BUDDY PROGRAM: "New Ones at Newman" begins Tuesday, August 23rd at 6 pm at the New-man Orientation event. CALLING ALL RETURNING NEWMAN STUDENTS!!! Are you a returning Newman student? If so, we invite you to join us and be paired with a freshman or transfer student. The goal is to befriend the in-coming student and share your wisdom about being a student at Cal, particularly about being a Catholic student at Cal. Please contact Fr. Bill at williamledens@yahoo.com for more information.

Student Welcome Week, August 21-27

The Student Ministry Team and all of Newman welcome the new and returning undergraduate and graduate students to Cal. Please take a look at our many events happening this week.

Sunday - Student Dinner, Families Welcome!
Here at Newman we have a Student Dinner every Sunday at 6 pm during the school year, cooked by various Newman student groups. We welcome all students and their families tonight, August 21, to our first Student Dinner of the semester, hosted by the Student Ministry Team, upstairs in the multiversity room at 6 pm.

Monday - Seekers/Chun Jin Ahm Ice Ice Cream Social
Take a break from moving in and join us for fellowship and delicious ice cream on August 22 from 8-9:30 pm. The event is hosted by our two Bible study student groups at Newman Seekers and Chun Jin Ahm.

Tuesday - Newman Fall Orientation
Searching for a Catholic community where you can grow closer to God? Look no further! Come to the Newman Fall Orientation to see what God has in plan for you during your college years. There will be fun activities, meaningful discussions, people to answer all your questions, and did I mention free dinner? Come by upstairs on Tuesday, August 23 from 6-8:30 pm. Our freshmen buddy program, New Ones at Newman, will also kick-off at this event.

Wednesday - Rosary Group
The Rosary Group meets every Wednesday at 8 pm in the church to pray the Rosary. Please join us on August 24 for a special Welcome Week version where our group leader will give a talk on Mother Mary's powerful intercession.

Saturday - Freshmen Kayaking Mini-Retreat
On Saturday, August 27th there will be a Welcome Week kayaking event for freshmen. We strongly encourage interested freshmen to sign up after the 9:30 am, 11:30 am, 5 pm, or 10 pm Mass on Sunday, August 21st, this weekend, as there are only 24 spots available! Please see Anavictoria, who will be standing outside after these Masses, to sign up or ask questions. We will kayak at the Berkeley Marina, eat lunch, and have a Bible study afterwards. The cost is $10 per student.

PARKING AT UNDERHILL LOT UN-AVAILABLE ON AUGUST 20/21: Move-in dates for the University dorms are Saturday and Sunday, August 20 and 21, and Underhill Lot will be entirely unavailable for church parking on those days. Please consider alternative transportation options or plan to arrive early.

UNIVERSITY PARKING LOT POLICY CHANGE: The University has changed its policy on parking at their Underhill lot (that's the one between Haste and Channing, just west of College). It's no longer free until 1 pm; they now charge $0.50 per hour all day Sunday.

SPECIAL COLLECTION FOR THE CATHEDRAL: On Sunday, August 28th, the annual diocesan collection for the Cathedral will be taken. Special envelopes will be available.

FROM THE BISHOP: At this point in our history, our Diocese faces many challenges – especially economic – that are holding us back from building upon this legacy we have received. Therefore, the time has now come to seek the opinions and perceptions of as many as possible from our community in order to study and determine the advisability of conducting a capital campaign and how such a campaign might be constructed.

To reach the broadest diocesan audience, our advisors have put together a short on-line survey to gather important information. I ask all of you interested in our future to take a few minutes to respond to this anonymous survey. Please visit the Diocese's web site at http://oakdiocese.org and follow the link to the survey. If at all possible, please respond before August 31 [deadline extended from original on August 12]. --The Most Reverend Salvatore J. Cordileone, Bishop of Oakland [From a letter from the Bishop, available in its entirety at the Diocesan website as a PDF, and in plain text at http://goo.gl/LOel3.]

FROM THE CATHOLIC VOICE: If you're a parishioner in the Oakland Diocese and are not receiving your The Catholic Voice through the mail, let us know and we'll start your free subscription. For 48 years, The Catholic Voice has been the East Bay?s trusted source of news, commentary and information about the Church and its people from your neighborhood and throughout the world. Start your free subscription to 21 issues a year by contacting Sandi Gearhart at (510) 893-5339 or sgearhart@oakdiocese.org. Your information is not shared or sold to any entity outside your parish and The Catholic Voice.

PARISHIONERS are invited to help put on the WELCOME STUDENT BARBEQUE on Sunday, September 11th. It is a good way to interact with the student leaders and to meet the new students. If you are interested in working on this event, please contact Fr. Bill at williamledens@yahoo.com. Thanks!

