Announcements 2022

Fri, Oct 28, 2022 2:19 pm
 

Dear Parishioners and Friends of OLGC,

Beginning this weekend, our Parish Announcements are included in the electronic bulletin.

In order to see them, you need to open the attachment below and they are posted on Page 4.

Thank you for being a vital part of our parish community.

May the Lord bless you and your family!

Our Lady of Good Counsel Team

Fri, Oct 21, 2022 1:35 pm

 

1. Election Day is less than a month away and with so much on the line, it’s imperative that you vote in this year’s election and vote against Proposition One that is extreme, expensive, and unnecessary. 

Prop.1 will allow late-term abortions up to moments before birth, even on healthy moms and healthy babies, and the cost to taxpayers for abortions will be in the hundreds of millions.

If Prop.1 passes, our ability to advocate for life and dignity in California will be almost entirely diminished.

If we are successful in defeating Prop.1, abortion law will stay the same in California. But if Prop.1 passes, it will legalize unlimited late-term abortions, which we know 79% of Californians don’t want.

This is why it is VITAL that you vote this November.

If you are a registered voter, you have already received or will be receiving your mail-in ballot soon. Please don’t delay in voting “No” on Prop.1.

2. The upcoming November is the time in the Liturgical year when the Church calls us to pray for the Holy Souls in Purgatory. They can receive a great relief from our prayers.

From November 2^nd to November 10^th, we will have Novena Masses offered for our beloved faithful departed. If you would like to include the names of your loved ones, please write them on the form attached to this email. Additional copies are available in the back of the church. Please return the form ASAP by mailing it to our rectory office or dropping it into the collection basket. You may also leave your envelope in the mail box at the main entrance to the rectory.

3. Additionally, this year, we are planning to have special prayers for the souls of our beloved faithful departed at the Holy Sepulcher Cemetery in Hayward.  On November 2^nd, on the Feast of All Souls at 9:30am, we will pray the Stations of the Cross in the main Mausoleum. Next, at 10:30am, Fr. Jan will preside over a Holy Mass there. Immediately after Mass, Fr. Jan and those accompanying him, will visit the graves and places in different mausoleums where the bodies or ashes of our loved ones are laid in peace. Special prayers will be said and the places will be blessed with the holy water.

If you would like your loved ones to be included in this visit, please contact Evelyn Bonito and fill out a special form. It will help us to organize this event better.

Our Lady of Good Counsel Team

Fri, Oct 14, 2022 11:51 am

 

1. The upcoming month of November is a special time of prayer for our beloved faithful departed. From November 2^nd to November 10^th, we will have Novena Masses offered for them in our church. If you would like to include the names of your loved ones, please write them on the form that has been emailed to you earlier. Additional copies of this form will be available in the church vestibule. Please return the form ASAP by mailing it to our rectory office or dropping it into a collection basket. You may also leave your envelope in the mail box at the main entrance to the rectory.

2. California Bishops ask all Catholics of this State to vote NO on Proposition One, a proposed amendment to the California Constitution on the November 8 ballot.

Proposition One would enshrine in the State constitution the right to abortion without limitations up until just prior to birth, expanding the state’s already permissive abortion laws that currently allow abortion without restriction until six months of pregnancy.

This weekend during all Masses we will be playing a short video message delivered by Archbishop of San Francisco, Salvatore Cordileone who explains all the details on this dangerous Proposition. For those who won’t be able to come to our church this weekend, we are including the link with this very important message. You may share this video with your family members, friends and all those who have a great respect for human life.

To watch the video please click on the following link:  https://youtu.be/HDXx79NEQJI

 

 Our Lady of Good Counsel Team

Fri, Oct 7, 2022 2:33 pm

 

1. As we continue Respect Life Month, the bishops of California are inviting all Catholics to engage in prayer and fasting to end abortion and for an outpouring of the Holy Spirit to form the minds and hearts of California citizens to defeat Proposition 1.

 

Prop 1 is a worst-case scenario for abortion in California. It is an expensive and misleading ballot measure that allows unlimited late-term abortions — for any reason, at any time, even moments before birth, paid for by tax dollars. Prop 1 isn’t needed.

 

Sadly, California already has some of the most permissive abortion laws in the nation that would remain in effect without the amendment, including our current limit on late-term abortions that are permitted only for the life and health of the mother. Prop 1 destroys this common-sense limit. California does not limit state spending on abortion, and with thousands more traveling from other states, the cost will be in the hundreds of millions. Don’t hand lawmakers a blank check to pay for abortions, and don’t let them make California an “abortion sanctuary”. VOTE “NO” ON PROPOSITION 1.

 

2. This coming Thursday, October 13th, we will have a final celebration dedicated to Our Lady of Fatima. Mass will begin at 7:00pm followed by a procession and the Rosary in the parking lot. After the procession, there will be a solemn Benediction with the Blessed Sacrament inside the church.

 

3. Next Saturday, October 15th at 12 noon, there will be a Public Square Rosary Rally in front of our church. Everyone is invited to join the Rosary Prayer for peace in the world and for the end of abortions. This is the time when more than 20,000 Rosary Groups from coast to coast America will simultaneously pray at 12 noon in their local time zone.

 

4. Following the request from our Diocese, we continue counting Mass participants through the month of October and we thank our ushers for helping us in this matter.

 

5. Finally – this weekend, our second collection will be taken for Liability Insurance. We thank you in advance for your generous support.

Our Lady of Good Counsel Team

Fri, Sep 30, 2022 5:34 pm

 

1. Each October the Church in the United States celebrates Respect Life Month, and the first Sunday of October is observed as Respect Life Sunday. We are called to cherish, defend, and protect those who are most vulnerable, from the beginning of life to its end, and every point in between. Proposition 1 is completely against life and it has to be voted down.

2. Tomorrow is the First Saturday of October. Mass will be celebrated at 9:00am.

3. We thank our Knights of Columbus and their helpers for organizing fellowship after each Mass last weekend when we celebrated 65^th birthday of our Pastor, Fr. Jan. It was nice to see our parishioners socializing and having a good time outside the church.

4. Also last Sunday, our First Communion and Confirmation students began their classes. Your child can still join the group but it has to be registered this Sunday at 9:30am at the parish hall. Students and their families are expected to participate at 11:00am Sunday Mass after their class is finished.

5. This coming Tuesday, October 4^th is the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi. The ceremony of the Blessing of pets and other animals will take place after the 9:00am daily Mass in front of the main entrance to the church. There will be some chairs for those who bring well-behaved, socialized animals on leashes or in carriers.

6. Next Wednesday, October 5^th is the Feast of St. Faustina Kowalska, an apostle of Divine Mercy. Right after 9:00am daily Mass, we will recite the Chaplet of Divine Mercy followed by the Novena Prayer to Our Mother of Perpetual Help.

7. Next Friday, October 7^th is the First Friday of the month and the Feast of Our Lady of the Rosary. Following 9:00am Mass, we will say the Rosary in conjunction with the Prayers to the Sacred Heart of Jesus.

8. Following the request from our Diocese, this weekend we begin to count the Mass participants and will continue through the month of October. We thank our ushers for helping us in this matter.

9. Finally – this weekend, our second collection will be taken for Diocesan Assessment.  We thank you in advance for your generous support.

Our Lady of Good Counsel Team

Fri, Sep 16, 2022 5:21 pm

1. This Saturday, September 17^th, Devotees of Our Lady Virgin of Penafrancia will celebrate their Annual Fiesta. The celebration will begin with Solemn Mass at 10:00am followed by a procession to the Marina Park where festivities will continue throughout the day. All are welcomed.

2. This weekend, we will have a Mission Appeal in our church.  Father Sebamalai Anton from Sri Lanka will preach at all Masses and the second collection will be taken to support the people of his Diocese as they try to recover from the war, the pandemic and a skyrocketing inflation.

