Berkeley Parents Network: St. Augustine Church

Berkeley Parents Network

St. Augustine Church

Berkeley Parents Network > Reviews > Religious & Spiritual > St. Augustine Church

Jan 2006

I didn't read your original post, but wanted to add to the list of suggested places to check out. St. Augustine Church on Alcatraz near College Ave. in Oakland is a friendly, welcoming community with a great music program, inspiring pastor, and a beautiful worship space. While it's a Catholic church, many parisheners are of mixed faith backgrounds (my husband is Jewish and I'm Catholic.) We also have a number of gay families who are unconditionally welcomed there. Children attend religion classes before the 10:30 mass while their parents meet in the rectory for lively theological discussions. Children who enjoy music can join the Catholic Kid Band to sing or play an instrument. St. A's is great place for ''reentering'' Catholics to reconnect with a spiritual community. Jacqueline

2002

St. Augustine's Catholic Church on Alcatraz (and Colby) in Oakland is a small, welcoming, spiritual, open, progressive and wonderful parish. I was raised Catholic, but stopped attending as a teenager because it felt irrelevant. Several things drew me back: a personal spiritual longing, and the birth of my two children. The parish has offered me solace, peace, and a wonderful sense of community. Mass is Sunday at 8 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. There are many non-Catholic members.

Since you were reared a Catholic, you might seriously consider St. Augustine's Catholic Church on Alcatraz at Colby. I was reared Catholic and thought I would never go back, but my husband wanted to go to church regularly so I went along for the ride, so to speak. I am very glad I did. St. Augustine is a very welcoming, nonjudgmental place. Because of the priest shortage, the parish staff (lay people) and parish council have a lot of control. We are gay-friendly and feminist. Our main staff person has a degree from GTU and she even gives the homily sometimes, which definitely brings a woman's perspective to the Mass. Our pastor just left to become a hospital chaplain, so we have a new priest. He has just started so I can't say much about him but he teaches Drama at GTU, so I expect some non-traditional approaches to the Mass. EG, during his first homily he recited poetry.

It is a small parish but (as a result?) many people get involved and are friendly. We feel like part of the whole thing, not just an audience. There is a school attached to the parish and many of the kids there are not Catholic but have other faiths. I think that also makes the mood more relxed and welcoming.

I have to warn you that the choir has more enthusiasm than talent. But don't let the music scare you off. It is such a labor of love for them that even the sour notes grow on you.

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