Read the full article on The Catholic Voice website.
"As the Jubilee of Mercy opens Dec. 8, Pope Francis will open the Holy Door at the Vatican. At the 10 a.m. Mass Dec. 13, Bishop Michael C. Barber, SJ, will open the Holy Door — designated as the left of the main doors to the Cathedral of Christ the Light — to signify the beginning of the Jubilee of Mercy in the Diocese of Oakland.
Through that door, it is hoped, that pilgrims from throughout the diocese will come and sign their names to the book that will commemorate this holy time.
The Jubilee of Mercy, which Pope Francis announced March 13, will involve significant works of mercy throughout the diocese over the next year.
Before the celebration ends Nov. 20, 2016, all parishes in the Diocese of Oakland will take part in efforts to build awareness about human trafficking in the Bay Area. Catholic Charities of the East Bay and the Department of Faith Formation and Evangelization are partnering to provide information.
Additionally, an ecumenical work of mercy will take place within the diocese.
The website jubileeofmercy-eb.org website will go live on Nov. 23. It will serve as a source of information for activities during the year. It will also be the online home of "The Mercy Project: Diocese of Oakland," a video series featuring people who are putting mercy into action. An introductory video by Bishop Barber will be available Nov. 23; additional videos will be released once or twice a month.
In various deaneries throughout the diocese, the Department of Faith Formation and Evangelization will present the Year of Mercy Enrichment Series entitled, "Missionaries of Mercy … Be Spirit Filled." Presentations will be made in both English and Spanish.
A series earlier this fall was completed at Holy Spirit Parish in Fremont.
Among the major events is the celebration of 24 Hours for the Lord on March 4-5.
Bishop Barber will close the Jubilee of Mercy in the Diocese of Oakland at the 10 a.m. Mass Nov. 20, 2016, at the Cathedral of Christ the Light."