3. Also this Sunday, immediately after 9:00 and 11:00 am Masses, the Knights of Columbus will be serving free pancake breakfast to all our parishioners. It will be the first pancake breakfast organized by our Knights as a sign of gratitude to the parishioners for the support shown throughout the pandemic.

4. Our Gift Shop Team would like to thank those who supported, helped and worked very hard, as well as those who donated towards the success of ’The Christmas in September’ sale. Your kindness is much appreciated.  We also thank God for the beautiful weather during our pre-Christmas sale.

5. Classes for First Communion and Confirmation will begin a week from now, on Sunday, September 25^th at 9:30am at the parish hall. Students and their families are expected to participate in 11:00 am Mass. Registration forms are still available in the vestibule.

6. Also next weekend, at all Masses, we will pray for our pastor, Fr. Jan as he celebrates his big 65^th birthday. Following each Mass, we will have light refreshments outside the main entrance to the church where there will be an opportunity to meet Fr. Jan in person and wish him well.

Our Lady of Good Counsel Team

Fri, Sep 9, 2022 4:59 pm

 

1. As it was announced earlier, this Sunday, September 11^th after 9:00 and 11:00 am Masses, there will be a pre-Christmas sale called ‘Christmas in September’ on the main plaza in front of the entrance to the church. Please check our one-of-a-kind religious gift items; enjoy browsing through the unique items, books, decors, tokens or stocking stuffers. Some light refreshments will be served.

2. Next Fatima Mass in our church will be celebrated on Tuesday, September 13th at 7:00pm. Following Mass, there will be outdoor procession and recitation of the Rosary in different languages.  A solemn Benediction with a Blessed Sacrament will conclude our celebration.

3. Our Confirmation students will participate in the On Fire program organized for Northern California youth in Vallejo on Saturday, September 17th. The classes for First Communion and Confirmation will begin on Sunday, September 25^th. Please register your child ASAP. Registration forms are still available in the vestibule.

4. The Knights of Columbus will be cooking a free pancake breakfast for all parishioners on Sunday, September 18^th. All are welcome to join in the parish hall immediately after the 9am and 11am Masses. The intention of our Knights is to give back to the parish community that has been so supportive throughout the pandemic.

5. Next weekend, we will have a Mission Appeal in our parish. Father Sebamalai Anton from Sri Lanka will preach at all Masses. Second collection will be taken to support the people of the Diocese of Mannar when they go through a tremendous economic crisis created by war that had destroyed 80% of church buildings there. This crisis has been deepened even more by the pandemic and skyrocketing inflation.

6. The 2022 Bishop’s Ministries Appeal Campaign has reached 66% of its overall goal. When it comes to our parish, about 80 participants (30% of registered parishioners) have already submitted their one time donations or pledges. We thank them and all who will join them soon for supporting this very important appeal.

7. This weekend our second collection will be taken for Liability Insurance. We thank you in advance for your generous support.

Our Lady of Good Counsel Team

Fri, Sep 2, 2022 5:03 pm

1. Just a reminder that Confirmation students need to be registered by this weekend in order to participate in their first activity scheduled on September 17^th. Also, students for First Communion classes have to submit their registration forms as soon as possible. Sunday classes for them will begin on September 25^th. Registration forms are available in the vestibule.

2. Very important announcement from our Gift Shop Team – quote:

“Next Sunday, September 11^th after 9:00 and 11:00 am Masses, we will have a special sale called ‘Christmas in September’ on the main plaza in front of the church. Get ahead of your Christmas shopping for decors, tokens or stocking stuffers, while benefiting Our Lady of Good Counsel Church. Check our one-of-a-kind religious gift items; enjoy browsing through the unique items and books. Cash and checks will be accepted but sorry, no credit cards. Some light refreshments will be served. We look forward to seeing you at our pre-Christmas sale!” – End of quote.

3. The Devotees of Our Lady Virgin of Penafrancia are getting ready for their Annual Celebration that will take place on September 17^th. Novena Prayers will begin this coming Friday, September 9^th at 7PM and will continue every night till September 16^th.

4. All September birthday celebrants will receive special blessings at the end of each Mass this weekend. They will remain in their seats. Wedding Anniversary celebrants whose names have been submitted to the office will be asked to approach the altar for special recognition and the blessing.

5. And finally, this weekend our second collection will be taken for Diocesan Assessment. We thank you in advance for your generous support.

Our Lady of Good Counsel Team

Fri, Aug 26, 2022 4:37 pm

1. We thank all who helped us organize our Ministry Fair last weekend. It was an eye-opening experience to see how many areas of our parish life volunteers are needed. Soon, we will contact those who have graciously signed up for one or more ministries. If you missed our Ministry Fair and would like to join the group of volunteers, you can approach Fr. Jan or Evelyn Bonito or simply use the special form available in the vestibule. Let’s keep in mind that our parish exists and functions because of your involvement, support and your prayers.

2. Many people think that because they attend Masses, they automatically belong to the parish. In this country membership requires signing up and formally enrolling yourself in the parish. It is more than just filling out forms. Registration is a commitment to a community, a way to be included in the religious, social and ministerial activities of a parish. Just like you want the parish to be there to provide Masses, Sacraments, education programs, different ministries, letters of recommendation – the parish needs to be able to count on you to help and assist in its mission, to be an active member. Your registration really affects the parish in many ways. Census numbers can determine how many clergy members are assigned to the parish, how many Masses should be scheduled and how the future of parish existence in the Diocese should be determined. Registration is the official way to join a parish community. Once you register, you will feel a sense of belonging and  more at home. If you are still not a registered parishioner, please talk to our pastor, Fr. Jan or Evelyn Bonito, our Business Manager.

3. Registration for Confirmation and First Communion classes starts this weekend.  We have the forms available in the vestibule and in the Parish office.  Confirmation students need to be registered by September 4th in order to participate in the first activity scheduled on September 17th. Sunday classes are scheduled to start on September 25th.

4. Next Friday, September 2^nd is the first Friday of the month. Mass will be celebrated at 9:00am and our Adoration Chapel will be open till 6:00PM. Next day, September 3^rd is the First Saturday of the month and we will have Mass also at 9:00am.

5. Just a reminder that on the first weekend of each month, all birthday celebrants will receive a general blessing at the end of weekend Masses.

6. And finally, this weekend our second collection will be taken for Grounds Maintenance.  We thank you in advance for your generous support.

Our Lady of Good Counsel Team

Thu, Aug 18, 2022 10:51 am

1. This weekend, after each Mass, we will have a Ministry Fair outside the main entrance to the church. The main purpose for this Fair is to inform our congregation about different ministries and areas where volunteers are playing the vital role. There is a great need for new lectors reading the Scriptures, musicians, cantors, choir members, acolytes serving at the altar, sacristans setting up for Masses, ushers taking the collection and those who do the counting. We also need volunteers who can help with decorations, flowers arrangements or simply with greeting those who are coming to our weekend Masses.

If you feel that God is calling you to one or more of these ministries, please say “yes” to that call. You will be rewarded a hundredfold by the Lord. Please stop at the tables outside the church and ask for the sign-up form. There will also be some light refreshments available.

Beside the ministries related to the liturgy, we have so many other areas where your involvement will be crucial. You can join our Parish Pastoral Council, Finance Committee or Liturgy Committee. You can help with CCD classes, RCIA program or Baptismal classes. You can also be involved in the hospitality to the visiting priests or making the rosaries. You can join our gift shop team or simply help to replace the votive candles or Holy Water. Finally, if you like handy work or gardening, you can help those who already are involved in these areas. Our Knights of Columbus will be happy to have new members as well.

