masses, and committal. At St. Barnabas, we can assist families of limited means celebrate these rites fully.

Practical Emergencies

The St. Vincent de Paul Society and the Alameda Red Cross provide assistance for families and individuals during crises. Catholic Charities of the East Bay also makes a wide range of assistance available, thanks to the generosity of many.

Please contact Bonnie Cartwright at the parish office, 522 8933, for assistance and referrals.

Project Gabriel is an ecumenical outreach to pregnant women who need emotional and practical support. Project Gabriel can be reached at 800 533 0093. There are several Birthright Centers in the Diocese; the nearest one is in San Lorenzo; the phone number is 510 481 9677. First Resort is a local Christian-based pregnancy support organization; they can be reached at 510 569 1200. All of these groups can assist women who have no medical insurance. The care and support their volunteers provide continues after the baby is born.

Counseling and Burdens of Addiction

The parish can assist with referrals. The Team has contacts with a number of counselors and agencies that have sliding scale fees.

Post Abortion Ministry

Our priests and pastoral ministers offer confidential assistance to those who are grieving the loss of a child through abortion.

The Diocese of Oakland regularly offers a confidential group process for women who have had abortions and are working through feelings of sorrow and anger. Divorce and Annulment Ministry

Our parish has a special concern for those who are divorced. Many times people did not have the skills and maturity to build a sacramental marriage.

At St. Barnabas, we provide information and support for those petitioning the church for declaration of nullity. We seek to make the church's procedures accessible. We hold workshops in the fall, in the early winter, and in the spring, but we are happy to answer your questions about the process and to hear your story in confidence at any time.

For more information, please contact Maureen Lahiff at 510 482 9920 or Father Tony.

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