SAVE THE DATE FOR THE NEXT MARRIAGE ENRICHMENT MINISTRY EVENT: Saturday, October 22, 2011. More details to follow.

INTRODUCING OUR NEW WEBSITE MANAGER! Now that our new website is close to completion, we have created a part-time position for a person who will help create the new "look" of the website, network with parishioners to keep the site updated, and teach Newman group leaders to design their own pages for the site. A statement from Anna: Hi, I'm Anna Dimitruk, Newman's new Web Administrator. I'm a second year UC Student majoring in Nutritional Science. As Web manager, I'll need YOUR HELP. Contact me at calnewmanweb@gmail.com and please send me your group's or ministry's activities for the coming weeks so we can get the website up and running. After that, if you like, I will teach you how to update your group's page on the Newman website. Let's stay in touch!!! -- Anna

HIS HANDS & FEET MINISTRY: Do you have a garden you need some help with? Can you offer a fellow parishioner a ride to church to? His Hands and Feet makes possible all kinds of opportunities to be of assistance to another parishioner. It's fun and helps the community learn the art of interdependency. Whether you want to help, or need help, please contact us via email at handsandfeetnewman@sbcglobal.net; by phone at 510-848-7812 x402, or by completing a form offering or requesting assistance (on hospitality table in lobby).

JUSTFAITH MINISTRIES, the nationally acclaimed program which transforms people spiritually through small community and expands their commitment to social ministry, has had 4 years of vibrant success at Newman with its 30-week core program. This fall and spring Newman will be offering JUSTMATTERS, a 6-8 week program wherein participants study in depth a contemporary need which would benefit from Catholic social action; e.g., prison reform, immigration, or the environment. Both graduates of the full program and newcomers will be welcome.

Jack Jezreel, Executive Director of JUSTFAITH and an inspiring speaker, will give an INTRODUCTORY WORKSHOP on Saturday, August 27, 10:00 am-1:30 pm at St. Joan of Arc Church, 2601 San Ramon Valley Blvd., San Ramon. A $25 fee includes light refreshments. All are welcome. For more details, contact the Newman JustFaith coordinator LaVera Crawley at lCrawleyjustfaith@gmail.com.

NEWMAN FICTION GROUP: We will meet on Tuesday, September 6, at 7:00 pm at Newman to discuss The Great Fire by Shirley Hazzard. In October we will discuss Housekeeping by Marilynne Robinson. For further information or to receive email notices of our meetings, email Michael at michael@donahue.com.

LGBT CATHOLICS: Summer Hiatus: The LGBT Catholics' group will be on a summer break and will resume in September. For more information on the group or to join the group's announcement list, contact Antonio Salas at LGBT_Newman@yahoo.com or (510) 663-6302. All are welcome.

YAGGIES THURSDAY NIGHT FAITH & FELLOWSHIP: We have decided to take a hiatus from regular Thursday night meetings for the summer. We'll still have events planned, but mainly offsite and on weekends. Some will be planned well in advance, while others may be more impromptu get-togethers. If you're planning to be around Berkeley in the summer and want to be apprised of impromptu events as they arise, please email newman.yaggies@gmail.com and we'll create a mini summer mailing list. Our regular newsletter will continue to go out on weeks when we have pre-planned events. If you have any ideas for other Yaggies summer events then please contact us at the address above. Also, please make sure to check out the Yaggies calendar at http://goo.gl/uvLOx. Please note that you can subscribe to this calendar in your own personal calendar such as Outlook, iCal, or Google Calendar. This is a great and easy way to keep up with our events.

