Case for the Cathedral Center of Christ the Light

Great cities are often blessed with great cathedrals. It may also be true that great cathedrals can help make cities great.

While cathedrals traditionally function as spiritual centers for Catholics, they have also been closely intertwined within the urban fabric, often serving as centers of cultural and civic activity. A cathedral is built for the centuries, to serve as a symbol and inspiration to all people within its region.

The Cathedral Center of Christ the Light, currently under construction in downtown Oakland, will incorporate that ancient history of cathedrals into its very modern three-fold mission. For the more than 500,000 Catholics in the East Bay as well as the larger community, the Center will serve as the heart and soul for the Diocese's work in liturgy, service and education.

Liturgy

Since its founding in 1962, the Diocese of Oakland has been recognized for its innovative worship services and liturgical music program. As a 21st century cathedral, the new Center will be a unique common ground in a fragmented world, where people from all walks of life can gather on religious and civic holidays, at moments of crisis or joy, to seek guidance or consolation.

The boundaries of the music program will also be expanded to include a regular schedule of concerts and other artistic presentations.

Service

Each year, the East Bay Catholic community provides food, shelter, medical care, and other social services free of charge to more than 400,000 people of all faiths. All service ministries to Alameda and Contra Costa counties will be supported by the Diocesan offices, housed within the Cathedral Center.

Faith-based organizations are critical to the social service network of the City of Oakland, providing services that the city cannot afford to support or to provide. With the creation of the new Cathedral Center in downtown Oakland, the Catholic Church will take on a more visible leadership role in this work, alongside its peer institutions.

Education

East Bay Catholics will look to their Cathedral for inspiration, faith education, and leadership in social ministries.

A conference center with classrooms and meeting spaces will greatly enhance the Diocese's educational work with parishes and individuals, strengthening their work to further the service mission of the Church.

The conference center will also house expanded education programs to the larger community, which could include weekday brown-bag luncheon speakers, discussion groups and book groups for downtown workers.