Adult Religious Education & Faith Formation
Scripture Study
Roman Catholics believe that the Bible— the Word of God— is the primary source of Truth for us. The Old Testament (Hebrew Scriptures) and the New Testament (Christian Scriptures) form one story of how God’s plan of salvation unfolded for the human family.
We are encouraged to pray with and study the Bible so that we can learn more about the origins of our faith and to root ourselves in the Word of God and the community that is gathered by this Word.
The Newman Center offers on-going Scripture studies which explore the meaning and depth of the books of the Bible. As part of our Faith, Family & Friends program we offer a Scripture Study option, in addition to options for Catholic Faith Topics and Family Life Topics. Go to the Faith, Family & Friends link and check out the scheduled topics for Scripture Study. The weekly bulletin will also have information about any Scripture Studies that are being offered in the parish. All are welcome!
Men Ministries
This ministry provides an opportunity for men to share and discuss common issues in their lives in a supportive group relationship. We discuss spiritual and practical issues related to men and biblical strategies for dealing life’s struggles.
Men’s Tuesday Morning Spirituality Group meets every Tuesday morning at 7:30-8:15AM in the Library after 7AM Mass. This group provides an opportunity for men to share and discuss common issues in light of the Scriptures and Catholic Tradition.
Men’s Spirituality Saturday Breakfast Group is a monthly Saturday morning Men’s Spirituality Breakfast Club that meets on the 2nd Saturday of the months September through May. The program features breakfast, guest speakers, scripture reflection, lively discussion and faith sharing.
Women Ministries
This ministry provides the opportunity for women who wish to develop their spirituality, study scripture, and to form friendship bonds to gather with other women for support and encouragement.
Women’s Spirituality & Scripture Study Group
This is a gathering of women who wish to develop their spirituality, study scripture, and to form friendship bonds with other women for support and encouragement. The group is currently on break. Classes will be scheduled beginning in August 2009. The group facilitator is Tanya Meneses. For more information or to register for classes, contact John Prandini at 436-3439, or e-mail to prandinij@csufnewman.com
Lydia’s House is an ecumenical women’s group that meets monthly to explore topics in women’s spirituality. Meetings are held on the third Saturday of the month from 9:00-11:00AM in Cardinal Newman Hall, room 103. Contact Mary Carr, 439-3466.
NCYA (Newman Center Young Adults)
Newman Center Young Adults meet twice a month for fellowship, fun, and spiritual growth. If you are between the ages of 22 to 35, and would like to meet other young adults and grow in your faith, please join us! For more information and a list of upcoming activities, pick up a flier by the Campus Ministry bulletin board in the lobby (by the door at the east end of the hallway) or contact Tanya at tanyameneses@gmail.com. Summer plans include community service, monthly Mass, and a beach trip August 1!
RCIA
Are You Thinking About Becoming a Catholic Christian? R.C.I.A. stands for the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults and represents the process by which adults are introduced to the beliefs and practices of the Catholic Church, dialogue with a team of clergy and trained laypersons, and move through the sacraments of initiation—baptism, confirmation and eucharist.
R.C.I.A. begins with Inquiry— the first and very vital part of the program that allows you to bring your questions about the beliefs and traditions of the Catholic Church to a relaxed environment that allows the time that you need to explore your faith within the context of Catholicism.
Is this the Church where God is calling you to belong? To begin on a journey of faith, we are all called to be faithful to God’s time. The Newman Center RCIA program is available to inquirers year-round—there are no specific start and stop dates—just as there is no set schedule by which God calls us to a new beginning. So if you are interested in finding answers to your questions about the Catholic faith, call us any time.
You will be treated as an individual, and will be given time to become acquainted with the Catholic community and the gospel values we attempt to live. The time you spend in Inquiry gives you the opportunity to determine whether you are seriously interested and called to become incorporated into the Catholic community. It’s a time to develop your relationship with God and resolve any questions you might have.
We welcome you to this very special journey of faith and hope that you will see us not as “teachers” but rather as friends who wish to be companions on your journey. In RCIA, we incorporate celebrations, reflection and retreat, prayer experiences and social occasions to build community. As you move beyond Inquiry into the Catechumenate, which is a more focused stage of formation, you will be accompanied by a sponsor and will expand your formation on key tenets of the Catholic Church.
St. Paul Newman Center’s RCIA program is focused on adults who have not been baptized or who have been baptized in another Christian church and wish to explore Catholicism. In some cases, baptized Catholics with little or no religious education may participate in the RCIA program. The Newman Center is uniquely blessed to have initiation programs which are age specific through high school, as well as other adult sacrament preparation programs for Catholics wishing to complete sacramental initiation, including college students.
Contact Arlene Kalchik at 292-4244.
Returning Catholics
Have you thought about coming back home to Church? It’s not the same without you! We welcome the opportunity to talk to you and connect with you through individual and group gatherings. Contact John Prandini anytime at 436-3439 or prandinij@csufnewman.com .
You are also warmly invited and encouraged to participate in our Faith, Family & Friends individual and family religious education and faith formation program. You will have the opportunity to meet other parishioners within the context of a friendly community evening; pick from three educational options (Scripture Study, Catholic Faith Topics, Family Life Topics); and to discover the Church in a new, welcoming, and personal way. We would like to welcome you personally and provide you with companionship on your journey back home.
Other Adult Education, Faith Formation Programs and Support Groups are located under Family Life Ministry:
(click on each to go to link)Marriage Preparation - education, workshops, counseling and support for engaged couples;
Marriage Enrichment/Relationship Enhancement – on-going education, programs, social activities, pastoral counseling, and support for married/dating couples, and an annual Married Couple Retreat;
Parenting/Family Education and Guidance for parents and family members;
Separated & Divorced Support Groups for spiritual support and encouragement;
Retired and Senior Parishioner Support through spiritual and social activities;
Men Ministries providing spiritual development, support and direction;
Women’s Ministries providing spiritual development, support and direction;
Grief Support related to the death of a loved one.
Catholic Singles seeking friendship through spiritual, service and social activities;
Pastoral Counseling for individuals and couples in need of guidance and support;
Physical Fitness - Tai Chi classes are offered using graceful movements to reduce stress, improve range of motion, posture, muscle strength, and balance.