• August 25: The last SF Jazz Summerfest show is at 6pm in Union Square on August 25. If interested in attending, please email newman.yaggies@gmail.com, or post a message on the Yaggies Facebook wall and we'll try and get a group together. More information on the artists playing is available at http://www.sfjazz.org/sfjazz-summerfest.
• September 1 - Yaggies Welcome Back (or Welcome to Berkeley!) Wine & Chees The return to regular Thursday night meetings will kick off with Yaggies annual fall semester Wine & Cheese. Join us at Newman at 7:30 pm to share your summer adventures, catch up with old members, and welcome new members to both Yaggies and Berkeley. Please bring along $3 to help contribute to costs. More information is available at the Facebook event at http://tinyurl.com/3rcmzud.
• September 8 - Yaggies Planning Potluck. After catching up, and welcoming new members last week, it's time to start planning the new year of Yaggies! We'll be meeting for a "Planning Potluck" dinner in the upstairs lounge at Newman. Please bring along your favorite dish to share, as well as ideas for what types of Yaggies events you'd like to see in the upcoming year. All Yaggies members (new and old, young and not so young) are encouraged to come out and provide input! More details to come in an upcoming Facebook event.
• September 15: Rock Climbing at Berkeley Ironworks. Join Yaggies at Berkeley Ironworks, 800 Potter Street, and channel your inner mountaineer for a night of rock climbing. Berkeley Ironworks is equipped with walls, pillars and slabs for all levels of climber (from novice to expert). For those that are anti-heights, there is also a non-harness bouldering option available, and if anyone is determined to stay completely on solid ground then the gym also offers a full range of cardio equipment and weights. Cost for entry is $18 and includes all climbing equipment, and our resident rock climbing expert Patton will be on hand before we start to give a quick safety instruction class. More details to come in an upcoming Facebook event.
• September 22: No Thursday Night meeting, but please join us on Saturday for a Polo Tournament in Menlo Park. More details below!
• September 29: Science & Faith. Join Yaggies as we join the Science & Faith group in the upstairs lounge at Newman for a presentation by Dr. Charles Townes, inventor of the laser, 1960 Time Magazine Person of the Year, and 1964 Nobel Prize Laureate in Physics. No doubt Dr. Townes' presentation will give us plenty to talk about so meet up with fellow Yaggies afterwards and we'll head over to Raleigh's for some post Faith & Fellowship food and drinks.
• October 6: Discussion on the New Translation of the Liturgy. The new translation of the liturgy begins on the first Sunday of Advent (less than 2 months away!). Join Yaggies in the Hecker Room at Newman for a preview and discussion of the changes that are afoot.

YAGGIES TOUR OF THE MUSEUM OF ANTHROPOLOGY AT CAL, September 17. Join Yaggies for a visit to the Hearst Museum of Anthropology at Cal. Lisa, a Yaggie and former docent at the museum, will be available to shed some light on the exhibits, including "99 Bottles of Beer" and "The Conservator's Art: Preserving Egypt's Past." Meet in front of Newman at 12:30 pm to walk over together. Lisa will be waiting for us at Kroeber Fountain (the fountain at College and Bancroft) at 1:00 pm. A stop for frozen yogurt will be in order after the tour! Please RSVP to the Facebook event, http://tinyurl.com/3fbvbz4, or by email to newman.yaggies@gmail.com if planning to attend.

SEPTEMBER 24: MENLO PARK INVITATIONAL POLO TOURNAMENT: Come cheer on and watch Yaggie Patton Granada (yes, also our resident rock climbing expert - he really likes extreme sports!) as he dominates the California polo scene, both on and off the field. We'll meet at Newman at 10:00 am, and car-pool to the tournament in Menlo Park from there. The tournament will finish at 4:30 pm, so we should be back in Berkeley again by 6:00 pm. We'll find a good patch of grass along the sidelines to set up camp for the day so please bring along a picnic lunch (alcohol, if desired, is allowed). There's no admission fee to the tournament but please bring along a couple of dollars to contribute to gas and bridge toll costs. RSVP to the Facebook event, http://tinyurl.com/3bsw937 or by email to newman.yaggies@gmail.com if planning to attend, and please indicate whether you need a ride or can drive.

We invite those who are new to our community, students and post-student folks and families, to REGISTER WITH THE PARISH on the white cards with red Newman dove logo. Cards can be found at the front desk and on the table at the back of the church. Please complete and leave at the front desk.

Anyone who would like to be part of the NEWMAN BOCA (BERKELEY ORGANIZING CONGREGATIONS FOR ACTION) COMMITTEE, please contact Alan Roselius at arose919@att.net or 510-881-2879. BOCA is part of the PICO National Network .

The CIRCLE OF CONCERN, which opposes the involvement of the University of California with nuclear weapons, vigils on the west lawn of the UCB campus (across from Addison and Oxford) Thursdays 12-1 pm and Sundays 1- 2 pm. We're a friendly group and many of us gather after for a no-host lunch at a nearby restaurant.

HELP INVITED HANDING OUT BULLETINS: Hospitality is something we want to emphasize at Newman. One thing we can each do is to hand out bulletins after each Mass on Sunday and Saturday evening. We would like to invite you to join in this simple and gracious hospitality. Ideally if we have sufficient "ministers of the bulletin" we will have a monthly roster. Please leave a note at the front desk for Colleen or email her, indicating the Mass for which you are available.

FROM FR. CAMPBELL: A reminder to check out these three web sites on the new translation of the Mass: http://usccb.org/romanmissal, http://becomeonebodyonespiritinchrist.org, and http://paulturner.org/Roman Missal.htm.

MORE 'LOVE FOR ONE ANOTHER': Out of consideration for those who are challenged by severe allergic reactions to scents and perfumes, it would be a great kindness if you would consider not using any scented products when in close proximity to others - especially at weekend Masses. This includes perfumes, scented deodorants, hand creams, hair products, and the like. This will enable all to 'in-spire' the Spirit deeply and safely.