Yes, each one of us can be an active and vital part of this community of faith. Let’s remember that our parish cannot exist and function without your involvement, support or your prayers. We cordially thank our present volunteers and those who will be joining them soon.

2. Next Friday, August 26^th the Pilgrim Virgin Statue of Our Lady of Fatima will visit our church. The arrival time of the statue is before our 9:00AM daily Mass. Veneration will begin after Mass and will be completed 5 minutes before the Chaplet to Divine Mercy at 3:00PM. Let’s welcome the visiting statue of Our Blessed Mother with open hearts and minds.

3. Beginning next month, birthday celebrants will be blessed in the congregation but wedding anniversary celebrants will be recognized and blessed at the altar during the Masses at each first weekend of the month.

4. And finally, this weekend our second collection will be taken for Diocesan Priest Retirement Fund. We thank you in advance for your generous support.

Our Lady of Good Counsel Team

Thu, Aug 11, 2022 11:19 am

 

1. The Knights of Columbus is having their first Karaoke Night of the year this Friday, August 12^th at 7:00PM at the parish hall. Tickets for entry with foods and refreshments are $10 only and will be available for purchase at the door.

2. Our monthly Fatima Mass will be celebrated this Saturday, August 13 at 7:00PM. Following Mass, there will be outdoor procession and recitation of the Rosary in different languages.  A solemn Benediction with a Blessed Sacrament will conclude our celebration.

3. This Monday, August 15th is the Feast of Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Even though it is NOT a holy day of obligation this year, you are invited to our 9:00 AM Mass when we thank God for our Blessed Mother who intercedes for us always and wants us to join her in heaven.

4. We know that the church helps to discover God’s purpose for our lives. Each one of us can be an active and vital part of the community of faith. Volunteers are essential to create and maintain all ministries in the parish. From reading the scriptures, distributing Holy Communion, playing the instruments, singing in the choirs, serving at the altar, assisting in the sacristy, helping with the collections, helping with the decorations or flower arrangements – through being a member of major parish committees or teaching CCD classes, conducting RCIA or pre-baptismal classes or simply greeting with a smile at the doors, helping in the gift shop, replacing the votive candles – volunteers make the church vital and growing community. More information on this topic will be available at the Ministry Fair that will take place after each Mass next weekend, August 20-21.

5. On Friday, August 26^th the Pilgrim Virgin Statue of Our Lady of Fatima will visit our church. The arrival time of the statue is before our 9:00AM daily Mass. Veneration will begin after Mass and will be completed 5 minutes before the Chaplet to Divine Mercy at 3:00PM. More details will be announced next weekend. Please mark your calendar for this special event.

6. This weekend our second collection will be taken for Liability Insurance. We thank you in advance for your generous support.

Our Lady of Good Counsel Team

Fri, Aug 5, 2022 12:15 pm

 

1. Our Knights of Columbus are planning to have their first Karaoke Night of the year next Friday, August 12^th at 7:00PM at the parish hall. Tickets for entry with foods and refreshments are $10 only and are available for purchase at the door.

2. Next Fatima Mass in our church will be celebrated on Saturday, August 13 at 7:00PM. Following Mass, there will be outdoor procession and recitation of the Rosary in different languages.  A solemn Benediction with a Blessed Sacrament will conclude our celebration.

3. According to the latest update, the 2022 Bishop’s Ministries Appeal Campaign has reached 63% of its overall goal. When it comes to our parish, about 70 participants (30% of registered parishioners) have already submitted their one-time donations or pledges. We thank them and all who will join them soon for supporting this very important appeal.

4. This weekend our second collection will help us to ease the payments for the Diocesan Assessment. We thank you in advance for your generous support.

Our Lady of Good Counsel Team

Thu, Jul 28, 2022 2:13 pm

1. Due to the shortage of people who could help us with the Ministry Fair announced for this weekend, we will have to postpone this important event and have it done sometime in the month of August. More details will be announced next weekend.

2. This Sunday is the fifth Sunday of the month and our Knights of Columbus invite us to their Rosary Prayer at 2:30PM at the Grotto. Following the Rosary, there will be some refreshments (potluck style), so please come and join the Knights and their families. You may bring your favorite dish to share with others.

3. Beginning next week, all our daily devotions will take place immediately after, not during the 9:00 am Mass. This is the schedule of our devotions

* Tuesday – Prayers to St. Anthony

* Wednesday – Novena to Our Lady Mother of Perpetual Help,

* Thursday –  Prayers to St. Jude,

* First Friday of the month – Prayers to the Sacred Heart of Jesus,

* Other Fridays of the month – La Pieta Devotion.

* First Saturday – Novena to Our Lady of Good Counsel.

Only Monday morning will have no devotion.

4. This coming Friday, August 5^th is the first Friday of the month. Mass will be celebrated at 9:00am followed by the Prayers to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. At 3:00PM we will pray the Chaplet to Divine Mercy in the main church. Next day, August 6^th is the First Saturday of the month. Mass will be celebrated at 9:00am followed by Novena Prayers to Our Lady of Good Counsel.

5. This weekend our second collection is for St. Vincent de Paul Society that provides services to help the neighbors in need. We thank you in advance for your generous support.

Our Lady of Good Counsel Team

Fri, Jul 22, 2022 1:14 pm

1. Next Sunday, July 31^st is the fifth Sunday of the month and our Knights of Columbus invite us to join them in their Rosary Prayer at 2:30PM at the Grotto. Following the Rosary, there will be some refreshments so when you are planning to come, please bring some food to share with others.

2. Every time that we go to Mass we recognize that just the simple act of celebrating the Mass takes place because of the efforts of liturgical ministers such as  lectors, musicians, Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion, ushers, sacristans, acolytes and others. Each of these ministers finds joy in the role they fulfill at Mass. If you are not liturgical minister yet, we encourage you to consider volunteering at our parish. A Ministry Fair that will take place next weekend will give an opportunity to learn more about all of our liturgical ministries.

3. Once again, we are reminded that beginning next month, all our daily devotions will take place immediately after, not during the 9:00am Mass. A detailed schedule of the devotions will be announced one more time next weekend.

4. This weekend our second collection called “Ground Maintenance” will be taken to help us to keep our parish grounds clean and beautiful. We thank you in advance for your generous support.

Our Lady of Good Counsel Team

Fri, Jul 15, 2022 4:00 pm

1. Beginning next month, all our daily devotions will take place immediately after 9:00 am Mass.

Schedule as follows:

* Monday – No Devotion

* Tuesday – Prayers to St. Anthony

* Wednesday – Novena to Our Lady Mother of Perpetual Help

* Thursday –  Prayers to St. Jude

* First Friday of the month – Prayers to the Sacred Heart of Jesus

* Other Fridays of the month – La Pieta Devotion

* First Friday at 3pm – Novena to the Divine Mercy

* First Saturday – Novena to Our Lady of Good Counsel –  also after 9:00 am Mass.

2. Our Ministry Fair is only two weeks away. There will be an opportunity to learn more about all of our liturgical ministries. We need more volunteers to serve at our weekend’s and daily Masses.

3. This weekend’s second collection will be taken for the Archdiocese for the Military Services, USA. This special Archdiocese is responsible for providing the full range of pastoral ministries available in all other U.S. dioceses to those serving in the United States Army. We thank you in advance for your generous support.

Our Lady of Good Counsel Team

Fri, Jul 8, 2022 1:41 pm

 

1. We are blessed with many devotions that take place in our church. Since the beginning of the pandemic, some of them have been put on hold, others are coming back. Beginning next month, all our daily devotions such as Prayers to St. Anthony, St. Jude, Mother of Perpetual Help, Sacred Heart of Jesus or La Pieta will be brought back AFTER daily morning Mass. A detailed schedule of the devotions will be announced next weekend.

