Growing in faith is a lifelong journey — we walk together, deepening our relationship with Christ and His Church.
Exploring Catholicism
Are you interested in exploring and/or joining the Catholic Church?
Consider joining Exploring Catholicism. It is our Order of Christian Initiation for Adults (OCIA) process that takes you through the basics of what it means to be a disciple of Jesus in the Catholic faith. This program is for those who wish to be baptized, for Christians wishing to become Roman Catholics, for Catholic wishing to be confirmed, as for anyone who wants a refresher or who are are simply curious. The Newman community normally celebrates adult baptisms and reception into the Catholic Church (First Communion and Confirmation) at the Easter Vigil. For more information, please email Fr. Xavier
Exploring Catholicism (OCIA)
Who’s it for?
For those who wish to be baptized.
For Christians who wish to be Catholic
For Catholics who want to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation
For Catholics who wish to review the faithful from an insight-driven perspective
For the simply curious.
It is for everyone!
When and where?
Tuesdays, 7pm Multiversity Room. When University Classes are in session. To help Fr. Xavier get your information, use this website link.
Can’t Attend on Tuesdays? Individual classes may be arranged.
What if I missed a class? Meet with Fr. Xavier in person or online for a review. Let's schedule it to fit your needs.
How do I register? Show Up! On Tuesday at 7.
Faith Formation at Newman
Family Faith Formation
9am in the Hecker Room.
First Sunday of each month September to May.
Newman Families Faith Formation meets on the first Sunday of each month of the school year.
The program is for parents/guardians and their children who’ve yet to receive Confirmation and including those preparing for First Communion. Join us by registering online, at the front desk, or by coming and registering at a session.
Our goals are to build community, to assist parents and guardians in your primary role as faith educators, and to engage the kids in learning more about our faith. Each month we'll focus on a topic. The first program will focus on the basics of what it means to be Catholic today.
We encourage you to join any session that you can, but especially the first one so that we can find out who is in our community and keep you up to date on future programming. A donation of $75 per family for the program is appreciated. Contact Peter and Eva Nico at pnico123@gmail.com if you have any questions.
Marriage Preparation
if you need assistance with your upcoming marriage or are looking for a church to celebrate the sacrament of matrimony, please contact Fr. Xavier by email, or to select and time and insert it into his calendar, press: Fr. Xavier’s Appointments
First Communion Class
Sundays at 9am in the Hecker Room
The first communion class (for elementary grade students) will Sundays beginning on October 12th and running through mid-May. On the first Sunday of each month, we will join with Eva & Peter Nico's Faith Formation class. All classes in meet in the Hecker Room from 9-10am. Class are taught by Michael Dalton.
Teen Confirmation
Sundays at 11:15 am
Our confirmation program for high school students meets in the Gallery on Sundays. Contact Camilla for more information and/or to enroll your teen.
Adult Confirmation Preparation
If you are a college student or older and have not celebrated the sacrament of confirmation but are well-educated in the faith, a special program will be designed for you. Please contact Fr. Xavier or make an appointment here, Fr. Xavier’s Appointments.
Other Faith Formation at Newman
Catholicism WOW!
Wednesday during the academic year via Zoom 7 pm. We stop at 8 pm.
Catholicism WOW! …because our Catholic faith is so amazing.
What is catholicism WOW!? Given that many are unaware or distracted by misinformation or lack of information about Catholicism, we need to be explorers and companions. Come join other explorers as we seek to discover how our faith continues to survive and thrive 2,000+ years and counting, despite of human frailty and mistakes. But then, Jesus promised that the gates of Hell would not prevail over his church.
What kind of things do we discuss? In the past, we have watched and discussed Bishop Robert Barron’s video series on Catholicism, the Saints, and the Mass. We’ve also read and discussed the lives of the saints, our Pope’s writings, and have explored topics in the news, as well as protecting the environment, racial justice, participants’ experiences in and of Catholicism, and myriad other topics.
Want to attend? Please tell us to add you to the guest list. Signing up to get the link does not oblige you to attend the meeting, it just tells us you might attend some of the remote meetings. You can eat dinner during the meeting. You can arrive late. You can leave early. We are all supporting each other as we explore our amazing Catholic faith.
