Every four years the Paulist Administration reviews each Paulist enterprise (parish, campus ministry, press/media centers). This year Fathers John Duffy and John Behnke visited Berkeley to assess the Paulists living at Berkeley and their ministry. Their written report was reviewed and accepted by the Paulist Council at their most recent meeting in December. What follows is a slightly abridged version of that report. Prior to their coming in October the local Paulists and lay staff responded to preliminary questions in writing as well as the most recent parishioners' evaluation and a variety of statistical data including both parish and Paulist financial documents.

The Visitors (Fathers Duffy and Behnke) met with Colleen Lenord (Music and Liturgy), Frances Rojek (Faith Formation), John McChesney-Young (Administrative Assistant) and Peg McGowan (Finance Assistant). They are knowledgeable of the Paulist Mission and are quite competent in their areas of expertise. They appreciated the fact that the style of Paulist leadership delegates and trusts them. They were cognizant of the financial and space limitations at present and are to be commended for their willingness to adapt and adjust. They spoke of the vitality of Holy Spirit and the fact that families and students interact quite well. The visitors explored with them what might be some of the reasons for the decrease in weekend Mass attendance.

The visitors and Bernie Campbell also met with Bishop Allen Vigneron at the new Cathedral and Chancery. The Bishop is very appreciative of the Paulist presence and of the ways the Paulists relate to the clergy of the diocese. The Bishop did wonder if the demands of being a parish hindered the ministry to the student community. Bernie acknowledged that there are inevitable claims of attention made by many diverse groups in the parish and area but that Newman has been wonderfully adept at inclusion of persons — be they 20 or 90 — in the ministries of Loaves and Fishes, Religious Education, choir groups, et al. The visitors concurred in this theme of inclusion as well as strong direct attention by the Paulists over the years to students.

Later that evening the Visitors met with about 20 members of Newman representing the Pastoral Council, Finance Committee, Student Leadership and Lay Preachers. The members expressed their appreciation for the Paulists, the Staff and the variety of ministries that are present in the parish. They noted that they are a well-educated lay community and that there is a reputation that they might be too liberal, though they thought that reputation a bit overstated. They appreciated the lay involvement in direct pastoral ministry. Two specific examples were noted: Lay Preaching and the "Busy Persons' Retreat" where the professional spiritual directing skills of lay members are most appreciated.

They spoke of the Parish Survey that was conducted during the past year and were grateful that their opinions are requested and respected. There are many different groups and many opportunities for people to gather. There was a strong desire to find ways to integrate the Catholic Faith with daily life and they appreciated the variety of liturgies.

They asked how to increase the sense of Paulistness. The visitors noted that our mission directions are in clear evidence. The visitors spoke about the Paulist Associate Program in some of their foundations. There was a great deal of interest expressed about such a possibility for Holy Spirit.

On Sunday evening the visitors had a supper with about 65-75 students and then met with about 12 student leaders. The visitors were impressed with the diversity of the students at the dinner. The leaders spoke of the many groups and activities that students have: faith sharing, Bible study, prayer gatherings — the rosary, meditation, social and educational gatherings for young adults/grad students and service opportunities. They stressed the fact that the parish is very supportive of them. One added, "This is my parish; I am not a guest." The environment is very welcoming for them and for their (non-Catholic) friends. Each spoke highly of the Paulists. "They care about our ideas; sit and listen to us. The Paulists are available and approachable. They empower us and encourage us to grow spiritually." Finally the student leaders noted that they are aware of budget limitations and plan accordingly. Any efforts at further integrating students and families are valued. They feel welcome to come to anything at Newman.

CONCLUSIONS OF THE VISITATION

1. The level of Paulist community life is quite good. In this intergenerational house there is a respect for one another. The visitors noted the commitment to meals together, morning prayer and facilitated community time every three weeks. There is a good common life here and a good place for Paulists in formation. The visitors asked that each member's will and health proxy be updated by early 2009.
2. The quality of the liturgy/worship remains quite high and draws in people from outside the parish's boundaries. There is a wide variety of ministries. Sufficient priority is given to student ministry. Social justice and direct service through such programs as Loaves and Fishes and other programs of direct advocacy are clear examples of the long-standing commitment to social justice. Also the visitors expressed our Paulist appreciation for their tremendous commitment to the recently concluded Paulist Campaign For The Future.
3. Over the last few years there has been a decrease of between 200 and 300 in weekly Mass attendance. We encourage the Paulists, the Staff and the parishioners to reflect on the possible reasons for this occurrence. While the weekly collection has not appreciably dipped, we are aware of growing financial constraints as costs increase. The financial reserve cannot be utterly depleted without a new plan being developed and as capitol improvements continue this draws concern and attention.
4. The professional staff is very competent. They are committed to the vision and mission of the Paulists. They appreciate the amount of trust placed in them and the lack of micromanagement. The visitors encourage a fostering of a sense of team among the staff as this would enhance the effectiveness of pastoral ministry.
5. The previous bishop, John Cummins, has been a close friend of the Paulists for more than 50 years. The visitors were heartened to see the Paulists' intentional efforts at promoting a positive relationship with the present ordinary, Bishop Allen Vigneron. The visitors are grateful that the Paulists remain committed to the local presbyterate.
6. The Bay Area Regional Ministry as originally envisioned in 2005 has been modified. Old St. Mary's and Holy Spirit/Newman impact the Bay Area in various ways, such as a continuing Chinese Evangelization effort. Holy Spirit, the visitors noted, continues to develop ministry to young adult professionals and graduate students and to offer this model to the Diocese. In this effort the visitors recommend collaboration with Busted Halo, a national Paulist effort with post-college Catholics.
7. The ministry efforts towards students are well done. The inclusion of graduate theology students as supervised interns is good. If additional funding can be arranged the visitors welcome a more expanded effort of ministry among Cal students.
8. The Paulist Associate Program was received by students and parishioners with enthusiasm. The visitors encourage the local Paulists to explore the beginning of an Associate Program here.