2. Our next Fatima Mass will be celebrated this coming Wednesday, July 13 at 7:00PM. Following Mass, there will be outdoor procession and recitation of the Rosary in different languages.  A solemn Benediction with a Blessed Sacrament will conclude our celebration.

3. We know the importance of holy water in our life. The use of holy water while making a sign of the cross reflects a renewal of our baptism, a cleansing of venial sins, as well as providing protection against evil.

Due to pandemic restrictions, the holy water fonts at the church doors have been shut down. It doesn’t mean that we don’t want to offer holy water in a secure manner. That’s why at the main entrance to the church you will find small touchless dispensers with holy water. These dispensers are not hand sanitizers. If you want to make a sign of the cross and use holy water, simply place your fingers under the dispenser for a second or so and drops of Holy Water will be dispensed. We thank Merlie Macasieb for providing the dispensers and maintaining them on a regular basis.

4. Each week brings us closer to our Ministry Fair that will take place on the last weekend of July in front of the main entrance to the church. There will be an opportunity to learn more about different liturgical ministries and sign up for one or more of your choice. Some refreshments will be served.

5. This weekend our second collection will be taken to ease our parish payment for the Liability Insurance that is quite substantial.  In advance, we thank you for your generous support.

Our Lady of Good Counsel Team

Fri, Jul 1, 2022 12:19 pm

1.  Alameda County has lifted their mandatory indoor face mask order effective Saturday, June 25^th. If you still want to wear your mask, you are more than welcome to do so. We thank you for your compliance as we continue to adjust to living with Covid.

2.  This weekend our second collection will be taken for the Diocesan Assessment to help us to ease the payments of $25,000 our parish is required to submit this year. In advance, we thank you for your generous support.

3.  We know that the priest leads the Mass, but it’s the parishioners who bring the Mass to life. From the Music, Lectors and Eucharistic Ministers to Ushers and Members of Environment Group, all these tasks are essential to the Mass and performed by parishioners like you. Thank you to all parishioners who volunteer their time and talents to lend a hand at our three weekend Masses. We need them more than ever.

On the last Saturday and Sunday of July, we will have a Ministry Fair in front of the main entrance to the church. There will be an opportunity to learn more about different liturgical ministries in our church. Some refreshments will be served.

4. This Monday is 4^thof July. Our parish office will be closed in observance of Independence Day.

Our Lady of Good Counsel Team

Fri, Jun 24, 2022 3:34 pm

1. We have an update on the postponed funeral service for Evelyn Davis who suddenly passed away on May 10^th at the age of 69. The viewing will begin at 9:00am at the Holy Sepulcher Cemetery in Hayward this coming Wednesday, June 29^th.  Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 1:00pm also at the Holy Sepulcher Cemetery. Evelyn was supporting our parish and other parishes with a generous heart. Let’s keep Evelyn and her family in our prayers. May she rest in peace.

2. This coming Friday, July 1^st is the first Friday of the month. Mass will be celebrated at 9:00am and our Adoration Chapel will be open till 6:00PM.

Next day, July 2^nd is the First Saturday of the month and we will have Mass also at 9:00am.

3.  If you still need “Today’s Missal” with Sunday readings and ‘The Order of Mass’, you can find it in our Parish Gift Shop. Your donation of $5 will cover the cost. Please remember to sign your booklet and keep it always with you whenever you come to Mass.

4. This weekend our second collection will be taken for the maintenance of our church grounds. In advance, we thank you for your generous support.

Our Lady of Good Counsel Team

Fri, Jun 17, 2022 4:48 pm

ADVANCE HAPPY FATHER’S DAY to all our fathers and those who play their role! 

We want to honor our fathers and express our gratitude for everything they’ve done to help us become who we are.

At the end of all Masses this weekend, special blessings will be given to all fathers. On the way out, at the main entrance, they will receive a symbolic gift as a token of our appreciation.

This weekend, our second collection will be taken for “Peter’s Pence” to support the Holy Father, Pope Francis’ charity works. We thank you in advance for your generous support.

Our Lady of Good Counsel Team

Fri, Jun 10, 2022 3:49 pm

 1. The Novena Masses for our fathers, living or deceased, will continue through the entire week until Sunday, June 19^th, when Father’s Day will be celebrated. During those Masses, we are asking our gracious God for a special blessing upon our living fathers and for the gift of eternal life for those who have already left this world.

 If you didn’t have a chance to include your father in the Novena Masses, you still can do it. Special forms are available at the main entrance to the church. Please return the form with the names today or as soon as you can.

 2. The new “Today’s Missals” with Sunday readings and ‘The Order of Mass’ are available after each Mass. Please approach Evelyn Bonito at the back of the church.  Also, you can find them in our Parish Gift Shop. Your donation of $5 will cover the cost. Please remember to sign your booklet and keep it always with you whenever you come to Mass.

 3.  Our next Fatima Mass will be celebrated this coming Monday, June 13 at 7:00PM. Following Mass, there will be outdoor procession and recitation of the Rosary in different languages.  A solemn Benediction with a Blessed Sacrament will conclude our celebration.

4. According to the newest update, the 2022 Bishop’s Ministry Appeal Campaign has reached 54% of its goal. When it comes to our parish, 44 participants have already submitted their one time donations or pledges. We thank them and all who will join them soon for supporting this very important appeal.

5. This weekend our second collection will be taken for the Liability Insurance. This collection helps us to ease the payment of $16,000 our parish faces each year. In advance, we thank you for your generous support.

Next weekend, our second collection will be dedicated to “Peter’s Pence” to support Pope Francis charity works.

Our Lady of Good Counsel Team

Fri, Jun 3, 2022 3:35 pm

1. The Viewing and the Funeral Mass for Evelyn Davis that was planned for this Saturday, June 4^th at St. Benedict Parish in Oakland HAVE BEEN POSTPONED until further notice. We will inform you about a new date when it becomes available to us. Please keep Evelyn and her family in your prayers.

2. This weekend we celebrate the Feast of Pentecost. When you come to the church, you may wear some red that symbolizes the Holy Spirit descending on the Apostles in a form of tongues of fire. This Sunday concludes the Easter Season.

3. Also this Sunday, our Knights of Columbus will have an installation of their newly elected officers for 2022-2023. The ceremony will take place at 1:30pm at the parish hall. Our congratulations and prayers to them and their family members!

4.  Every year we have Novena Masses dedicated to our fathers – living and deceased. This year’s Novena will begin next week, Friday, June 10^th and will continue until Father’s Day on June 19^th. In a few days, you will receive an email with a special form attached, so you can write the names of your father, grandfather, an uncle or someone else you would like to include into the Novena Masses.

5.  This weekend our second collection will be taken for the Diocesan Assessment. This collection helps us to ease the payment of $25,000 our parish faces each year. In advance, we thank you for your generous support.

Our Lady of Good Counsel Team

Fri, May 27, 2022 1:29 pm

1. This Sunday is the fifth Sunday of the month and our second collection will be taken for St. Vincent de Paul to provide necessary funds they greatly need to help the poorest members of our society. Also, on the same day, our Knights of Columbus will lead the Rosary Prayer at 2:30PM in the Grotto area. Together with the Knights and their families, we will pray for peace in the world, especially in Ukraine.

 

2. This Monday, May 30^th is a Memorial Day. We will have a daily Mass at 9:00am but our parish office will be closed.

3. This coming Friday, June 3^rd is the first Friday of the month. Mass will be celebrated at 9:00am and our Adoration Chapel will be open till 6:00PM.

Next day, June 4^th is the First Saturday of the month and Mass will be celebrated also at 9:00am.

4. Next weekend we will celebrate the Feast of Pentecost that concludes the Easter season. When you come to the church you may wear some red that symbolizes the tongues of fire described at the Acts of Apostles.