Please join us. We look forward to seeing you!
Contact: Yvette yvetteniccolls@gmail.com or Ned niccolls@comcast.net. Explore various topics from a Catholic faith perspective, from basic catechism topics to current events.
Scripture sharing group (Emmaus Group)
Thursdays 7pm via Zoom
We reflect on the upcoming Sunday’s readings—Old Testament, Psalm, Epistle, and Gospel—and share how Scripture speaks to our lives and faith journeys. This is not simply a Bible study or prayer group, but faith sharing in community, rooted in Scripture. Leadership rotates and bringing your own perspective is part of the experience. Attendance is drop-in, so come when you can. Many participants find it deepens their appreciation of the Liturgy of the Word and the Church’s seasons throughout the year.
Please contact Elizabeth to join the meeting.
Centering Prayer & Lectio Divina
Thursdays at 10am in the Patio Room Second floor: Open to all, start your day with an hour of contemplative silence and listening in community! Centering prayer is a simple contemplative form of prayer where one empties their mind of thoughts and silently rests in the presence of God. Lectio Divina is a prayerful form of listening to the word of God in Scripture, as if we are in conversation with God. Both practices deepen our relationship with the Divine. No prior experience needed.
If you’re new to either practice, please plan to arrive at 9:45am for a brief introduction. For more information visit this link: https://www.contemplativeoutreach.org/centering-prayer-method/
Centering Prayer via Zoom
Monday 6:30. San Damiano Retreat Center Online.
Women in Conversation
2nd Saturday of the month in September, November, January, March, and May.
Newman Lounge 8 am. Contact: Amanda Wehrman (408) 318-4851.
This women’s group has presenters followed by small group discussions.
Disciples on the Road (DOR)
Our graduate student and recent grad group offers Bible studies, retreats, socials, and service projects. Wednesdays / 6:30pm in-person OR via Zoom You are invited to sit in at our leadership meetings on Wednesdays. Reach out to Noella (781-774-0238) for more information if interested! Thursdays/ 6:30pm Women’s and Men's Group at Newman Hall. Contact Abby (970-658-7194) or Nigel (341-213-9751) to learn more!
Student Bible Studies
One of the most powerful ways to grow in your relationship with Jesus Christ and His Church is through God’s Word, sharing with other seekers and searchers. God’s Spirit is alive in His Word and when we open ourselves to that Word, amazing things can happen. We offer a variety of Small Group Bible Studies to help you grow in your faith whether you’re starting from ground zero or have had several years of Catholic classes under your belt. Contact FOCUS MissionaryGreg Lyon to find out more or join.
Retreat Centers
Retreats can be an important part of our spiritual path. In providing quiet time away from the normal rhythms of life, retreats give us an opportunity to listen for God's voice and reflect on the ways that God is present in our lives. We are fortunate in the Bay Area to have a number of retreat centers within a few hours' drive. Many offer short day-long programs as well as weekend and longer retreats. Check out some of the offerings and see if one or another appeals to you.
Reasons you may want to consider attending a retreat:
Deepen your faith: Engage in prayer, reflection, and spiritual teachings to strengthen your connection with God and deepen your understanding of Catholic teachings.
Retreat from the hustle and bustle: Take a break from the demands of daily life and immerse yourself in a tranquil environment conducive to spiritual growth and renewal.
Foster community: Connect with fellow Catholics in a supportive and nurturing community atmosphere, fostering friendships and shared spiritual experiences.
Receive guidance: Benefit from the wisdom and guidance of experienced retreat leaders who can offer insights into Catholic spirituality and help you on your spiritual journey.
Renew your commitment: Use the retreat as an opportunity to recommit yourself to living out your Catholic values and principles in your daily life.
Experience sacraments: Participate in Mass, confession, and other sacramental rituals that can deepen your spiritual experience and provide opportunities for grace and healing.
Gain perspective: Step back from the distractions of the world to gain a clearer perspective on your life, priorities, and relationship with God.
Encounter God's presence: Open yourself to encountering the presence of God in a profound and transformative way, allowing His love and grace to work in your life.
