Growing in faith is a lifelong journey — we walk together, deepening our relationship with Christ and His Church.
Exploring Catholicism
OCIA
Everyone Is Welcome
Are you curious about the Catholic faith? Thinking about becoming Catholic? Looking to complete your sacraments or simply deepen your understanding of what the Church teaches? Exploring Catholicism (OCIA) is a welcoming journey for anyone who wants to learn more about the Catholic faith and what it means to follow Jesus Christ.
Program starts September 8, 2026
Tuesdays at 7:00 PM, lasting approximately 1.5 hours.
Sacraments will be received during Easter Vigil Mass on March 27, 2027 at Newman Hall-Holy Spirit Parish
Led by Fr. Andrew Thomas Kang, OP.
To join please complete this form: Join OCIA
This journey is for:
Adults who wish to be baptized.
Christians from other traditions who are interested in becoming Catholic.
Catholics who wish to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation.
Catholics seeking to renew or deepen their understanding of the faith.
Anyone who is simply curious and wants to explore.
Whether you're ready to take the next step or just beginning to ask questions, you'll find a welcoming community where you can learn, reflect, and grow at your own pace.
Join us as we explore the teachings of the Catholic Church, the beauty of the sacraments, and what it means to live as a disciple of Jesus Christ.
Family Faith Formation
First Sunday of Each Month
9:00 AM in the Hecker Room
Starting on 8/30/26
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.
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 $100 per family for the program is appreciated.
Questions? Please contact Peter or Eva Nico.
First Communion Class
Sundays at 9 am in the Hecker Room
Starting on 9/20/26
First Communion preparation is for elementary-age students and meets from October through mid-May.
On the first Sunday of each month, students will join Eva and Peter Nico’s Faith Formation class.
Class taught by Michael Dalton.
+1 (510) 504-2015
Teen Confirmation
Class starts September 20th
Sundays
9 AM to 9:55 AM
Weekly Mass attendance is required
Teen Confirmation is open to youth ages 13–17 who have been baptized and have already received First Reconciliation and First Communion. Teens who have not yet been baptized or received First Communion are still welcome to join the class. They will be baptized and receive First Communion and Confirmation together at the end of the year.
Preparation is a one-year program with weekly classes from mid-September through mid-May, following the school year calendar. Registration is open for the current school year.
Program requirements include regular attendance (no more than three absences per year), 10 hours of community service each year, knowledge of the required prayers, and choosing a sponsor and patron saint.
College students and adults interested in volunteering are welcome! Volunteers must complete finger printing before working with minors. Please contact Camilla San Juan for more information.
To register or learn more, please contact the Teen Confirmation Coordinator: Camilla San Juan
Marriage Preparation
Marriage Preparation
Newman Hall–Holy Spirit Parish offers marriage preparation to help engaged couples build a strong foundation for married life. Rooted in the Catholic tradition, the program welcomes couples of all faith backgrounds. To get started, please contact:
Fr. Pius Youn Pastor OP
Office (510) 848 7812 ext.:1001
For marriage preparation workshops and Natural Family Planning (NFP) resources, please visit the Diocese of Oakland website or explore additional NFP resources through MyParishNFP.org.
Other Faith Formation at Newman
Catholicism WOW!
Wednesdays during the academic year · 7:00–8:00 p.m.
Zoom
Come explore the Catholic faith with us! Catholicism WOW! is a welcoming conversation about the richness, beauty, and relevance of our Catholic faith. Each week, we explore a different topic—from Scripture, the Mass, and the lives of the saints to current events, the writings of the Pope, social justice, and everyday experiences of faith.
Curious about your faith? Have questions? Come join us.
You don’t need to be an expert—just bring your curiosity and an open mind. Eat dinner during the meeting, arrive late, or leave early. There’s no obligation to attend every week.
Want to join us
Wednesdays 7 - 8?
Zoom Meetings link
Meeting ID: 814 1113 6986
Passcode: 422019
Questions?
