Ministries of Community Spirit
AFRICAN AMERICAN COMMITTEE
This group promotes awareness of the Catholic African American culture, fosters understanding and respect of cultural differences, and works for the unity in the diversity of the parish through parish liturgies, social events and fundraisers. They meet the first Monday of each month in the Conference Room.
Deacon Thom McGowan (707) 557-4039
BRAZILIAN COMMUNITY
This group supports the Catholic Portuguese speaking community especially Brazilians and integrates them into the parish community. They provide a Portuguese Mass at 5:30 p.m. each Sunday with Fr. Antonio Reyes. They also sponsor Portuguese ministries, social events and fundraisers.
Jose Freitas (510) 232-4328
LUNAR NEW YEAR CELEBRATION
Once a year this group organizes a special Mass with a lunar new year theme. It has a traditional lion dance at the end and is followed by a luncheon. For the Chinese, Vietnamese and Korean parishioners, this is a time to share the pride of their heritage and to extend their hospitality to the rest of the parish community.
Olivia Wong (510) 233-1088
NIGERIAN YAM FESTIVAL
This group organizes the yearly Nigerian Yam Festival that includes a Mass liturgy followed by food and fun.
Fr. Ray Ogbemure (510) 232-5659
OUR LADY OF GUADALUPE COMMITTEE
This group organizes the Festival of Our Lady of Guadalupe the Saturday prior to Christmas. It also prepares tomales and sells them as a fundraiser.
Frances and Everado Martin (510) 234-3152
SAN LORENZO RUIZ DE MANILA GROUP
This group provides spiritual and Filipino cultural awareness with celebrations for Flores de Mayo, Feast of San Lorenzo Ruiz de Manila and Simbang Gabi (Christmas novena). It also supports the parish through special events and fundraisers. They have a potluck meeting the third Friday of each month in the Community Center.
Bernie Juat, Jr. (510) 526-5828
YLI (YOUNG LADIES INSTITUTE)
This group is a sisterhood of Catholic women that strives to live out Catholic ideals and spirit. They assist members in times of need, foster moral, mental and social advancement, and serve the greater community as Christ asks us. They support various events / organizations including the G.R.I.P. Winter Shelter, G.R.I.P. Harmony Walk, St. John’s parish, St. Jerome’s parish, the Carmelite nuns and the Camron School for the Handicapped. Meetings are the second and fourth Tuesday’s of each month at 7:30 p.m. in St. Jerome’s, El Cerrito, Rohan Hall.
Elizabeth Oishi-Comly 527-8757