 

Thank you for your prayers and financial support.

Our Lady of Good Counsel Team

Fri, May 20, 2022 11:07 am

 

1. This Saturday, May 21st at 5:00pm Mass, eight children from our parish will receive their First Communion. We thank their parents and CCD teachers, especially Joan Alejandrino for helping them to come to the Eucharistic table. May this Sacrament help them to develop a strong relationship with Jesus as they continue their journey of faith.

2. According to the latest update, the 2022 Bishop’s Ministries Appeal Campaign has reached 37% of its overall goal. When it comes to our parish, about 30 participants (12% of registered parishioners) have already submitted their one time donations or pledges. We thank them and all who will join them soon for supporting this very important appeal.

3. This weekend, our second collection is for Ground Maintenance. It helps us to keep our parish grounds clean and beautiful. We thank you in advance for your generous support.

4. As we announced earlier, Evelyn Davis, suddenly passed away on May 10^th at the age of 69. She was supporting our parish and other parishes with a generous heart. Funeral Mass for Evelyn will be celebrated at St. Benedict Parish in Oakland on June 4^th at 1:00pm. Viewing will start at 8:00am also at St. Benedict. Let’s keep Evelyn and her family in our prayers.

 

“Eternal rest grant unto her O Lord and let perpetual light shine upon her. May she rest in peace.”

Thank you for your prayers and financial support.

Our Lady of Good Counsel Team

Fri, May 13, 2022 1:25 pm

1. This weekend, the second collection is for Catholic Charities of the East Bay. Your contributions enable the Catholic Church to be the largest provider of social services in the East Bay.

2. A week ago eight children from our parish had their First Confession. Next Saturday, May 21^st, at the 5pm Mass, they will be receiving their First Communion. Please keep them and their families in your prayers.

3. Last Monday, May 9th, our parishioner Ida Valenzuela passed away at age 83. A memorial Mass will be celebrated on May 26th at 11am here in the church. Let’s keep Ida and her entire family in our prayers.

4. Last Tuesday, May 10th, Evelyn Davis, also known as Glory V passed away at the age of 69. She is actively involved with our Fatima celebration. More details to follow for her service.

 

“Eternal rest grant unto them O Lord and let perpetual light shine upon them. May they rest in peace. Amen.”

Thank you for your continued prayers and financial support.

Our Lady of Good Counsel Team

Fri, May 6, 2022 3:57 pm

 

1. HAPPY AND BLESSED MOTHER’S DAY to all Mothers and those who play their role! When it comes to mothers, we can never outdo their love for us. They don’t expect much, just a simple, ’’Thank you, Mom, I love you,” will do. This weekend at the end of each Mass, mothers will receive a symbolic gift as a token of our appreciation.

2. This Saturday, May 7th at 2:00PM, three of our CCD students will receive the Sacrament of Confirmation at the Cathedral of Christ the Light in Oakland. Let’s keep them in our prayers.

3. This weekend, we will have our physical second collection for liability insurance.  Thank you for your support.

4. Next Friday, May 13th is the Feast of Our Lady of Fatima. We will have our daily Mass at 9:00AM and additionally at 7:00 PM. The evening Mass will be followed by the outdoor procession and the Rosary recited in different languages. After the procession, there will be solemn Benediction with the Blessed Sacrament inside the church. Fatima Masses will be celebrated on the 13th of each month until October.  Please join us as we pray for peace in the world, especially in Ukraine.

5. We thank 23 households from our parish for submitting their pledges or one time donations to 2022 Bishop’s Ministries Appeal.  We know that others will join them soon so we will be able to meet or even surpass our parish goal that is the same as last year – $9,800.

 

Thank you for your prayers and financial support.

Our Lady of Good Counsel Team

Thu, Apr 28, 2022 5:43 pm

1. Friday, May 6^th is the first Friday of the month. Mass will be celebrated at 9:00am and our Adoration Chapel will be open till 6:00pm. Next day is the First Saturday of the month and Mass will be celebrated at 9:00am.

2. On Saturday, May 7^th at 2:00pm, three young students from our parish will receive a Sacrament of Confirmation at the Cathedral of Christ the Light in Oakland. Let’s keep them and their families in our prayers.

3. Sunday, May 8^th is Mother’s Day. We will honor our Mothers, living and deceased. The Novena Masses for our mothers will continue through the entire week until Mother’s Day. If you haven’t done yet and would like to include your Mom in the Novena Masses, you still can do it. Additional forms are available at the main entrance to the church.  Please return the form with the names as soon as you can.

4. Beginning next weekend, we are resuming our second collection following immediately the first one. We thank you for your generous support for our parish and all other charities.

5. According to the latest report from the Diocese, 10 households from our parish have already submitted their pledges or one-time donations to the 2022 Bishop’s Ministries Appeal.  We hope that others will join them soon. On behalf of our Bishop, Michael Barber, we thank all participants for supporting Bishop’s Appeal and all its ministries. Only together we will make this Appeal a great success.

Thank you for your prayers and financial support.

Our Lady of Good Counsel Team

Fri, Apr 22, 2022 6:05 pm

1. Even though this Saturday is NOT the first Saturday of the month, we will have Mass at 9:00 AM followed by the Novena Prayers to the Divine Mercy and to Our Lady of Good Counsel. The last Novena to our Beloved Patroness will take place Monday after morning Mass.

2. This Sunday, April 24^th at 8:00AM, we will continue the Novena Prayers to Our Lady of Good Counsel.

The last Novena Prayers to the Divine Mercy will take place this Sunday, 15 minutes before 3:00PM at the Grotto where the Chaplet of Divine Mercy will be recited. Please join us as we ask the Lord to “have mercy on us and on the whole world.”

3. The Feast of Our Lady of Good Counsel is this Tuesday, April 26^th. Mass will be celebrated at 9:00am in the church.  Please join us as we thank God for our Blessed Mother who constantly intercedes for us, her spiritual children.

4. This coming Friday, April 29^th at 9:00am, we will begin Novena Masses for our beloved mothers, living or deceased. In a few days, you will receive an email with a special form attached, so you can write the name of your mom, grandma, an aunt or someone else you would like to include into the Novena Masses.

We thank you for your prayers and financial support.

Our Lady of Good Counsel Team

Fri, Apr 15, 2022 4:01 pm

1. Tonight,the Good Friday Liturgy called “The Passion of the Lord” with Veneration of the Cross and the Holy Communion will begin at 7:30PM. Tomorrow, Easter Vigil will also begin at 7:30PM. There will be NO regular Saturday Mass at 5:00PM.

2. On Easter Sunday, we will have Early Dawn Mass with outdoor Procession at 5:00 am. We will also have two regular Sunday Masses, one at 9:00am and the last one at 11:00.

3. Divine Mercy Novena will begin on Holy Saturday at 3:00PM in Adoration Chapel. It will continue on Easter Sunday at 3:00PM also in the chapel and next it will be moved to the main church for the entire week after 9:00AM daily Mass. Finally, on Divine Mercy weekend, Novena will conclude in Adoration Chapel at 3:00PM.

4. We are truly grateful to all who have generously shared their time, treasures and talents to make our liturgies beautiful and prayerful. Our sincere thanks to all our Musicians, Lectors, Acolytes, Eucharistic Ministers, Knights of Columbus, and those who decorated our church so beautifully under the direction of Ronnie Ramos. We also thank Mike Nario for providing zooming for our liturgical services.

Sincere thanks to all who participate in our liturgies, who donated Easter flowers and support our parish on a regular basis.

As our Easter celebrations continue, let us be mindful of the fact that throughout this wonderful Season, we celebrate the reality of the Lord’s resurrection, its meaning, and its impact on our lives and this troubled world. May the Glory of our Risen Savior bring to us and to the world a new hope and much needed peace.

