I was Catholic Boy...Jim Carroll…read more My beloved and I went to Christmas Day mass at the Cathedral of Chris the Light Church in Oakland by Lake Merritt. I grew up Catholic in a Italian and Irish, French, and German American family in NY and FL. I actually went to Catholic School in NY until 3rd grade. After both my grandmothers died along with the grandfathers I never met my family decided not to be as into the Catholic Church as my pious Grandmothers were aka a Italian immigrant grandmother and German American grandmother who worked with hospice. Long story short I grew up with martial arts, basketball in junior high and high school, and finally into yoga and meditation spending much time in India. So my spirituality was more inspired by the east and grounding that in the west yet The Cathedral of Christ the Light Church where me and my girlfriend went for Christmas mass was awesome. I always appreciated the ritual of the Catholic Mass and the Hymns aka chanting in Latin etc with the choir was awesome. Beautiful architecture and absolutely love the giant Jesus that looks like a hologram. After service don't miss the mausoleum downstairs that is amazing. We will be back. We both enjoyed it very much and everyone was so welcoming. Five stars!

Cathedral of Light is an absolutely gorgeous Catholic Church in the heart of Oakland. I recently…read morewent here to perform with Saint Joseph Basilica choir and attend the Jubilee of Choirs Concert. The architectural design of the church is breathtaking and the entire church is spotless and very clean. The acoustics and organ sounded so beautiful. The church has several levels and the bathrooms are on the bottom floor. They have their own parking lot and there is very little street parking near the church. I look forward to coming back for mass one Sunday. Mass times for the Cathedral of Christ the Light are: Sunday at 8 AM (Vietnamese), 11 AM (English), and 1:30 PM. Tuesday has a Holy Hour from 7-8 PM.

An amazing group of human beings. Striving to be inclusive of all people. An affirming space. Life…read moregroups. Affinity groups. Anyone that's called to speak or worship is able to share with the community.

Oaklife is more than just a community ... it's a family. Yes, I know that's super cliché but it's…read moretrue. It's the most loving and accepting place I've ever experienced. Some churches talk about loving people and living the Gospel - Oaklife actually does it. The people are super friendly and accepting. I'm a gay Christian so finding a home where I could be myself was incredibly important. I've made life long friends and I cant wait to continue to grow with this awesome family.

I've been visiting for over 2 months now almost every Sunday, and I love Vive Church Oakland. The…read moreatmosphere, the songs, the volunteers and the founder pastors are really the best!!! It is a lovely community to belong to. Thank you Vive! God bless you all!

Wow, I've been coming to VIVE Oakland now for 5 years! I'm so grateful to God for the way He has…read moreused the leaders & community at VIVE to grow me in boldness, love, peace, faith, & so many other ways I never could have imagined! Without a doubt, this is a Holy Spirit filled church that bases everything that is preached & every core belief on the Bible. I have made so many friends (even met my fiancé here while serving haha) & have been called higher by people who see things in me before even I do. This is a place of joy, hope, encouragement, wisdom, truth (which can be convicting), growth (which is not always comfortable), & alway always so much love because the Spirit of the Lord is here! (This is a follow up review to my previous review but I got locked out of my last Yelp account haha).

I have been renting space for teaching classes at FCCO for fifteen years! FIFTEEN YEARS of…read moreexcellent service and rapport. * FCCO always has our room clean, organized and ready for us. I never have to worry if the room is going to be setup when I get there. This is so valuable in itself because it means NO STRESS for me. Something I cannot say for some of our other rentals. THANKS FCCO! * Ronnie, who is in charge of bookings, is a pleasure to work with and a breath of fresh air. You can tell that he enjoys working with people and he truly cares about your experience at FCCO. He is professional, organized & friendly. * Brian is also pretty darn awesome! He is in charge of setting up our class for us and is ALWAYS there if we ever need anything or help of any kind. We feel like we are in good hands with Brian every single night. * Yes, the building is old and needs some repairs ... but honestly, this does not affect our experience at all. It is immaculately clean and the excellent service and welcoming attitude cancels that out! THANK YOU FCCO.

The Free Key Choir has had many concerts at First Congregational Church of Oakland and we keep…read morecoming back because we love it so much. The staff (Ronnie, Brian, Philip, and Neal) are all so accommodating, the space is beautiful and such a terrific venue for music, and it's nestled right in the heart of Oakland. Highly recommend hosting your event here, or renting the space for whatever other purpose!

Great Music & Community service ‼‼‼ Totally inclusive and…read morediverse congregation‼ there is the pantry of Hope supporting those with food insecurity. Youth ministry with a wonderful Sunday school program

We attended Midnight Mass here this year. We are visitors from out of town and hoped it would be…read moregood. We were beyond grateful to find this wonderful church. Not only is it absolutely beautiful inside and out, but the choir reminded me of the choir from the movie home alone when Kevin goes into the church. They sang perfectly and mixed Christmas music with traditional songs. The priest talked loudly and with power like God himself. Such a powerful and meaningful message on Christmas Eve. There was a candlelit celebration post communion where they shut down the lights and each of our candles filled the church with light. What a stunning sight! I wish I could give more stars as this was the best service I could have hoped for and have ever experienced. I grew up Catholic but my husband did not so this being his first experience, I was so thankful it was a perfect one. God bless you all and Merry Christmas.