OVEREATERS ANONYMOUS: Is food a problem for you--undereating, overeating, and/or bulimia? If so, please join us at one or more of our meetings: Mondays and Fridays, 12:10-1 pm, and Tuesdays 6-7 pm in the Gallery.

INTERFAITH COUNSELING CENTER: First Congregational Church of Berkeley at 2345 Channing hosts the Interfaith Counseling Center. Becky Wright, a marriage and family therapist, is available for counseling, and spiritual direction is offered as well. Payment for services is based on a sliding scale. Phone numbers are 510-225-5595 or 510-527-8703.

LOVE IS PATIENT, LOVE IS KIND: If you park in the Newman lot across the street from the church for Mass, please do not park in the striped area of the lot. If you are not in one of the marked spaces, please be considerate of those you block in and be sure to move your car as soon as possible after Mass ends. If your car is blocked, please be patient: they're on their way!

MINISTRY OF COMMUNION TO THE HOME-BOUND: If you need a pyx to take Communion to a homebound or ill parishioner, please email or leave a message for Colleen. If you perhaps have "spare" pyxes - other than what you need, it would be most helpful if you could return them to Colleen, so that we have a supply for any who might need them. Beginning this weekend, we will resume the practice of sending ministers from the community at the end of each weekend Mass. Please come up when called after Communion to receive the host for your pyx and a blessing from the community. Please include a small sheet of paper with both your name and the name of the recipient (if practicable).

CHAPEL CLEANING CREW: We are looking for volunteers who willing to "join the crew." Maintaining a clean and welcoming sacred space is essential to our communal worship. Cleaning of the upstairs and downstairs chapel floors can take a couple of hours, but with as few as twelve committed volunteers, a rotation roster could be set up and one's "call to service" would be only once every six weeks. Many hands make light work. If you are willing to "join the crew," you will find a form on the Welcome Table in the lobby. Ask the receptionist to put your contact information in the Chapel Cleaning Crew mailbox or contact Julia Casella at casellajul@aol.com or (510) 236-3908 with any questions.

WEEKLY CHRISTIAN MEDITATION: Learn about and experience this ancient Christian tradition of contemplative prayer which seeks God in silence and stillness — beyond word and thought. It is the aim given by the Psalmist: "Be still and know that I am God." Facilitator — Klara Komorous-Towey. Monday nights, 7:30–8:15 pm in the Seminar Room. Questions? Call Jeannie Battagin at (510) 849-2181.

EMMAUS is a small group of parishioners who meet at Newman on Thursday evenings, 7.30-9.00, to explore together the Mass readings for the following Sunday. Interested? Curious? Come visit!

THE DOMINICAN SCHOOL OF PHILOSOPHY AND THEOLOGY, located in Berkeley, will host the Papal Theologian for a talk on "Virtuous human action - an icon of God. Aquinas's vision of Christian morality". Fr. Wojciech Giertych, OP, is a Dominican friar of the Polish Province who has been serving as the Theologian to the Papal Household since 2005. Visit http://www.dspt.edu for more information.

RETREAT: DEVELOPING A GLOBAL MISSION SPIRITUALITY: BALANCING CONTEMPLATION AND ACTION: Friday, August 26th to Sunday August 28th. Are you a Martha or a Mary? Jesus lived the balance between contemplation and action. As his disciples trying to carrying on his mission, we often times find ourselves struggling to find the right mix of silence and activity, of prayer and ministry and of contemplation and action. Join the Eastbay Maryknoll Affiliates, a community of men and women grounded in global spirituality to do their part to carry on the mission of Jesus locally and abroad, for this retreat to celebrate both the gifts of contemplation and action and reflect on how in our own life we strive to find the right balance. Join us for the weekend to learn more about how to develop a spirituality rooted in the mission of Jesus that balances contemplation and action in service for the Reign of God. The retreat includes the screening of the award winning film, Of Gods and Men and opportunities for silence, reflection, sharing and community building. It begins with a simple dinner on Friday night and concludes with the opportunity to celebrate the Eucharist with the community at St. John the Baptist Parish on Sunday morning. For more information contact Kris East at 510-276-5021 or visit http://goo.gl/TMOj5. Overnight accommodations are available. Suggested donation of $100 to cover accommodations and costs, but please feel free to offer whatever you can afford.

SAINT MARY'S COLLEGE HIGH SCHOOL, BERKELEY, will hold its 27th annual Golf Invitational at the Richmond Country Club on Monday, September 12, 2011. Proceeds benefit the school's tuition assistance program. Entry fee: $200; sponsorships available. 19th Hole social and silent auction at 5:00 pm. More information and online registration at http://www.saintmaryschs.org or phone Joanne Howe at (510) 559-6227. Entry deadline September 5, 2011 (or until filled).