Happy and Blessed Easter!

Sincerely yours in Christ,

Fr. Jan Rudzewicz, Pastor

Evelyn Bonito, Business Manager   

Fri, Apr 8, 2022 6:12 pm

1. Many thanks to those who helped to organize the palm branches and decorations.

2. New “Today’s Missals” are available in the parish gift shop and before and after all weekend’s Masses in the church. Your donation of $5.00 will cover the cost. Please remember to sign your booklet and keep it with you whenever you come to Mass.

3. Our Lenten Season is quickly coming to an end. This Thursday, April 14^th, we begin the Sacred Triduum – Holy Thursday, followed by Good Friday and Holy Saturday. It is a three-day COMMEMORATION of the Passion of our Lord. Each of these days has its own distinctive character and is of equal importance, so please come and celebrate with us.

4. The main Liturgies on Holy Thursday, Good Friday and Easter Vigil on Holy Saturday will begin at 7:30PM. They will also be available via Zoom.

5. During the Holy Triduum, in place of our regular morning Masses at 9:00, we will have Morning Prayers.

6. On Holy Thursday at 11:00AM, we will need some volunteers, a few men who will help us to install the crosses on our parking lot. The outdoor Stations of the Cross will begin at 1:30PM on Good Friday with the statue of Black Nazarene being carried from station to station.

7. Divine Mercy Novena will begin on Holy Saturday at 3:00PM in Adoration Chapel. It will continue on Easter Sunday at 3:00PM also in the chapel and next it will be moved to the main church for the entire week after 9:00AM daily Mass. Finally, on Divine Mercy weekend, Novena will conclude in Adoration Chapel at 3:00PM.

8. On Easter Sunday at 5:00am, we will have Early Dawn Mass with Procession. Our regular Sunday Masses will be celebrated at 9:00am and 11:00am.  Easter Sunday Mass at 11:00 will be available via Zoom.

More detailed program for the Holy Triduum and Easter Sunday has been printed in the attached Electronic Bulletin and is also available in the vestibule at the main entrance to the church.

Thank you and Have a Blessed Holy Week!

Our Lady of Good Counsel Team

Fri, Apr 1, 2022 5:21 pm

1. Please join us as we pray the Stations of the Cross each Friday of Lent right after our morning Mass at 9:00, inside the church.

2. Next Sunday is already Palm Sunday and the beginning of the Holy Week.

We will need some help with preparation of the palm leaves to be blessed.

This Tuesday, we are planning to bring big palm branches for decorating our church. On Thursday, April 7th, following our 9am Mass, we will be striping palm leaves from some of the branches to have them ready for blessing on Palm Sunday. We need volunteers to help us to do that. Please bring your small cutters or scissors and your own favorite gloves with you. Thank you in advance for your help.

 3. The new Today’s Missals with Sunday readings and the Order of Mass are available in the vestibule after each Mass. Also, you can find them in our Parish Gift Shop. Your donation of $5.00 will cover the cost. Please remember to sign your booklet and keep it with you whenever you come to Mass.

4. As we announced last weekend, the Knights of Columbus provide financial protection to its members and their families through exclusive insurances and retirement programs. This Sunday at the end of 9am and 11am Masses, Jose Javier, who is the local agent of Knights of Columbus will share with us more information on this topic

Thank you and may God bless you and your families.

Our Lady of Good Counsel Team

Fri, Mar 25, 2022 3:38 pm

1. We thank those of you who submitted your responses for the Synodal Questionnaire. In a few days, our office will forward them to the Diocese.

2. Some of you ask where we collect the small Rice Bowl boxes with Lenten donations. You can drop them into the plastic container located in the vestibule.

3. This coming Friday, April 1^st at 7:00PM is our Parish Lenten Reconciliation Service. We will have 4 priests helping us with confessions.  Please don’t miss this opportunity and be reconciled with God and with one another for the upcoming Easter.

4. For the safety of all of us, security cameras have been installed outside and inside our parish buildings including church, adoration chapel and the parish hall.  During these challenging times, they can help protect our congregation and record any illegal activities outside and inside the church buildings. We want to make our place a safe haven for all of us.

5. Since 1882, the Knights of Columbus has been providing financial protection to its members and their families. These are exclusive insurances and retirement programs that are available to every Catholic man and his family. We will be offering these programs to the parishioners of Our Lady of Good Counsel to help protect you, and your loved ones from any financial concerns.

Thank you and may God bless you and your families.

Our Lady of Good Counsel Team

Fri, Mar 18, 2022 6:53 pm

 

1. Last Friday we received an email from the Bishop’s Office saying: (quote)

 “In the context of the tragic events in Ukraine, Pope Francis has written the US Conference of Catholic Bishops, asking all bishops and their priests to join in an Act of Consecration of Russia and Ukraine to the Immaculate Heart of Mary on the Feast of the Annunciation, March 25.

We look forward to participating in this initiative of prayer and mercy for Ukraine together with all the faithful of the world. While we await final details on how the Holy Father desires our participation in this Act of Consecration, let us continue to pray for peace”. (The end of quote)

 2. We are still collecting your responses for the Synodal Questions asked by our Diocese.  If you have not done so yet, please bring your responses ASAP. Next week our parish office has to submit them to the Diocese. Those of you, who still need the Questionnaire Forms will find them in the vestibule.

3. Starting this Sunday, March 20th, we will be going back to in person CCD classes. For the safety of your children and catechists, we kindly request that masks continue to be worn indoors by all students. 

4. Each Friday of Lent, we pray the Stations of the Cross right after the 9:00 AM Mass inside the church. Please join us.

5.  As it has been announced earlier, we will have our Parish Lenten Reconciliation service on Friday, April 1^st at 7:00PM.  Please mark your calendar and share this information with your family members and friends.

6. This weekend we will have a second collection for the Catholic Relief Services taken immediately after the first collection. This special collection supports many people who are in great need in our Diocese. Special envelopes are still available in the pews. Thank you for your generosity.

May the Lord bless you and your loved ones.

Our Lady of Good Counsel Team

Fri, Mar 11, 2022 3:52 pm

1.This coming Sunday, March 13th, we begin Daylight Saving Time. It means that we move our clocks ahead one hour. Practically speaking, we will lose one hour of sleep.

2. We thank all who have already returned the responses for the Synodal Questions asked by our Diocese.  If you have not done it yet, please bring your responses as soon as possible. We need them for the parish report that has to be submitted to the Diocese soon. Those of you, who did not participate in the Listening Sessions two weeks ago, may take the Questionnaire Form today from the vestibule.

3. Each Friday of Lent, we pray the Stations of the Cross immediately after 9:00 Mass. Everybody is welcome.

4. Please mark your calendar for our Parish Lenten Reconciliation Service that is planned for Friday, April 1^st at 7:00PM.

5. Next weekend, our second collection will be taken for the Catholic Relief Services that support many charities here in our Diocese and beyond. Special envelopes are available in the pews.

Thank you and God bless you!

Our Lady of Good Counsel Team

Fri, Mar 4, 2022 4:08 pm

1. We thank all who participated in Synodal Listening Sessions held in our church last weekend. If you haven’t returned your responses for the key questions asked at the session, please do so ASAP. We need them for the parish report that has to be submitted to the diocese in two weeks. Those of you who did not participate in the Sessions last weekend, please take home the questionnaire form today and write down your suggestions. Forms are available in the vestibule.

2. Each Friday of Lent, we pray the Stations of the Cross here in the church following the 9:00 am Mass. Please join us as we practice this powerful Lenten devotion together.

