The Weekly E-News

July 17, 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.

16th Sunday in Ordinary Time

July 20, 2025

"The Lord said to her in reply,

'Martha, Martha, you are anxious and worried about many things. There is need of only one thing. Mary has chosen the better part and it will not be taken from her.'"

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

St. Joseph Basilica's Annual School Supply Drive

July 16 through 26

For a list of things to donate, click here.

Donations can be dropped off in the baskets located within the Basilica.

Your support is greatly appreciated!



(We thank the Basilica's St. Vincent de Paul Society for coordinating this annual drive.)

Alameda Deanery

Sensory-Friendly Mass

July 19, 4:30 pm

(3rd Saturday of each month)

St. Barnabas

The monthly "sensory-friendly" Vigil Mass at St. Barnabas offers a quieter and more welcoming environment for those who are 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

Our Lady of Guadalupe Tamales Sales Fundraiser this Sunday (after all the day Masses)

You can also pre-order your tamales and pick them up on the day of the fundraiser, between 8:00 am and 2:00 pm in the Gathering Space.

Click on the link here to pre-order by July 18.

Ministry of Caring

Sunday, July 20

(3rd Sunday of each month)

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

The Ministry of Caring offers 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

7:00 - 8:00 pm, Basilica

Beginning July 22 and spanning five weeks, the upcoming series will cover the documents of the Second Vatican Council.

All are welcome!

(Recordings of previous Tuesday Talks can be found at https://sjbalameda.org/adult-faith-formation) 

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

Other News

Special Needs Inclusion Ministry's July Newsletter

To help families and individuals with special needs to experience welcome, support, and spiritual nourishment within our parishes.

Click here to start reading.

Tamara Centeno

Friday, August 8, 11:00 am, Basilica

Or contact:

Patrick Thong: patrickthong68@gmail.com

Felix Marquez: felvmad@yahoo.com

Register by August 25, 2025

(Note: For E-news readers, please click on the QR code to register)

Ongoing News

Registration Open for Children and Youth

Classes begin in September for Whole Family Catechesis (general Faith Formation for children ages 4 to Junior High), Sacrament Preparation (Reconciliation and Eucharist for 2^nd grade and up, and Youth Confirmation (8^th grade and high school) is open. Registration is required for returning families as well as newcomers.  Information available at https://www.sjbalameda.org/childrens-programs.  

Thinking about becoming Catholic?

Inquiry sessions are offered from 7:00 to 8:30pm on Wednesdays, upstairs in the Parish Center at 1119 Lafayette Street. The Inquiry stage of Christian Initiation of Adults provides time and space to respond to God’s call to commit to life as a Catholic Christian, and precedes the formal Rite of Entrance into the Catechumenate to prepare for baptism.  For those already baptized, the Inquiry stage is optional; you can jump into the Tuesday catechesis sessions to learn more about Catholicism, whether from a different Christian tradition thinking about becoming Catholic, or to prepare for First Eucharist and Reconciliation before entering Adult Confirmation. 

Information at https://sjbalameda.org/initiation or afourre@sjbalameda.org.  

Adult Catholics, do you have all your Sacraments?

Were you baptized in the Catholic Church but were not Confirmed?

Do you know someone baptized in a Christian denomination who wants to become Catholic?

Preparation for Adult Confirmation begins in September. Information and registration now available at www.sjbalameda.org/adult-confirmation.  

If you are an adult Catholic who has never received First Eucharist, you can start your preparation through the ongoing Tuesday Catechesis sessions weekly 7 to 8:30pm. Contact Anne Marie for information at afourre@sjbalameda.org or 510-995-9409.