YOUNG ADULT RETREAT: August 26-28. Finding God and Oneself in the Digital Age. San Damiano Retreat is planning our next weekend-long Young Adult Retreat for the weekend of August 26th - 28th. Our theme this year is timely and exciting, as we are exploring "Connected, Liked, and Friended: Finding God and Oneself in the Digital Age." Anyone age 20 to 40 is invited and welcome to attend. Friday, August 26 (4:00-6:30 pm registration) to Sunday, August 28 (1:00 pm), 2011; San Damiano Retreat in Danville. Retreat Leaders: Father Rusty Shaughnessy, OFM and Paula Jenkins, MA. Meals are included in the price. Overview of the weekend: With social networking and connectivity often fueling and informing our personal lives, we find ourselves blessed with the ability to keep in touch with friends and family, wherever they are. The digital age has brought new anglesto relationships, to communication, to the way we even define ourselves. Now more than ever we have the ability to broadcast our own lives and express ourselves through a multitude of platforms. With this new social landscape, how do we see ourselves? Has the way we approach our relationship with God and Jesus changed in the electronic age? Do we see community and congregations in a new light? What is the relevance of the message from 2000 years ago in today's electronic world? Our weekend-long retreat will look at the quickening pace of our lives, the impact of constantly being linked in, and the draw of being "liked," and friended. We will have time for discussion, small group work, and presentations. We will look at the life of the Man who started the original Social Network, and who's message was so revolutionary that his words have deep meaning across the Millennia. More information available at San Damiano Retreat ir by email from sdyoungadults@sbcglobal.net.

MAGNIFICAT PRAYER BREAKFAST: The Women of the Oakland Diocese are invited to join the Magnificat Ministry at their September Prayer Breakfast. Our Guest Speaker will be Kathleen Beckman the Western Regional Representative for Magnificat, a well-known International Catholic speaker, author and retreat leader. Following her testimony, Kathleen and Fr. Raymond Skonezny, STL, SSL will lead a Eucharistic Healing Service. Don't miss this rare opportunity to experience the healing touch of the Divine Physician who continues to heal His people. Saturday, September 10th, 9:30-12:30 pm. Concord Hilton, 1970 Diamond Blvd. Concord. Cost $25-$35 after Sept 3rd. On-line Registration is now available at http://www.magnificatsoti.org. For your convenience we now offer electronic reservations with PayPal on our website. There is open seating but reservations will be taken for tables of 9, so invite your friends! Call Erin at 925-899-8087 or visit our website.

TWILIGHT BY THE LAKE – MIXERS ON THE CATHEDRAL PLAZA: Cathedral of Christ the Light, Plaza Level, 2121 Harrison Street, Oakland. Every 3rd Thursday, August through October (September 15 and October 20 remain, 5:00-7:30 pm). Come enjoy live music, complimentary appetizers and a beautiful lake view on the beautiful grounds of the Cathedral. These mixers are free and an opportunity for the Diocese, parishes and the general public to come together. FREE admission. Everyone welcomed! For additional information, contact 510-893-4711.

THE JESUIT RETREAT CENTER OF LOS ALTOS has published a new calendar of their retreats for the next year. Please visit http://www.jrclosaltos.org/retreats-offered.jsp to see them.

SALESIAN HIGH SCHOOL (RICHMOND) CLASS REUNIONS: Attention all Salesian High School alumni and Presentation Alumnae from the Classes of 1966, '71, '76, '81, '86, '91, '96, 2001 and 2006. The Salesian High School Alumni Association invites you to attend your class reunion on Saturday, September 10, at Salesian. Join your classmates for cocktails and hors d'oeuvres from 6 to 8pm. Catch up on current happenings as well as reminisce about the past. Then, plan to attend The Red & Black Ball until 11:00 pm featuring Ruckatan Latin Band with Carlos Elizalde '80. For tickets or information, contact Henry Moe at 510-234-4433 ext. 1104 or hmoe@salesian.com.

HAS AN ABORTION LEFT YOU WITH A BROKEN HEART? Rachel's Vineyard Retreats renew hearts broken by abortion. A confidential interdenominational retreat will take place Sept 9-11, 2011, in Menlo Park, offering a loving and supportive environment where women and men can reconcile painful post-abortive emotions and begin the process of renewal and healing. Rachel's Vineyard is therapy for the soul. For confidential inquiries call 415-260-4406 or email christinew@firstresort.net, and for more information, visit Rachel's Vineyard Retreat.

Jack Jezreel, founder of JUSTFAITH, will give an INTRODUCTORY WORKSHOP about the program on Saturday, August 27, 10 am-1 pm, at St. Joan of Arc Parish, 2601 San Ramon Valley Blvd., San Ramon. What is JustFaith? JustFaith Ministries forms, informs, and transforms people of faith by offering programs and resources that sustain them in their compassionate commitment to build a more just and peaceful world. See http://justfaith.org for more information.

