The Weekly E-News

May 15, 2025

Our Parish Vision Statement:

We, the family of St. Joseph Basilica, invite all people into our spiritual home to encounter Jesus Christ through an authentically Catholic experience of worship, learning, gathering, and service.

Our daily Mass live-stream is available on YouTube.

Fifth Sunday of Easter

May 18

"Jesus said: My children, I will be with you only a little while longer. I give you a new commandment: love one another." (John 13:33a, 34a)

Prepare for the upcoming Sunday Mass by reflecting on the readings in advance, available here.

Holy Half-Hour

Friday, May 16

5:30 - 6:00 pm

Families are invited to a monthly "Holy Half-Hour" for children during Friday Adoration from 5:30 - 6:00 pm. During this time, we sing, pray, and engage in quiet activities in the presence of the Blessed Sacrament, allowing children to experience Jesus in the Eucharist.

(Note: The potluck following the event this month is canceled.)

Alameda Deanery

Sensory-Friendly Mass

May 17, 4:30 pm

(3rd Saturday of each month)

St. Barnabas

The monthly "sensory-friendly" Vigil Mass at St. Barnabas provides a quieter and more welcoming space for those sensitive to noise, brightness, or scents. It features softer music and lower sound levels. All are welcome to attend and experience this alternative environment.

  For more information, contact: specialneeds@sjbalameda.org

Ministry of Caring

Sunday, May 18

(3rd Sunday of each month)

St. Joseph Basilica Rectory, 1:30-3:00 pm

The Ministry of Caring provides a supportive environment for individuals grieving the loss of a spouse or significant other. We understand the pain you are experiencing.

Please feel free to drop in and seek the support and understanding you need during this challenging time.

"Tuesday Talks"

Join Fr. Mario in the Basilica for a short series on the Jubilee Year of Hope. We will go through the official document, "Spes Non Confundit" (“Hope Does Not Disappoint”).

The talks will take place from 7:00 to 8:00 pm on Tuesdays: May 27, June 3, and June 10.

Everyone is welcome! 

Altar Server Training

Sunday, June 1

3 to 4 pm

There is a required training and brush-up for all current and prospective altar servers in the Basilica. Servers must be entering third grade or older, and have already received First Eucharist. More information is available here.

Other News

May Newsletter is available here.

Second Collection:

Catholic Charities East Bay

May 17 & 18

Today’s second collection is for Catholic Charities East Bay. Your contribution will directly assist our neighbors in need within the East Bay community. Join us in making a difference and becoming a Modern Good Samaritan. 

Envelopes are available in the pews, or you can donate through REALM by clicking on the link here, or scan the QR code below.

Ongoing News

4th Annual Corpus Christi Procession

Sunday, June 22

1:30 pm

Our annual procession will begin at St. Joseph as we proudly bring Jesus to the streets of Alameda, ending at St. Barnabas. Join us and be a part of this incredible event!

Thursday Online Scripture Reflection 

Gather virtually each Thursday at 10:30 am to reflect on the readings for the upcoming Sunday through Dialpad Meetings. (If joining through your phone, your experience might be enhanced by downloading the Dialpad Meetings app in advance.)

Meeting link: https://meetings.dialpad.com/room/stjosephbasilica/4b84nr6g6y or call 201-474-7191; PIN 0584138294