Historical Background

The St. Joseph Ethiopian Catholic Community has been an integral part of St. John the Baptist Church and the wider Bay Area Catholic landscape since 2006. The Ethiopian Catholic Community of Northern California was formed by the Recommendation of Cardinal Abune Berhaneyesus D. Souraphiel C.M. Metropolitan Archbishop of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, to provide Pastoral Services in Amharic to the Ethiopian Ge’ez Rite Catholics, (Eastern Rite Catholics) living in the Bay Area. Rooted in the ancient traditions of Ethiopian Christianity, and united with the universal Apostolic Catholic Church, our Community brings a rich spiritual and cultural heritage. Over the years, we have grown in faith and fellowship, sharing our liturgical traditions, music, and language with the broader parish community.

Current Activities

Today, our Community regularly gathers at St. John’s for Divine Liturgy, spiritual formation, and fellowship. In 2022, we had the special honor of welcoming His Excellency Abune (Bishop) Matheos, a memorable moment that deepened our communal faith. We also actively participate in parish-wide events such as the St. John’s Parish Festival, contributing to the cultural and spiritual vitality of our shared parish life. The Ethiopian Catholic Community is a member of the Diocese of Oakland, Ethnic and Pastoral Center, and participates in the annual Chautauqua of the Diocese of Oakland

Future Aspirational Needs

Looking ahead, our Community is committed to growing in both numbers and spiritual depth. We aim to strengthen youth engagement, expand our liturgical participation, and foster deeper connections with other ethnic communities within the parish. We hope to continue contributing to the vibrant tapestry of St. John’s in its next 100 years and beyond, with faith, unity, and love.