Yvette
Ned
Scripture sharing group (Emmaus Group)
Thursdays 7 pm via Zoom
We reflect on the upcoming Sunday’s readings—the Old Testament, Psalm, Epistle, and Gospel—and share how Scripture speaks to our lives and faith journeys. This is more than a Bible study or prayer group; it is an opportunity to share faith and reflect together in community, rooted in Scripture. Leadership rotates, and everyone is invited to bring their own perspective. Attendance is drop-in, so come whenever you can. Many participants find that this practice deepens their appreciation of the Liturgy of the Word and the Church’s seasons throughout the year.
Please contact Elizabeth to join us.
Centering Prayer & Lectio Divina
Thursdays at 10:00 a.m. · Patio Room, Second Floor
Start your day with an hour of contemplative silence and listening in community. Open to all, this gathering offers two simple practices that invite us to slow down, listen deeply, and rest in God’s presence.
Centering Prayer is a quiet, contemplative practice of resting in God’s presence. Lectio Divina is a prayerful way of listening to Scripture and allowing it to speak to our lives.
No prior experience is needed. If you’re new to either practice, please arrive at 9:45 a.m. for a brief introduction.
Centering Prayer via Zoom
Mondays at 6:30 p.m. · San Damiano Retreat Center Online
For more information about Centering Prayer, visit Contemplative Outreach.
Women in Conversation
2nd Saturday every other month during the academic year:
September, November, January, March & May,
Newman Lounge
9:30 am
Women in Conversation meets bimonthly Saturday mornings to consider theology, scripture, spirituality, and Church issues from women’s perspectives, to deepen prayer and discernment practices, and to support one another as women in the Church.
For more information click here
Freshman Men's Group
Starting September 6th
Sundays
3:30 to 5 pm
Patio Room
Join FOCUS for a men’s Bible study and a time of fellowship, prayer, and faith-sharing. Come together with other men to grow deeper in your relationship with Christ and discover how Scripture can guide us in our daily lives.
All men are welcome!
For more information contact:
Zegna Picano
Lina and Laura's Bible Study
Tuesdays
4:00 –5:00 pm
Patio Room
Looking for a welcoming space to deepen your faith and grow in your relationship with God? Join Lina & Laura’s Bible Study group! Together, we’ll explore Scripture, share our reflections, ask questions, and support one another as we discover how God’s Word speaks to our lives today.
Everyone is welcome — whether you’re new to Bible study or have been reading Scripture for years. Come as you are and join us for conversation, community, and faith.
We’d love to have you with us!
For more information click here
FOCUS Women Bible Study
Tuesdays
5:00 – 7:00 pm
Patio Room
Join FOCUS for a women’s Bible study and a time of fellowship, prayer, and faith-sharing. Come together with other women to grow deeper in your relationship with Christ and discover how Scripture can guide and strengthen your daily life.
All women are welcome!
For more information contact:
Gabriella Dogue
Fr. Xavier Lavregatto’s Presentation on Pope Leo XIV’s first encyclical Magnifica humanitas
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
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
Thomistic Institute
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.
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).
Resources
To help you connect with God
Daily Examen is an ancient prayer practice that allows you to find God in your daily life. Podcast guided version led by Jesuit priest: James Martin, SJ.
3-MinuteDaily 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 (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.
Catholic Apps
Hallow
Sacred Space
Pray as you Go
The Ten Commandments: Laws of the Heart, Joan Chittister’s book, offers a 21st century interpretation.
Commonweal Magazine - It is a forum for reasoned debate on the interaction of faith with contemporary 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) By Pope Francis.
Resources for families
For Parents, Teens, Young Adults and families:
This is a Resource with inspiration, activities, enrichment and prayers with something for everyone
www.pastoralcenter.com – 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.
www.usccb.org – Official site of the US Bishops.
www.catholicdoors.com – Explore prayer, catholic traditions, learn about patron saints and much more.
For Children:
www.Catholicicing.com – Resources for families with young children. Currently featuring Lenten activities to engage in at home.
Resource with information and activities for parents of children ages 3-6 years.
For Teens:
www.lifeteen.com – Resources and inspiration.
www.youcat.org - App for daily five minute faith talk with activities.
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.