Children’s Faith Formation at Newman

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Children’s Faith Formation has started. The program will run for about an hour, from 9am to 9:50am, each Sunday. We offer the following classes:

K-1st Grades;
2nd Grade (First Communion Preparation),
3rd-5th Grades;
6th-8th Grades;
Click here to register your child.

If you are interested in helping as a catechist, please click here.

Children’s Faith Formation includes the following:

Little Church meets at 9am and ends in time to attend to live-stream the 10am Sunday Mass - Ground your pre-schooler in the values, prayers, and tools of the faith. Please contact Grace for more information. NOTE: We aren’t meeting on March 10th or March 17th.

Children’s Liturgy of the Word during the 10am Sunday Mass - Please contact the front desk at Newman to register your child. Please contact Grace for more information.

First Communion Class - If your child is of age, please contact Michael Dalton to sign up for our First Communion Class. They meet at 9am on Sundays.

Teen Confirmation - We offer a two year confirmation program for high school students. The group meets on Sundays from 9-11 am. Contact Camilla for more information and/or to enroll your teen.


Adult Faith Formation at Newman

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RCIA - If you are college student or older and desire to join the Catholic faith or if you were baptized Catholic but never celebrated First Communion and Confirmation, we have a process to help you grow deeper in your faith to make those life commitments. Please contact Fr. Ivan or call 510-848-7812 for more info or to sign up.

Adult Confirmation Preparation - If you are a college student or older and have not celebrated the sacrament of confirmation, please contact Zach Turner. He will be leading our Adult Confirmation Program starting in February.

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. Ivan or call 510-848-7812 for more info.

Other Faith Formation Opportunities - We are blessed to have several groups to help us grow in our faith. Please check out the group that matches your interest:

  • Tuesday Theology (Tue) - This book discussion group reads various religious, spiritual, or social books and discusses them from a Catholic or spiritual perspective

  • Catholicism WOW! (Wed) - Explore various topics from a Catholic faith perspective, from basic catechism topics to current events

  • Emmaus (Thu) - Explores the Sundays readings each week

  • Women in Conversation (quarterly, Saturday) - This women’s group has presenters followed by small group discussions.

  • Newman Grads - Our graduate student and young adult group has Bible studies, socials, and service projects.

  • Student Bible Studies - (various) - Contact FOCUS Missionary Josh 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:

  1. Deepen your faith: Engage in prayer, reflection, and spiritual teachings to strengthen your connection with God and deepen your understanding of Catholic teachings.

  2. 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.

  3. Foster community: Connect with fellow Catholics in a supportive and nurturing community atmosphere, fostering friendships and shared spiritual experiences.

  4. 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.

  5. Renew your commitment: Use the retreat as an opportunity to recommit yourself to living out your Catholic values and principles in your daily life.

  6. Experience sacraments: Participate in Mass, confession, and other sacramental rituals that can deepen your spiritual experience and provide opportunities for grace and healing.

  7. Gain perspective: Step back from the distractions of the world to gain a clearer perspective on your life, priorities, and relationship with God.

  8. 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
(415) 669-1039