We have been looking for a church since moving to the Bay Area 4 years ago. We are so grateful to…read morehave finally found a community and a church that we can call home! Thank you TFH Oak!

Truly a place of worship and praise. On my first visit I was amazed at the diversity of the…read morecongregation and the passion of the church team.

I have been a member of this church for the last 7 years (I think it's been 7 years). I must say…read morethat before I attended New Life Community church I was not much of a church goer you would maybe catch me in church on Easter Sunday (if that). I was invited by a co-worker of mine when the church was still in its first year. Ever since I attended my first service I was hooked. There is something there that just spoke to me and said that I belong here that this is the place I needed to be. Over the years I became very involved in the small group and leadership roles that the church has. I've enjoyed creating connections in serving the community and growing in god and the spirt and most of all gaining a whole new church family that comes from all walks of life. If you are looking for a church home that really feels like home come check out New Life Community church. PS due to Covid restrictions we are not able to meet in person but New Life does whole service on Facebook and YouTube live every Sunday

I want to thank you for welcoming me into your church when I returned home from Sheridan Prison…read moreCamp in Sheridan Oregon. I was sent to a half way house in Oakland California where I knew no one. They had a flyer on the wall at the half way house of local churches in the area that were available to attend. I selected your church and began attending on my allowed time for church on Sundays. I was welcomed with open arms and enjoyed the enlightening messages7 from the pastor. I want you all to know how much it has meant to me. This past year I have thought of you all often. I live in Sacramento and will probably not be back to your church but I will never forget your kindness. Good Bless you all .... Ken

Visited the church for a celebration of life event…read more This's a beautiful and peaceful church with a great interior, especially the gigantic pipe organ, very impressive. The stained-glass windows are beautiful as well and add to the charm of the church. Parking can be a bit challenging, as street parking is limited.

I went to this Church today!…read more It was for a Funeral Service of a Childhood Friend. He was a Member of my Boy Scout Troop. The Church was a Beautiful Place for the Memorial Service!! Lots of lovely Wood Work and Beautiful Stained Glass!! It's a Beautiful Church and Venue!! This is a Baller On A Budget Approved Establishment!! I keep my Pimp Hands Strong!!! Number 34 out of the Top 50 Most Prolific Yelp Elites of 2025!!!

I was walking around this Grand and Lakeshore area with a guide that grew up right here in this…read morearea. He's over 65 now, so he has some stories to tell of the "old days". I saw this big church just across from Lake Merritt and asked what that? He told me that was Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church. He grew up right on the street behind it. His paper route (something kids had back then), delivered to the nuns that lived in the rear of the complex. This church was also a elementary school. I don't know if it today or not. The children all wore uniforms to school. He remembers seeing them walking past his house and thinking that was strange having to wear uniforms, but that's a 7 year old thinking, that went to public schools. The big bell tower that still rings ... actually doesn't have real bells in it, they have big speakers that sound the bells. Something he told me the nuns told him once. The front of the main church is quite majestic and the inside is cavernous. I'm not a real church goer but if you were looking for a Catholic Church, this might be a good one if you live nearby.

**Posting this here as helpful information in case anyone is trying to communicate with the Church…read moreOffice as the website/answering machine is not up to date** The office is being supported by unpaid VOLUNTEERS. It is NOT OPEN 9am-3pm as the answering machine states. Your best bet is to leave a voicemail and MAYBE someone will call you back if you leave enough information about what you're asking for. You CANNOT drop by the office and expect someone to be there. It doesn't seem you can make appointments ahead of time either based on the volunteer nature of the office staff. If you require any documents, request that they be mailed to you to save everyone time/effort. I had contacted the parish in regards to Baptism. To save the next family some time, here is what I learned: - Baptisms are performed on the first Sunday of the month at the 10am Mass - you must attend a Baptism class (1st Saturday of the month) prior to the Baptism. - There is a Baptism donation fee plus a fee per godparent for the Baptism class - you must have a conversation with the Priest - you must be registered with the Church - At least one godparent needs to be baptized, first communion and confirmed. - The Baptism certificate can only hold 4 names so if you have more godparents, keep in mind that not all names will be printed on the certificate. Those were the main points but you'll learn more specifics in the Baptism class about the ceremony itself, what to bring and what to expect. I now understand that the office is severely understaffed but the process for arranging the baptism could have been improved and I felt a sense of irritation by volunteers that I had too many questions. I hope this helps someone out there, have a nice day.

This is my church and in just 8 months I've had the pleasure of serving and building community…read more Storyline is a multiethnic, multigenerational, non-denominational church that makes you feel at home. Pastor Akeem (the lead pastor) preaches relatable, scripturally sound sermons and Pastor JM (the spiritual formation pastor) will meet one-on-one with you to help you determine what your gifts are, how you can serve, and how to become spiritually equipped. Both of these men are down to earth and warm. Storyline has survived a pandemic and is continually thriving in its work and in its numbers. If you are searching for a church in the Bay Area I'd highly recommend checking out this church!

I got to know pastor Akeem from golfing with him and wanted to check out his church . I love that…read morethe Honda dealership next door clears out their car lot across the street every Sunday so his attendees can park there for free. Akeem was born in Belize and his parents brought him to the USA for education. Akeem is going to be successful in whatever he does and he chose to be a pastor rather than a businessman like most immigrants chase when they arrive here.