3. We are planning to have our Parish Lenten Reconciliation Service on Friday, April 1^st at 7:00PM.Please mark your calendar

4. Each year, Catholic Relief Services promote a Lenten program called “Rice Bowl”. This program invites us to partake in Lenten almsgiving. Our donations will support St. Vincent the Paul and other groups that are working to alleviate hunger in our Diocese and beyond. Rice Bowl boxes are available in the vestibule. Please take one or more home and bring them back along with your donations before Easter Sunday.

5. And the final announcement is about the 2022 Bishop’s Appeal. Its name has been changed to “Bishop’s Ministries Appeal”. Last year our parish did well and we hope that this year we will do even better. The goal for our parish remains the same as last year – $9.800.

If you are not coming to Mass this weekend, please watch a video message from our Bishop Michael Barber by clicking the following link: https://vimeo.com/681545594

Thank you and God bless you!

Our Lady of Good Counsel Team

Sat, Feb 26, 2022 8:16 am

1. This coming Wednesday, March 2^ND is already Ash Wednesday and the beginning of Lent. Masses with a distribution of ashes will be celebrated at 9:00AM and 7:00 PM.

2. In preparation for the Lenten Season, the Assumption Parish of San Leandro will hold 5 online sessions called “A Biblical Walk Through The Passion of Our Lord Jesus Christ”. A video presentation will be followed by reflection and a small group discussion on how Christ’s passion applies to our life’s circumstances. More details and the registration form can be found in the last edition of our Electronic Bulletin.

3. This Friday, March 4^TH, is the first Friday of the month. Following 9:00AM daily Mass, we will have Stations of the Cross here in the church. This ancient but powerful Lenten devotion will take place each Friday morning after 9:00 AM Mass.There will be NO Stations of the Cross in the evening.

4. This coming Saturday, March 5^TH, is the First Saturday of the month. Mass will be celebrated at 9:00AM.

5. Christine Macasieb, daughter of our parishioner Merlie Macasieb suddenly passed away on February 5^th at the age of 37. Vigil service for Christine will be held this Wednesday (Ash Wednesday) at 5:00PM at Grissom’s Mortuary in San Lorenzo. Funeral Mass will be celebrated this coming Thursday, March 3rd at 10:30 AM here in our church.  Let’s keep Christine, her mother Merlie, her brother Michael and the entire family in our prayers.

Eternal rest grant unto her, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon her. Her soul and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.

6.  Following our last week’s announcements, this weekend after each Mass, we are having Listening Sessions for all Mass participants at Our Lady of Good Counsel Church. There will be NO regular final blessing. Instead, we will have an exposition of the Blessed Sacrament and the opportunity for a short private prayer. Next, there will be a final blessing with the Blessed Sacrament followed by a discussion in small groups which will hopefully help us answer the questions sent to us by the Diocesan Synod Core Team. So, please do not leave the church yet. In advance, we thank you for your extra time and participation.

Thank you and God bless you!

Our Lady of Good Counsel Team

Fri, Feb 18, 2022 11:52 am

1. Last week we received from the Chancery the final results of the 2021 Bishop’s Appeal. As of January 31^st this campaign has reached 93% of its goal. When it comes to our parish, 103 participants (35% of registered parishioners) have submitted their one time donations or pledges. Because of their sacrificial generosity WE HAVE SURPASSED our parish goal and nine thousand dollars will return to our parish. It is REALLY A GREAT SUCCESS and our small parish can be proud of it.

We thank ALL who participated and supported the 2021 Bishop’s Appeal. We also thank Evelyn Bonito, our business manager for helping make this effort the success it has become.

2. This coming Friday, February 25^th at 11:00am we will have a memorial Mass for our parishioner, Alex Madonado who passed away on January 17^th at the age of 80. Let’s keep Alex, his wife Wandee and the entire family in our prayers.

3. Following the directions of Alameda/Contra Costa Counties and California Department of Public Health, individuals who are vaccinated are not required to wear a mask indoors. Anyone who is unvaccinated must continue to wear a mask indoors. Those who are vaccinated and still want to wear masks, they may do so. The Sign of Peace should still be exchanged without physical contact, except for family members. The distribution of the Precious Blood is still not authorized by the Diocese.

4. And the final announcement is about the Synod.

Our Holy Father, Pope Francis is asking Catholics to recall their experiences and discern the voice of the Holy Spirit and where it is leading them. In order to do it, special “Synodal Listening Sessions” have to be conducted.

Some of our parish organizations and ministries will have a listening session for their members but to reach out to the majority of our parishioners who are not involved in any group, we are planning to have listening sessions that will be conducted next weekend, February 26-27^th after each Mass. Please make sure that you can stay a little bit longer after the weekend Mass and participate in the listening session. More details on this topic have been printed in the attached electronic bulletin.

Thank you and God bless you!

Our Lady of Good Counsel Team

Fri, Feb 11, 2022 2:50 pm

 

1. Next weekend, we will have a second collection dedicated to the Catholic Communication Campaign. This campaign helps the Church spread the Gospel message in the U.S. and in developing countries using modern media tools to inform, inspire, and enlighten. Half of all donations will stay in our Diocese to support our local communications needs, such as the Catholic Voice and other diocesan publications.

2. Last weekend at all Masses, we presented a short video message from our Bishop Barber on the opening Synod followed by the message from Fr. Jimmy Macalinao, a Diocesan representative on Synod. This weekend, we continue watching this video presentation where other Synod Core Team members are inviting us to participate in a synodal process. We will hear a short message in Spanish, followed by messages from Diocesan Coordinator of the Youth Ministry and representatives of the families encouraging us to be involved. At the end, our Vicar General will address a few words to all of us.

Next weekend, we will announce details regarding the listening sessions we are planning to have in our church for the weekend Mass participants.

If you are not planning to come to the church this weekend, please click the link and watch the second half of the video:  https://vimeo.com/651681877

Thank you and God bless you!

Our Lady of Good Counsel Team

1.     Next Friday, February 11^th is the Feast of Our Lady of Lourdes.  Pope Saint John Paul II designated this day as World Day of the Sick. Rosary for the sick will begin at 8:30am followed by Mass at 9:00am.

2.     As we announced earlier, last October our Holy Father, Pope Francis, opened the Synod that will conclude next year in Rome. Synod is a process where groups and individuals from parishes, schools and Catholic organizations prayerfully discern and explore their relationship with the Church and our Lord Jesus Christ.

This weekend, at the end of all Masses, we will present a short video message from our Bishop Barber on the opening Synod followed by the message from Fr. Jimmy Macalinao, a Diocesan representative on Synod who will tell us how to get involved in the Synod process.

In our parish, soon we will have listening sessions dedicated to the Synod. These sessions will be conducted within the Liturgical ministries, prayer groups, parish organizations, CCD teachers and Confirmation students. We are also planning to have listening sessions for weekend Mass participants.

If you are not planning to come to the church this weekend, please watch the following videos by clicking the link below:

https://vimeo.com/646601142

https://vimeo.com/651681877

 

Thank you and God bless you!

Our Lady of Good Counsel Team

Fri, Jan 28, 2022 2:30 pm

1. This Sunday, January 30th,  is the fifth Sunday of the month and our Knights of Columbus will have their Rosary Prayer at 2:30PM inside the parish hall. You are invited to join them and their families as together we pray for peace in the world, especially in Eastern Europe, and for the end of this pandemic.

2. This Monday, January 31^st, is the Feast of Saint John Bosco, founder of the Salesian Religious Order dedicated to educating youth. On this special day, we want to remember in our prayers all Salesians who help our parish, especially Fr. Joseph Boenzi, a professor of Theology at Dominican School in Berkeley. May the Lord bless them with many vocations as they thank God for their founder.

3. Those of you, who still need a statement of your financial contributions to our church in 2021 can stop at the vestibule after Mass and talk to Evelyn, our Business Manager. We thank you for your donations that make our pastoral ministry possible.