U.S BISHOPS LAUNCH FIRST FRIDAYS FOR FOOD SECURITY: On the first Friday of each month from May 6, 2011 to April 6, 2012, Catholic families and individuals are invited by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops to participate in First Fridays for Food Security as a way to raise awareness about food insecurity and help Catholics to pray and act for those in need. Participants limit meal spending on the first Friday of each month to the amount allotted for a family of their size in the USDA Modified Thrifty Food Plan, roughly $5-6/adult/day and less for children. See the USCCB pamphlet at http://goo.gl/ftnU4 (248KB PDF) and the USDA chart at http://goo.gl/d4ZiK (188KB PDF) for details.

ST. AMBROSE CHURCH FUNDRAISER: St. Ambrose is having a fundraising raffle. The prizes to be raffled are:

• Grand Prize-Laptop
• Second Prize-Apple iPad
• Third Prize-Best Buy Gift Card for $100

Tickets are on sale now. Cost is $5.00/ticket or a book of 10 for $50.00. Tickets are available thru the parish office during operating hours (Mon-Fri: 9:30 am–2:30 pm/Sat-Sun: 10:00 am–2:00 pm) and on Sundays after Masses in the Parish Hall: contact Frances Roybal after the 8:30 and 10:30 am masses and Rey Gonzalez after the 12:15 pm Mass. The raffle will take place in the church hall on Sunday, September 11 at 2:00 pm. St. Ambrose is located at 1145 Gilman Street (corner of Gilman and Stannage), in Berkeley. For more information call the parish office at (510) 525-2620.

TAIZE AND CONTEMPLATIVE PRAYER AT MARYKNOLL: Second Wednesdays of the Month, 7:00 – 8:00 pm, Maryknoll Mission Center, 16642 Ashland Avenue, San Lorenzo. In the midst of a hectic week, experience the re-energizing power of Christ with music and contemplative prayer led by Ruth Picha, Spiritual Director.

TAIZE PRAYER AROUND THE CROSS every third Friday of the month, 8:00-9:15 pm, at Dominican Sisters of MSJ Motherhouse Chapel, 43326 Mission Blvd, Fremont, (entrance on Mission Tierra Pl.). For more information, call 510-449-7554.

ST. THERESA SCHOOL in Montclair is accepting applications for students for grades K, 2, and 4. Contact the school office for more information at 510-547-3146 or visit the school website. We accept children of all faiths.

U.S. BISHOPS JOIN WITH OTHER CHRISTIAN LEADERS TO CALL FOR 'CIRCLE OF PROTECTION' AROUND PROGRAMS FOR POOR PEOPLE: A diverse coalition of Christian leaders, including Catholic bishops, the National Association of Evangelicals, Bread for the World, Salvation Army, Christian Churches Together in the USA, National Council of Churches and other Evangelical and mainline Protestants, has called for a priority for the poor in the current budget process through a common statement, "A Circle of Protection." "As Christian leaders, we are committed to fiscal responsibility and shared sacrifice," said the statement. "We are also committed to resist budget cuts that undermine the lives, dignity, and rights of poor and vulnerable people. Therefore, we join with others to form a Circle of Protection around programs that meet the essential needs of hungry and poor people at home and abroad." The full statement and list of signatories can be found online at http://www.circleofprotection.us/pdf/Circle-of-Protection-Statement.pdf.

SAN DAMIANO RETREAT in Danville offers contemporary programmed retreats, private retreats, and opportunities for non-profit or business groups to utilize the facilities for retreats, conferences, or workshops. Guided by the Franciscan tradition, we offer an environment where groups may reflect on new insights, new choices, new decisions. Phone (925) 837-9141, ask for Mary or Lisa.

THE FRANCISCAN COVENANT PROGRAM is seeking full-time volunteers with professional experience in the following areas: Maintenance Mechanic, Building & Construction Trades, Accounting & Bookkeeping. Volunteers live, pray, and serve with the Franciscan Friars of the St. Barbara Province in missions/retreat centers in California. Contact Paul Barnes & Phyllis Becker, Co-directors at covprg@yahoo.com or 831-623-1119 or visit http://www.franciscancovenantvolunteers.org for more information.