A selection of nearby Retreat Centers
San Damiano Retreat Center. 710 Highland Drive, Danville, CA 94526
(925) 837-9141
Santa Sabina Center. 25 Magnolia Avenue, San Rafael, CA 94901
(415) 457-7727
El Retiro San Iñigo Jesuit Retreat House, 300 Manresa Way, Los Altos, CA 94022
(650) 917-4000
New Camoldi Retreat House Hermitage, 62475 Coast Highway 1 at Lucia, Big Sur, CA 93920
(831) 667-2456
Vallombrosa Center, 250 Oak Grove Avenue, Menlo Park, CA 94025
(650) 325-5614
Saint Columba’s Retreat House, 12835 Sir Francis Drake Boulevard, Inverness, CA 94937
Busy Person’s Retreat
What is The Busy Person’s Retreat?
It’s a parish-wide Lenten program offering members of the parish an opportunity to meet individually with a spiritual director for about an hour a week for 3 weeks.
It is for YOU-- parishioners of ALL ages and stages of life
You’ll meet once a week for an hour with a Spiritual Director
It is an abbreviated retreat for those who don’t have the freedom to take a weekend-long or extended retreat.
It gives you a taste of what Spiritual Direction is like
Why participate?
You may have an issue or question you wish to discern or just feel spiritually “stuck”
You may wish to discern relationships with others
You may wish to deepen your relationship with God.
You may be deciding on the future
A Spiritual Director is there to listen to you, not tell you what to do. You don’t have to be especially busy to participate. All are welcome! Sign up in at the front desk for an in-person meeting.
Spirituality
Lenten
Lent is the time Mother Church sets aside every year for us to con-front ourselves with courage, and to achieve all the change we yearn for in the depths of our hearts—that we may have life to the full. After Lent, we are to have become a totally new person, in love anew with God and with His creation. We rejoice with our Lord Jesus Christ who is truly risen, having overcome death and sin. We live in full freedom and joy, knowing the meaning of life, that we each are God’s own. Life is a celebration, a never-ceasing party; after we have totally repented.
Lenten Reflections by Francis Mangeni.
These reflections are meant to encourage you as you cooperate with God on your faith journey, a journey of concrete lifestyles and plans that transform you, ever becoming Christ-like, by His grace. You’ll find the reflection booklet here.
Ignatian Blog
Resources
To help you connect with God
Daily Examen is an ancient prayer practice that allows you to find God in your daily life. This podcast is based on a technique that St. Ignatius Loyola outlined in “The Spiritual Exercises” his classic manual for prayer.
Each week Fr. Martin will provide you with a new Refection.
Podcast guided version led by Jesuit priest, James Martin, SJ. The Examen.
3-Minute Daily Prayer from Loyola Press.
Loyola Press website: types of prayer, Rosary, Lectio Divina, the Examen, ways to pray with the saints
Parts of Lectio Divina by the Benedictines
Benedictine Sister Joan Chittister’s weekly or monthly reflections.
Jesuit prayers
Jesuit Prayers for Peace
Dominicans on the Rosary
The Rosary Novena reflection, led by Fr. Vincent Bernard, O.P.
Center for Action and Contemplation in New Mexico (CAC), founded in 1987 by Franciscan Priest Richard Rohr offers a daily reflection via email. Sign up to receive the email. Listen to one of the CAC podcasts.
Apps
Catholic app: Laudate
Catholic app: Hallow
The Pope’s Prayer website: Click to Pray to download the App
Sacred Space is a daily prayer website and app
Pray as you Go, prayer app
Reflection on the Solemnity of Sts. Peter and Paul, Apostles by Jesuit Francis Mangeni
The Ten Commandments: Laws of the Heart, Joan Chittister’s book, offers a 21st century interpretation and suggests ways to apply them in your own life.
Commonweal Magazine - Commonweal is a a forum for civil, reasoned debate on the interaction of faith with contemporary politics and culture.
America Magazine A Jesuit media about faith and culture.
National Catholic Reporter Provides alternative Catholic voice for expression of diverse perspectives promoting tolerance and respect for differing ideas.