4. This coming Thursday, February 3^rd, is a commemoration of St. Blaise, Bishop and Martyr. At the end of our regular 9:00 am Mass, we will have a special blessing of the throats.

5. This Friday is the first Friday of the month of February. Mass will be celebrated at 9:00am and our Adoration Chapel will be open till 6:00PM. Next day is the First Saturday of the month and Mass will also be celebrated at 9:00am.

6. Last October, Pope Francis formally opened a two-year process preparing the Universal Church for a Synod that will take place in 2023 in Rome. The Pope wants every member of the Church to participate in this preparation. According to the Holy Father (quote) “the purpose of the synod is not to produce documents but to plant dreams, draw forth visions, allow hope to flourish, inspire trust, bind up wounds, learn from one another and create a bright resourcefulness that will enlighten minds, warm hearts, and give strength to our hands”(unquote).

In our parish, we will have Listening Sessions conducted in person or through the internet. Next month, we will invite our Liturgical Ministries, Prayer Groups, Knights of Columbus and our Youth to be a part of these sessions. The collected data will be submitted to the diocesan synod committee for the analysis. The summary of these analyses will be forwarded to the Vatican for the General Assembly. More information on this topic can be found in the attached Electronic Bulletin.

Thank you and God bless you!

Our Lady of Good Counsel Team

Fri, Jan 21, 2022 2:42 pm

1. Many of our parishioners and friends have already seen the powerful exhibit called “Eucharistic Miracles”. They occurred in different places in the world. We have been told that this exhibit can stay in our parish hall over this weekend.When you see the exhibit, your heart will be moved and your faith in the real presence of Jesus in the Eucharist will be strengthened.

2. Those of you who would like to receive a statement of your 2021 financial contributions to our church can stop by at the vestibule after Mass and talk to Evelyn, our Business Manager. Most of the statements have already been printed and are ready to be picked up. More can be generated according to our financial records. We thank you for supporting our pastoral ministry in these unprecedented times.

3. Our First Communion and Confirmation classes are conducted via Zoom only. We ask our CCD students and their parents to keep checking the emails with the link to online classes.

4. St. Felicitas Catholic School is now accepting applications for the 2022-2023 school year. They have outstanding teachers committed to providing a nurturing environment that fosters the growth of the whole child and inspires students to reach their God-given potential. They provide a full day preschool program for 3 year olds and Transitional Kindergarten to Eighth Grade. For more information, please talk to Sr. Faustina Pham, Principal of the school, who will be available after each Mass this weekend in our church vestibule.

Thank you and God bless you!

Our Lady of Good Counsel Team

Thu, Jan 13, 2022 11:45 am

1. As we announced last week, our second collection this weekend will be taken to support seminarians studying for the Diocese of Oakland. If you are planning to donate a check, kindly make it payable to Our Lady of Good Counsel and notate “Seminary Collection” on the memo line. We thank you in advance for your generous support.

2. This Sunday, January 16^th, we will have Fiesta Celebration dedicated to Santo Niño. Special prayers will begin at 2:30pm followed by indoor Mass at 3:00PM. Immediately after Mass, there will be a procession with the statue of Santo Niño outside the church. Sharing the brown bags with some food will conclude our celebration.

3. Due to surging cases of Omicron Covid Variant, our CCD First Communion and Confirmation classes are conducted via Zoom until further notice. We ask students and their parents to keep checking their e-mails from the CCD teachers inviting them to class over the Zoom.

4. According to the Pew Research Center studies, 70% U.S. Catholics believe that the bread and wine at Mass remain only a “symbol” of the Body and Blood of Jesus even after Consecration. Holy Eucharist is a great mystery of God’s love and mercy. What really matters is NOT WHAT we receive, but WHO we receive – Jesus Himself, the fullness of His Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity.

Last Thursday, we received more than a hundred big posters printed out of the 150 plus Eucharistic miracles recorded around the world. Looking at these pictures is like witnessing the miracles unfolding before our eyes. It helps to build up our faith and experience Jesus’ love which knows no measure and is beyond understanding. Please take advantage and go to the parish hall after Mass to see this exhibit at no cost. Also, please tell your family members and friends so they can come and see it. The “Traveling Tabernacle” exhibit will be open in our parish hall every day until Wednesday, January 19th. Your heart will be moved and your faith will be strengthened.

Thank you for being God’s extended hands to our Parish and to our Diocese.

Our Lady of Good Counsel Team

Fri, Jan 7, 2022 5:51 pm

1. This Sunday, the liturgical Christmas Season comes to its conclusion with the celebration of the Baptism of the Lord. Our beautiful Christmas decorations will be taken down. We thank Ronnie Ramos and all his helpers for providing the decorations to our church. This Monday is already the beginning of First Week in Ordinary Time.

2. Because the outside temperature is quite low, the 11:00 AM Sunday Mass is celebrated INSIDE the church. We don’t want our priests to get cold. For those of you who prefer to be in a larger and less crowded space, we recommend our parish hall where 11:00 am Mass is projected on a big screen. If you still want to be outside, you may participate in this Mass through your car radio. Just dial FM 100.1. Holy Communion will be distributed to all indoor and outdoor participants. As you know, this particular Mass is also available via Zoom. For the zooming details please see the front page of our Electronic Parish Bulletin.

3. This Sunday, January 9th, we will have Fiesta Celebration dedicated to Black Nazarene. Special prayers will begin at 2:30pm followed by indoor Mass at 3:00PM. Immediately after Mass, there will be a procession with the statue of Black Nazarene to the parking lot. Distribution of the brown bags with some food will conclude our celebration.We thank Linnio and Evelyn Davis for sponsoring this celebration.

4. Our longtime parishioner, Christina Halog, passed away on December 31st. Vigil Prayers for Christina will take place this coming Thursday, January 13th at 6:00PM at Grissom’s Mortuary in San Lorenzo. Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Friday, January 14th at 10:00 AM here at Our Lady of Good Counsel. Let’s keep Christina and her family in our prayers. May she rest in peace.

5. The Diocese of Oakland is currently blessed with 12 seminarians preparing for the priesthood. The cost of educating one seminarian is about $50,000 per year and your help is needed. Next weekend, our second collection will be dedicated to the financial support of these seminarians.

For your convenience, special envelopes have been placed in the pews. Please take some home and when you are planning to donate a check, kindly make it payable to Our Lady of Good Counsel and notate “Seminary Collection” on the memo line. Please be generous.

Thank you for being God’s extended hands to our Parish and to our Diocese.

Our Lady of Good Counsel Team

Fri, Dec 31, 2021 5:40 pm

1. If the weather allows us, our 11:00 AM Sunday Mass will be celebrated outside. Those of you who would like to be indoor, we will have chairs available in the parish hall.

2. It is really hard to believe that another year has passed us by. As we begin a New Year, we thank God for helping us to go through the challenging year of 2021. We also thank you, parishioners and friends of Our Lady of Good Counsel Church who have put time, effort and financial resources to help our Parish continue its mission of building God’s Kingdom locally and beyond our parish boundaries.

3. This Saturday, January 1st is the Solemnity of Mary, The Holy Mother of God. It is NOT a holy day of obligation. Because it is also the 1st Saturday of the month, we will have morning Mass at 9:00 dedicated to the Blessed Mother. Mass at 5:00pm will already be the Vigil of the Feast of the Epiphany.

4. Our Parish Christmas Giving Tree Project was very successful. You can still drop your donations in the donation box in front of the Christmas tree. Our donated funds will support the poor people in the Philippines.

We wish you a Blessed and Peaceful New Year!

Manigong Bagong Taon sa Inyong Lahat!

Our Lady of Good Counsel Team