IMMACULATE CONCEPTION ACADEMY, AN ALL-GIRLS COLLEGE PREP CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL LOCATED IN THE MISSION DISTRICT IN SAN FRANCISCO has implemented a work-study program and is looking for organizations to sponsor their students. Currently, just to cite a few, the girls are working at companies such as GAP, Bank of the West, UCSF, Jones Day Law Firm, Kaiser Permanente, etc. Nationwide this program is already succeeding in 24 other cities coast to coast. A team of 4 students works at an organization to cover one full-time position, rotating work days. The organization receives an entry-level, clerical staff position filled without the hassle of hiring, benefits and other HR concerns. The students are employees of the ICA Corporate Work Study Program. The organization's sponsorship helps lower the tuition cost of their college preparatory education, making it affordable for more working class families. Operating as essentially a small, outsourcing staff agency, ICA enables the organization to fill needed clerical or entry-level positions. The students are on site 36 weeks a year, 40 hours a week adding diversity, enthusiasm and a willingness to learn and succeed. For more information please contact Sister Lilly at (415) 824 2052 x28 and/or visit http://www.icacademy.org.

COMMUNION MINISTERS: The Chaplaincy Department at the Ashby Campus of Alta Bates-Summit Medical Center is seeking experienced Communion Ministers to volunteer to bring Communion to patients on the weekends and during the week. The commitment would be for one, two, three or four days a month. If you are interested, please contact Father Michael Guimon, OSM, at 510-204-6733 or guimonm@sutterhealth.org for more information.

MERCY RETIREMENT & CARE CENTER offers short-term respite stays. When you go out of town for vacation, have your family member who needs care enjoy activities, companionship, daily & Sunday Mass, safety and security — so you don't have to worry. One week to one month. Call Sr. Clare or Gina Hart at (510) 534-8540 for details.

WIDOWS/WIDOWERS GRIEF RECOVERY CLASSES: Tuesdays, 7-9 p.m., First Presbyterian Church of Berkeley, 2407 Dana St., September 11th–November 13th. Have you or someone you know experienced the death of a spouse recently or within the last few years? Sharing our experiences during this 10-week class is extremely helpful to our healing process. Open to all widows and widowers. Pre-registration is required, and there's a $10 workbook. Contact Katie Kelley at 510-848-6252 x241 or katiek@fpcberkeley.org for more information or to ask about other East Bay locations for classes.

The SPIRITUAL EXERCISES OF ST. IGNATIUS LOYOLA have helped many to fulfill their desire to grow in knowledge and love of Jesus and so to follow him in greater freedom. Ignatius planned that the complete Exercises (sometimes offered as a 30-day silent retreat) also be offered as a retreat in everyday life, extended over six months or more. In following this form, the retreatant meets with an individual director weekly and prays an hour and a half daily. Doing the Exercises entails a serious commitment of both time and energy and is appropriate for those already cultivating a generous life of prayer and in regular spiritual direction. If you have an interest in doing the complete Spiritual Exercises in everyday life, our staff would be happy to help you to discern the Spirit's call and will recommend a director when that is timely. Please contact Fr. Tom Carroll at The Jesuit Retreat Center of Los Altos at tcarroll@jrclosaltos.org or (650) 948-4491 for more information.

MARRIAGE HELP: Retrouvaille has helped tens of thousands of couples at all stages of disillusionment or misery in their marriage. This program can help you too. For confidential information about or to register for the weekend on Sept. 11-13, call 510-648-6874 or e-mail Oakland@RetroCA.com or visit http://www.HelpOurMarriage.com.

ENVELOPE DONORS: Donor envelopes for 2011 are available at the reception desk. Envelope users receive automatic year-end statements by the end of January of the following year. Cancelled checks will serve as receipts for those who choose not to use the envelope system. If you're interested in on-line giving, please pick up an information packet from the round hospitality table in the lobby, or for more information contact Peg McGowan here at Newman at the number above or at newmanadmin@earthlink.net.

FOOD STAMP OUTREACH PROGRAM: Catholic Charities of the East Bay is now offering Food Stamp application assistance to eligible people living in Alameda County. Please contact Betty (510-768-3171) and Ronnie (510-768-3170) at CCEB for information or help.

VOCATIONS WEB SITE: The Diocese of Oakland has a vocations website. Check it out at http://www.oaklandvocations.org. Thank you for your support of vocations!

NEED AN EXTRA PAIR OF HANDS? Hire a day worker. The Multicultural Institute is a non-profit organization that connects homeowners, contractors, and event planners with an extra pair of hands that are affordable and reliable. Please reserve workers (men or women) for your construction, moving, hauling, gardening, set-up, clean-up, painting and more. Day workers are available 7 days/week at rates of $12-15/hr. All wages go directly to the workers You may contact us at (510) 847-8714 or visit http://www.mionline.org.

HOMEBOUND PARISHIONERS: If you know anyone who is homebound — a family member or a friend — who would welcome a visit from one of the priests and/or one of our team of visitors or if you would like to join that team, please contact Fr. Campbell at (510) 848-7812 x202 or bernard.campbell111@gmail.com or another member of the pastoral staff.

