Long time parishioner here, dating from the days of the Paulists and now enjoying the dynamic changes happening with the Dominicans. You can't really find a more vibrant intergenerational mix than here at Newman, with all the energy, intelligence and deep devotion of our student parishioners as the Roman Catholic campus ministry to Cal for 118 years now, added to the wide swath of older social-justice Vatican II faithful of my generation. And the spare dramatic beauty of the art and architecture is such a gift to my contemplative life. read more

I'm not of the Catholic faith and neither is my husband. We were at Newman Hall to attend a wedding between two of my daughter's classmates. The bride is a close friend of my daughter, the groom is also a friend; and my daughter was one of the bridesmaid. The ceremony was a Roman Catholic wedding mass. Not being familiar with the Catholic traditions, all my husband and I could do was simply follow along on the Responsorial Psalm and the reading of the scriptures from Romans 12:9-18. The nice part of being there was people around us passed the greeting (peace be with you) to each other other, to us; and there was plenty of handshakes going around. Again, all my husband and I could do was follow along. Newman Hall is one of simplicity design and IMO it represents a humble house of worship, which is beautiful in its own way. The best gift given to the married couple was not something fancy from a gift registry, but the Crucifix from Father Brandon Macadaeg, the Officiant, of the wedding mass. Witnessing such a gesture reminds me that having best quality of material things is fine to a certain degree, but having best quality of heart is what really matters. read more

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So the altar looks like someone shot a cannonball through it. So the cross looks like a junior high school student made it out of clay. There are many other reasons this is the best Catholic church I've ever been to. 1) The priests are Paulists and from a more scholarly and intellectual religious community. The homilies are the best you'll find anywhere - really interesting and not bought from a generic priest resource guide. In addition they give the homily from memory (heck, Father Al is an octogenarian and he recites from memory the Gospel reading). Father Al also recites the same blessing at the end of every Mass which meant a lot to me to hear each week. 2) The priests are liberal and freely admit, as Johnny O. said, that the church has issues. They don't preach fire and brimstone, and they don't really speak in the homily of any of controversial issues the church has immersed itself in. The priests are also very friendly and approachable, and explain what is going on during the Mass if they know there are people there who are not from a Catholic background (during funerals, baptisms, and I suspect weddings). Also, more on the liberalness of this church - the words are changed from "he" or "him" to "God" in several prayers. There is a gay and lesbian group, as well as a Homecoming group for Catholics hurt by the church in the past. 3) There is a beautiful 10 p.m. candlelit Mass with a wonderful songleader who sings and plays guitar alone next to the altar. The place is packed, and there's no doubt why. Everyone at that Mass is really friendly and warm. Sometimes there will be wacky student skits as well. 4) Baptisms for infants are performed during Mass by Father Al in a clear tub on top of the altar. Two or three times a year several babies will be baptized at the same Mass, and it's a really sweet thing to witness. 5) How can you not love a place where the pastor's name is Dick Sparks? read more

I first learned of this place a few months ago when the need to fulfill my Sunday obligation of going to mass almost came to be impossible when it came to be really late.. and I could not find a place with a late enough evening mass.. Alas! This parish offered a 10pm mass! So I went out of my way after my long hectic Sunday (which prevented me from attending mass at a reasonable time in the first place).. and arrived here. As I walked inside.. I was shot with confusion with how dark it was... only to realize that the 10pm mass was to be done with nothing but candlelight. I found it to be a very solemn and relaxing environment. There was no doubt the atmosphere drew me in. With only one guy and his guitar.. the music was soothing and non-blaring to my ears. Coupled with the candlelight, it provided such a beautiful and serene setting for mass.. or just a place to calm your mind. Perfect for anyone looking to relax after a long day or a week. Yea.. I don't mind driving all the way out here to be treated with that tranquility... and I can kinda fall back to that 10pm time if I can't make it at any other time.. heh. read more

I can not STRESS this PARISH enough! For all you people who are lost with their Catholic Faith or need a place to redirect you in your life - Newman Hall Parish every Sunday @ 10:00PM in Berkeley is the PLACE... Words of Wisdom I absorb while attending: - In time of challenges.....God is NOT testing your Faith, but rather redirecting you back to your Faith - This place WELCOMES ALL (people who are divorced and LGBTQ Community (group workshop as well) - ON Earth we are judge by a letter (A+), but when you die God will judge what you have done here on Earth - Lastly, YOU NEVER KNOW HOW STRONG YOU REALLY ARE UNTIL BEING STRONG IS THE ONLY CHOICE YOU HAVE!!!!! read more

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No religion should make you feel that you'd diminish or burn into ashes the moment you step into its gate. No religion should use guilt, shame, fear and intimitation to compel its followers to succumb to its teaching. I agree with other reviewers that this IS a liberal church, as far as Roman Catholicism is concerned (it has a LGBT group, for example), but I don't agree that its liberal stance makes it any "less Catholic," if at all. Why preach hellfire and brimstone, why impose rigid dogma when when God's glory and grace are more than sufficient to draw the lost lamb back to His all-emcompassing love? The Catholic faith faces many challenges today and I guess we can debate a lot of issues here (homosexuality, abortion, gender neutrality of God, the idea of papal infallibility, just to name a few). But to me, what matters is whether the church is inclusive enough to show that God loves every sinner and every weak, lost soul. And the Mass is its channel of displaying that love. After all, by definition, the Catholic Mass should be a means by which God, through Christ's mystical body (as represented by the church), literally infuses into human souls the supernatural power that enables them to live in this world so that in the world to come, they may have life everlasting. This small community church exudes a natural sense of warmth, serenity and love and in its Sunday night Mass, you really feel God's presense and love. I am not a Catholic, but when I attened the 10:00pm Mass last Sunday with a friend, I did not feel excluded at all. In fact, I felt deeply spiritual when the songs were sung and prayers were said. I was especially moved when people extended their thoughts, prayers and blessings to friends and family who might be suffering, and even the lives of the country's soldiers who are battling in the frontline. The music was beautiful, and the ambience was very, very peaceful. You could feel God's spiritual energy being transfused into the souls of attendees. Attend the 10:00pm Mass on Sunday night. To me, it was indeed a beautiful candle-lit Mass - spiritual, peaceful, soulful, full of warmth. read more