Catholic News Service Comprehensive coverage of the Catholic Church today
Joy of the Gospel (Evangelii Gaudium) Consider reading and meditation on this apostolic exhortation by Pope Francis as he calls us to be a “community of missionary disciples” to share the joy of the Good News.
Resources for families
Holy Week Resources for Families- This link points to a variety of Holy Week Resources for families
For Parents, Teens, Young Adults (and family):
https://vencuentro.org/resources-for-ministry-during-covid-19-outbreak/ - This is an EXCELLENT comprehensive resource with inspiration, activities, enrichment and prayers with something for everyone
www.pastoralcenter.com – A wide assortment of downloadable resources and activities for growing in faith together as a family
www.Formed.org – Access to over 600 videos, movies and resources from over 50 Catholic contributors. There are movies, short clips and programs for all ages, including many resources for Lent and Holy Week. (This is free if your parish has subscribed or an individual family subscription is $9.99 per month
www.usccb.org – Official site of the US Bishops with daily mass readings, prayers, information and links to resources for all ages during the Corona Virus
www.catholicdoors.com – Explore prayer, catholic traditions, learn about patron saints and much more.
For Children:
www.Catholicicing.com – Activities and resources for families with young children. Currently featuring Lenten activities to engage in at home.
www.cgsusa.org/discovercgs-approach/cgs-in-the-home-parent-resources/ Great resource with info and activities for parents of children ages 3-6 years.
Just For Teens:
www.lifeteen.com – Resources and inspiration including a link to a series of global Life Nights starting this Sunday
www.youcat.org - Has an app for daily 5 minute faith talk with activities
Learning about the Church
We are Holy Spirit Parish
Do you know the gifts and fruits of the Holy Spirit?
Gifts: These are spiritual qualities that help us grow in holiness and be more open to the Holy Spirit's guidance. Wisdom, Understanding, Counsel, Fortitude, Knowledge, Piety, and Fear of the Lord.
Wisdom: This gift helps us understand God's will and choose the best way to live our lives.
Understanding: This gift allows us to see God's plan for our lives and to discern God’s will in difficult situations.
Counsel: This gift gives us the ability to make good judgments and to discern right from wrong.
Fortitude: This gift gives us courage and strength to stand firm in faith, especially when facing difficult times.
Knowledge: This gift allows us to understand God's Word and to learn more about God.
Piety: This gift helps us to be reverent and respectful of God in all things.
Fear of the Lord: This gift helps us to be in awe of God's greatness and to be in respectful awe of God’s power.
Fruits: The virtues and qualities that develop as a result of being filled and guided by the Holy Spirit are the Fruits of the Holy Spirit. They manifest as love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control, showcasing the transformative power of the Holy Spirit.
Love: A selfless, compassionate, and enduring affection, mirroring God's love.
Joy: A deep, abiding sense of happiness and well-being, even in difficult circumstances, rooted in God's presence.
Peace: A calm and tranquil state of mind, a sense of assurance and serenity, even when facing challenges.
Patience: A willingness to endure hardships and wait calmly, trusting in God's timing.
Kindness: A compassionate and generous spirit towards others, showing empathy and concern.
Goodness: An overall moral uprightness, exhibiting virtue and righteousness in all aspects of life.
Faithfulness: Loyalty, trustworthiness, and reliability in one's relationships with God and others.
Gentleness: Meekness, mildness, and a gentle approach in dealing with others.
Self-control: Discipline, restraint, and the ability to manage one's emotions and actions, resisting temptations and impulses.
The Thomistic Institute exists to promote Catholic truth in our contemporary world by strengthening the intellectual formation of Christians at universities, in the Church, and in the wider public square. The thought of St. Thomas Aquinas, the Universal Doctor of the Church, is our touchstone. The TI is an academic institute of the Pontifical Faculty of the Dominican House of Studies in Washington, D.C.
Thomistic Institute
The TI is an academic institute of the PontificaTo receive more information about Thomistic Institute events at UC Berkeley, you can contact Max Hirsch mhirsch@berkeley.edu at the Thomistic Institute office in Washington DC. Events are free and open to the public.
The Thomistic Institute's events at UC Berkeley are organized in partnership with the Western Province of Dominicans (the Province of the Most Holy Name of Jesus).