HIS HANDS & FEET MINISTRY: The His Hands & Feet Ministry is waiting to hear from you. Please allow our volunteers to share their talents with you. These talents include tutoring, visiting the home-bound, providing meals to the sick, help with writing papers, organizing, cleaning, gardening, painting, minor repairs, computer challenges, dog-walking, sharing music on piano and lute, help negotiating the health care system, basic legal assistance, language translators, estate planning, simple wills, daily prayer, transportation, financial planning, sewing or tailoring, cooking, elder care, crisis information or referral and many more... If you are interested in any of these services or if you have other talents to share with the Newman community please contact us at handsandfeetnewman@sbcglobal.net or (510) 848-7812 x402 or complete a confidential card found on our poster in the lobby.

EUCHARISTIC MINISTERS please volunteer at your Mass, and SIGN UP for a particular station. Prayerful and smooth-running liturgies depend on you!

ELECTRONIC GIVING: Newman Hall — Holy Spirit Parish has set up a way for you to donate electronically. Many of you already pay your bills online, and now you may arrange to contribute to the parish the same way, either on your own through your bank or through us and our third party provider. There are handouts in the lobby and at the Reception Desk with more detailed information, a FAQ can be found on-line here or feel free to call Peg in our Finance Office at (510) 848-7812 if you have further questions.

NO MORE SECRETS - MONTHLY SUPPORT GROUP FOR SURVIVORS OF CLERGY SEXUAL ABUSE: The Diocese of Oakland sponsors a support group for survivors of clergy sexual abuse and their families on the first Saturday of even-numbered months (except holidays) from 11:00 am - 1:00 pm, at St. Elizabeth Elementary School, Faculty Room, 1516 - 33rd Avenue in Oakland. Please note this new location! Street parking is available. The group is facilitated by a licensed psychotherapist and survivors and their families are welcome and encouraged to join us. For more information, please contact the group facilitator, Claire Jeanette, at 510-843-6971.

PRENATALPARTNERSFORLIFE.ORG offers support for families expecting a child with special needs or terminal illness. There are few things more frightening in life than finding out your baby may not be healthy. The fear of the unknown and the pressure to terminate can be intense. If you are - or know - parents who have received an adverse or negative prenatal diagnosis for a child yet in the womb, you are encouraged to visit the URL above.

REDWOODS & AUTO PARKING ON ETNA STREET: People have been parking their cars on the duff-covered dirt under the redwoods on the Etna side of Newman Hall, just south of Dwight. Redwood trees have very shallow roots which might be damaged by the weight. Please don't park there. Thanks!

PARENTS OF YOUNG CHILDREN: We ask that you keep your children from playing with the disabled door switches in the lobby and outside the front doors. Thanks!

BLOOD DONORS: The American Red Cross needs blood donors. Call (800) GIVE LIFE or visit http://www.BeADonor.com.

From time to time we have guest writers share words of wisdom, encouragement and love with the Newman community. It is my honor to introduce to you Norma Borghi, R.N., RCIA Core Team Member, Stewardship Committee Board Member, and by profession, Clinical Research Nurse Manager for Kaiser Permanente's Division of Research.

Shalom,
Frances Rojek

GIFTS OF GRIEF

Gifts of Grief is the title of an extraordinary film that chronicles the lives of seven individuals who share their personal stories of remarkable loss and how they unveil in each of their lives a sense of hope and appreciation for life. I was first introduced to this film in a continuing education class for healthcare providers. As nurses, we are educated and trained to understand and define the stages of death and dying. However, it is often our personal experience that transforms that pain and vulnerability of loss into hope, compassion and gratitude. This is the journey that we all will experience at one time or another in each of our lives.

Recently, my sister passed away in her home in Florida from sudden cardiac arrest. Understandably, I was consumed with shock, sadness and an overwhelming sense of loss. This was my sister who was blessed with humor, always making me laugh to the point where I could hardly catch my breath. As a child I remembered her as the sister who would tell me to lean on her shoulder and go to sleep on those long family road trips, and then carrying me up to bed, making sure I was tucked in for the night.

So as my family waited to memorialize our sister here in California, I attended a 12:10 Mass at Newman one day. During the Prayers of the Faithful I mentioned the loss of my sister. After Mass, I stayed for some additional quiet reflection before heading back to work. During that time, individuals I did not know personally came over to me expressing their condolences, as well as a few others I did know personally. I was deeply moved and felt a comforting support, realizing in that moment, and on that particular day, these individuals were my "gifts of grief" through their words, touch and presence.

Queen Elizabeth II in her speech after the 9/11 national tragedy was quoted as saying "Grief is the price we pay for love." To those of you who may be experiencing loss, it is my hope that you will discover your gifts of grief through the same kindness and compassion of others' spoken and unspoken gestures of love, strength and support as I did.

~ Norma Borghi ~