January 2026
WOMEN IN CONVERSATION
Learn more about Dr. Greg Shay , about Reverend Dr. Allison Tanner and, if you plan to attend, please let us know you’ll be coming.
Sunday Matinee Movies
1st Sunday of the month
Join us for a film and movie snacks 1pm in the Lounge.
January 4th, February 1st, March 1st, April 5th, May 3rd, and June 7th
For a short synopsis of each movie, click on this link.
Exploring Catholicism
Tuesday, January 20th at 7pm.
Multiversity Room
To see what we cover each week, click on this link
Catholics, Careers, and Conversation
Wednesdays from 7-8:30pm in Gallery
Young Adult Professionals! Join us to participate in conversations that matter.
Are you a working person in your late 20s to early 40s — come to Newman this Wednesday evening to explore faith in the work environment.
We’ll be employing the synodal practice of listening…
Sign up below or on the sheet on the blue cupboard in the foyer.
Click here for more information and to sign up.
Click here to read/watch Fr. Timothy Gallaher’s Pre-Synod meditations.
MORE
Sunday
Berkeley Catholic Worker Sunday
7:30am Come help Berkeley Catholic Worker serve breakfast to the homeless.
Show up or contact JC for more information. Also help serve dinner to the homeless on holidays at 4pm in the Newman Parking Lot.
Birthday Blessings 2nd Sunday of the month
We honor all who were born that month. At the end of select Masses we invite people born that month to come to the altar for a blessing.
Monday
Food Not Bombs All day
Help to prepare a vegetarian meal for the people at homeless encampments in Berkeley: Volunteer
Berkeley Catholic Worker (Holidays and on 5th Sundays ) - Come help Berkeley Catholic Workers serve meals to the needy in our parking lot during holidays, when few other groups are serving meals.
Wednesday
Newman Elders Everyone >60 2nd Wednesday of the month
Meets for lunch and discussion at 1 pm in the Gallery. Bring your lunch and something to share.
Catholicism WOW! Wednesdays during the academic year via Zoom
7 to 8pm Explore the wonders of Catholicism
Yvette yvetteniccolls@gmail.com
Ned niccolls@comcast.net
Catholicism WOW
During January our topic is: “The Tapping of the Holy Spirit”.
This week we explore what Sister Macrina describes as "the tapping" on our heart.
Sister Macrina writes: “. . . the wisdom of God is not unreachable for us. Our God is a sharer of divine wisdom . . . . as we learn to live with expectant, listening hearts, we will be more receptive to this holy wisdom. Ponder the various ways you have heard the tapping of the heart . . . practice listening to “the tapping”.
Homework, if you have time and inclination:
1. Please read the Gospel for next Sunday Jan 18, 2026 John 1:29-34 (see below)
2. Please read 1 Corinthians 2: 1-16 (see below)
3. Please read the attachment from “Abide” by Sister Macrina Wiederkehr (attached) pp. 53 – 57 from Chapter 2.
4. Please watch segments of a film set in Africa and produced by Walt Disney Pictures and Amblin Entertainment.
The topic is “heavier” in comparison to conventional Disney films.
A Far Off Place (1993) Full Movie in English | Step Into the Reel Dimensions!
Please watch two parts
From 0.35 - 0.40 and from 1:28 - 1:34
You may wish to watch the entire movie!
5. Let's hear what our Pope is saying. Please watch Pope Leo’s recent speech (minutes 6 to 12). "Peace is No Longer Sought" Pope Leo defends UN, slams war as global order starts cracking.
Discussion Questions:
1. Tell us your impressions of the character “Xhabbo”, the young bushman in the film. Describe what was meant by “tapping”.
2. If you had time to watch the entire movie, tell us about it.
3. Tell us about one or more occasions when you could discern the Holy Spirit’s guidance in your life.
4. If someone asked you how to be more open to the Holy Spirit, what advice would you give?
5. Let’s hear your comments on Pope Leo’s message. Do you share his concerns?