September 2, 2012

Announcements

EUCHARISTIC MINISTER TRAINING Ministers of Holy Communion are needed at all masses. If you have thought about becoming a minister of Holy Communion but have not pursued the idea, NOW IS THE TIME! Individuals who have completed the training regularly comment that they begin the training with some hesitation, but finish with enthusiasm and confidence. Ministers are not assigned masses in advance, but instead serve at the mass they attend. Parishioners interested in becoming a minister of Holy Communion are invited to participate a four-session training program. Sessions are scheduled for the following Mondays: Sept 17th, 24th, Oct 1st, and 8th from 7:00 – 8:30 p.m. Participants must to attend all four sessions to be commissioned. If you are interested, please ask for and complete an application available at the front desk or on the hospitality table. You may direct questions to Gary Addiego at 925.838.2682 or gandjaddiego@sbcglobal.net.

2012 NEWMAN COUNCIL ALUMNI ESSAY CONTEST FOR UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS. "What Does it Mean to Be a Catholic Student at Cal." We invite students to write a reflective essay of 500-1000 words about your answer to the question above. You may use specific examples from your own experience, observations you have made of others, or any of your reading. You may also want to reflect on the quote by Cardinal Newman below or on the biographical information about him available on our parish website. "A university... educates the intellect to reason well in all matters, to reach out towards truth, and to grasp it."–Blessed John Henry Cardinal Newman, The Idea of a University. First prize $500. Prizes of $300, $200, $100, and $50 will also be given. For more information please go to our website, calnewman.org.

LGBT CATHOLICS: SUMMER SOCIAL Please join the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) Catholics for our first social this summer. Invite a friend or make new friends. Bring a snack or a beverage to share. We meet Thursday, Sept. 6, 7:30—9 p.m. in the lounge upstairs. All are welcome. For more information on the group or to get on our email list, contact Antonio Salas at (510) 663-6302 or LGBT_Newman@yahoo.com.

WELCOME TO NEWMAN HALL LITURGICAL MINISTRIES! If you feel called to join any of these ministries: Music, Communion Ministry, Lector Ministry, Chapel Cleaning Ministry, Sacristan, etc, you will find the information at http://calnewman.org/liturgical-ministries/ or on the information sheets on the Hospitality Table near the Front desk. Colleen would be happy to talk further with you, email her at colleenlenord@gmail.com.

NEWMAN HALL YOUNG ADULT GROUP (YAGGIES) Welcome back to Berkeley! With the start of the fall semester, the Newman Hall Young Adult Group is excited to begin another year of social, spiritual, and service events. Whether you have been involved with the Yaggies for years, or you are new to the area and interested in meeting new people, we hope you can join us for as many events as possible! Our calendar begins Thursday (9/6) with our annual wine and cheese kick off. All grad students, post docs, and young adults are encouraged to attend. We are excited to see all of you and would love for new Yaggies to become part of our community. The Yaggies meet Thursday nights (usually at the Newman Center at 7:30 p.m. but occasionally elsewhere), go out to dinner one Sunday each month after the 5 p.m. mass, and have a variety of special events on weekends. Please contact us at newman.yaggies@gmail.com if you have any suggestions or requests for events.

GETTING MARRIED? Or maybe you know someone who is. The Church requires couples to go through a Marriage Preparation program, and Newman's is coming up. Two Saturdays: Oct 13th and 27th, from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. It's led by a few parish couples, and it's a great opportunity for engaged couples to discuss how their married life can grow. More info: Fr. Bernie or Howard/Katherine, 510-525-5231.

FLOWER MINISTRY A practical way we can all participate in enhancing our unique worship space as well as perhaps sharing special events in our lives with the community, is by contribution to the Flower Ministry. Donation envelopes are available at the Reception Desk. All contributions will be acknowledged in the bulletin unless otherwise requested. If you have any questions, please leave a message for Colleen.

