Best Church Oakland Near Me

4worldlovers:
We are so delighted that you have joined us today!. My hope is that you find our website informative, our worship services uplifting & meaningful and the people warm and engaging.

Allen Temple has over 40 active wholistic ministries committed to serving the least, the lost and the left out. In addition, we believe we are called to fulfill the mission given to us in Matthew 28:18-20.


If you are looking for a place to call home, to grow spiritually and connect with others, It would be our pleasure to be your church family and have you join us in service to God and God's people.


For more information about who we are, please take the time to peruse the sections of this website.


Well, here we are. In the middle of Holy Week, just days away from Resurrection Sunday! It has certainly been a journey from Ash Wednesday to what religious history refers to as "Spy Wednesday". Yes, you read it right. The reference is based on Luke 22:3-6. Some scholars believe that today, over 1900 years ago:


Then Satan entered into Judas called Iscariot, who was one of the twelve; he went away and conferred with the chief priests and officers of the temple police about how he might betray him to them. They were greatly pleased and agreed to give him money. So he consented and began to look for an opportunity to betray him to them when no crowd was present. Luke 22:3-6 NRSV. Judas spent this week looking for a good time to turn Jesus in.


I must admit, I am always struck by the beginning of verse 3, then Satan entered into Judas. What? How is that even possible? Judas was personally selected by Jesus to follow him. Judas walked with Jesus and witnessed the many miracles he performed first hand. When Jesus sent the Disciples out and equipped them with the power to heal and cast out demons, Judas received his portion. Judas heard the teachings on the hillside and in the synagogue. He was present for the most private moments and was even entrusted as the designated financial officer of the ministry. What do you mean Satan entered Judas? How did Judas end up here? Time and space will not allow me to explore the many theories that have been postulated throughout history. But please allow me to offer one possibility.


Our time together these past few weeks have been about a process of intentionally pausing to "hear Christ" in hopes of being more like Christ in our daily lives: Centering Down. Moreover, we highlighted the obstacles that can hinder this process and the disciplines designed to help fuel it. There is one more that we must consider. This one helps me make sense of Judas in Jesus' day and the Judas that lives in each of us. SURRENDER, the act of giving to the influence or authority of another. Surrender is the most difficult and perhaps the most important of the disciplines. Mainly, because it requires a crucifixion of our own. Our will, our expectations, our desired outcomes, our reasoning and so many other things must remain malleable on this journey.


I can imagine Judas must have been supremely disappointed and probably disillusioned by the idea that his notion of kingdom and freedom would not be realized. I am sure he must have been even a bit angry that the revolution he hoped for would not be televised. But rather than engaging in his own Garden of Gethsemane experience and reaching a place of surrender, he was driven to see his vision come to pass by any means necessary. And whenever we decide our will, plan, perspective, or understanding is greater than God's, whenever we refuse to give in to the influence and authority of God - Satan can and will enter in.


I read a headline a few days ago that I never thought I would see. Did you see it? It said, "Trump surrenders to face historic charges...He will turn himself in if indicted". It's Holy Week and you've still got time. Turn Yourself In...Surrender Voluntarily!

4worldlovers:
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Thank you for celebrating with us! ¡Gracias por celebrar con nosotros!

One mile down the street southeast from St. Jarlath Catholic Church is International Boulevard, the heart of Fruitvale District, where Hispanic culture has been strongly preserved and you can go “taco-hopping” in Oakland’s highest density of taco food trucks. In the other direction, just across the street from the parish parking lot begins the Dimond District. This area boasts of the city’s annual “Oaktoberfest” and native trees in quiet residential neighborhoods, while simultaneously growing with a refreshing urban vibe, taquerias, and mural art.

Nestled in such a dynamic locale and containing great potential as a faith community, St. Jarlath Catholic Church is a source of hope for the Capuchin Franciscans of the Western America Province of Our Lady of Angels. This is a historic moment, as it will be the first time that the friars will assume the pastoral care of a parish in the Diocese of Oakland.

Parishioners include 1,032 registered households or 3,096 registered individuals. They are ethnically diverse, identifying as at least one of 10 different nationalities represented in the parish, many of whom are Latino.

Personally, as I am about to become the new pastor of the parish beginning August 1, 2022, I think of how I can be of service to the 50.3% of surveyed parishioners who agree that “religion should play a major role in shaping social morality” (Oakland Diocese, ReligiousInsite Report 2021). I am humbled to be entrusted to their spiritual care. I am also praying for the Holy Spirit’s guidance to shepherd the other 49.7% who have yet to see how a relationship with Jesus Christ is integrated into every aspect of our lives.

With this hopeful future in mind for the parish, I offer my vision: that St. Jarlath Catholic Church is a place to believe, belong, and bless.

Be enlightened and formed by the beauty of our Catholic faith


Have a home in a vibrant community that nourishes and accompanies you

Be the holy presence of God for others and bring the Good News of Jesus Christ to the world in need


Whether it be through our faith formation program, Sunday liturgies, celebration of the Sacraments, or even casual conversations, I pray that I, along with the Capuchins Franciscans, will serve the parish community as “brothers of the people” (a name that the early friars were affectionately called). I invite you, parishioners and other supporters alike, to allow us to accompany you as lesser brothers, offering the unique gift of our Capuchin charism. Thus, together, come closer to the love of God and the love of our neighbor.


With this same hope in Christ, I also humbly ask you to please consider being a part of our mission at St. Jarlath’s. Your presence in the pews, efforts to clean or decorate the church, service as volunteer catechists or musicians, technical skill to update our parish website, helping hand for painting or remodeling projects, financial gifts, or whatever contribution that is great or small, can be instrumental in making our parish community a loving place to believe, belong, and bless.