ROSARY MAKERS GROUP STARTING The Sisters of the Holy Family’s Guild is beginning a rosary-making group at the Motherhouse—159 Washington Blvd. We invite you to come and learn what it is about. Time, day of the week, and questions regarding this project will be discussed. The information day will be Friday, Sept 7th at 9:30 a.m. Come to the front door of the Motherhouse. There is no charge; we just want to make rosary beads to share with others in their various Ministries. Our good God knows that we need prayer for peace and compassion in our world.

NFP SERIES STARTING IN SEPTEMBER In an effort to give practical help to married and engaged couples to live out the teaching of the Church, a short course on Natural Family Planning is starting soon. You are encouraged to attend the course at the Cathedral of Christ the Light beginning Saturday, Sept 15. Cost is $140 plus shipping for materials; financial assistance is available. Information and registration is available through Ron and Andrea Gronsky and on the website, 510-526-5041, www.ccli.org. Classes will be held Saturdays, Sept 15th, Oct 20th , Nov 10th, at 9:00 a.m.

SMCHS GOLF INVITATION Saint Mary's College High School, Berkeley, will hold its 28th Golf Invitational at the recently restored Mira Vista Country Club in El Cerrito on Monday, Oct 15th, 2012. Benefits the school’s tuition assistance program. For information and reservations, contact Joanne Marchetti Howe in Saint Mary's Advancement Office, at (510) 559-6227 or jhowe@stmchs.org. The event is part of the school’s Sesquicentennial Year celebration.

ADDITIONAL ANNOUNCEMENTS NOT IN THIS WEEK'S PRINT EDITION:
SEPTEMBER OFFERINGS AT SANTA SABINA CENTER
Sept 4, 7–8:30 p.m. Sing the Music of Hildegard of Bingen as contemplative practice, through the Ear to the Heart. This gentle, contemplative practice of listening and singing the music of Hildegard together is led by Devi Mathieu and requires no previous experience with the music of Hildegard or with medieval music. Suggested offering, $10-20. Santa Sabina Center, 25 Magnolia Avenue, San Rafael, 415-457-7727; info@santasabinacenter.org.
Sept 5, 9:30 a.m.–2:00 p.m. Contemplative Day of Prayer led by Sr. Barbara Green, OP, scripture scholar and professor at the Dominican School of Philosophy and Theology in Berkeley. Topic: Mary, Ruth, Naomi: Intersections. Suggested offering, $20. Santa Sabina Center, 25 Magnolia Avenue, San Rafael, 415-457-7727; info@santasabinacenter.org.

SAN DAMIANO FUNDRAISER San Damiano Retreat in Danville will hold its 4th Annual Fall Auction Fundraiser, featuring silent and live auctions, dinner, wine, and live music on Sunday September 16 from 3PM—9PM. Cost is $50 per person. More info: 925-837-9141, katerik@sandamiano.org, www.sandamiano.org

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It was 30 years ago yesterday that I arrived at Newman Hall. Suzanne Marr was sitting on the front steps with her friend and fellow student – Beth. Suzanne – now a mother – still brings her daughter to Faith Formation.

Some words that spring to mind about Newman over the years are diverse, exciting, challenging, healing, Trinity, kind to children – and parents.

It’s what makes RCIA so easy – and enjoyable. It’s not only what we teach but also who we are.

We begin RCIA again in two weeks. That has been the highlight of my time here – sharing the faith with people who are excited about becoming Catholic –especially with people who were previously Catholic and are open to taking another look. Their presence adds a very realistic note to the picture we present of the Church.

It’s also great to bring infants to the waters of life.

Father Paul Janowiak’s book, Standing Together in the Community of Faith, has given me an exciting new appreciation of what it means to stand at the center of that community.

Two of the greatest gifts that the priesthood offers is the sacraments of healing – anointing of the sick and reconciliation – two of the most wonderful gifts of the Second Vatican Council. I love them both.

So – here we go! I’m pretty sure that I won’t be here for another 30 years. But for the rest of the time we have together let’s make Newman an even more exciting and inviting place to be.

RCIA begins again next week! September 12, 7:30 p.m. A great and informative time together! As we used to say in Texas: "Y'all come!"

Al Moser, C.S.P.