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Each day is always a hectic one, Stressful events after the other. After a while You don't realize how much time has actually gone by... It was as if a week felt like a minute. But when I go to the 10 o'clock mass on Sunday in Newman Hall. The Peacefully Quiet, Comfortably Dark and the Soothing Warmth from inside the church filled with Ambient Candles makes me feel as though time stops for that significant hour. It creates a sporadic transition from a windy cold day into a warm cozy dark church. It's always very peaceful in Newman Hall, and I always feel regenerated and revived. My week is complete when I hear the Music of Robert Grant, an absolute God-send who has been playing in Newman Hall for over 15 years. Anyone who has ever heard him play at the 10 o'clock mass knows that He is a true Brotheren, playing Beautiful soul reviving Mass melodies with always a cheerful joy to his smile and presence. And nothing is short but perfect than to hear the Gospel spoken by Father Al, who is a true saint. A man who fills you with the warmth and happiness similar with the presence of God. He awaits for the arrival of the congregation out in the front door of the Church, Despite the freezing weather he pays no attention to the bitter cold but instead looks forward to greet the warmth of our presence. I experience a protective loving father figure towards him. He is the most Heartfelt Father I have certainly grew to come attached to. Both these combination's create a recipe for a long fulfilled regenerated individual in all Body, Soul and Mind. That makes you feel like you can take on the world with a new beginning read more

Newman Hall-Holy Spirit Parish - Newman Hall Altar - Churches Near Me - Berkeley, California

First came to Newman about 4 years ago when my school UC San Diego had a Catholic conference here with the other UCs (UCCC). I used to be part of Newman in San Diego. I was actually already graduated at the time and my friends were in the Bay Area for the weekend so I attended the conference with them. I remember for the Praise Night portion of the conference I had such an awesome experience. I was going through a lot of trials at the time and Paul J. Kim who led praise that evening did a wonderful job of leading. It was the kind of praise night that would make you throw your hands up in the air! HA HA! Love the candlelight mass here too! I was able to come here for mass over the weekend with my parents since we were in the area. I saw they have a lot of postings for events and groups to join at Newman which is really nice and wonderful for the community. I wish I lived closer so I could join LOL read more

Witnessed the weirdest experience ever. Amazing community... Very interesting explanation by the priest too :D read more

Newman Hall-Holy Spirit Parish - The altar - Churches Near Me - Berkeley, California

I'm a really liberal chick, but for being a Catholic Church, it's a little TOO liberal for my taste. If I wanted to be a UU or a Quaker, then I'd go to a Quaker meeting instead. It's not liberal politics, but rather how much the folks at Newman have liberally messed with the traditional Mass -- even changing some "standard" prayers and recitations that I didn't even think *could* be changed, while still being called Catholic. When I go to Catholic Church, I want to *feel* like I'm at church and unfortunately, the handful of times that I've attended Mass here, I've felt like I was in some twilight zone where everything was Catholic-ish, but somehow off. And the congregation really seemed disengaged. I give two stars simply for the real convenience that they offer free child-care/toddler play during Mass for those uppity noisy kids. Of course, that's a cool option if you've got a nutty kid, but I actually prefer to keep my kid by me (as long as she's not too disruptive), so she can experience Mass and learn about it as she grows. At this church, I actually felt obliged to have the folks watch her in the play room because I got some stares even before Mass started when she was just talking to me in a normal voice. Before. Mass. Started. Anyway, I'll stick to St. Joseph the Worker. Feels like a real Catholic church, observes a traditional Mass, but the clergy are pretty liberal and always respectful of the fact that I'm a Catholic who supports gay marriage, abortion rights, immigration reform (which they march in favor of too), and a whole host of other liberal causes. I've attended services and churches by Jesuit, Dominican, Franciscan, Paulist, Benedictine, Carmelite, and other Catholic orders, and this one stands out as being the *least* Catholic feeling of all. Why not just be a UU or something? read more

The best part about the Newman Center is that I don't spontaneously combust into flames as I enter. This is the absolute best Catholic church that I've been to. The priests are very in-touch with young people and their homilies are always interesting. They have a 10PM candlelight service on Sunday nights which is always beautiful and uplifting. It's packed with students, and the folk-singer music style is wonderful. I don't live in Berkeley anymore, but I still try to make it here for Sunday night mass every once and awhile. Even if you're not Catholic, you should check out mass here. It's really amazing. read more

I grew up in a Catholic family and, like many kids who grow up Catholic, it's just something you did growing up because your parents told you to. By the time you go to college and have a choice in the matter, your sense of spirituality can really come and go. It really became more of an obligation than a passion for me. I started going to Newman Hall when I went to Berkeley for school. Over the transformative 4 years of college, Newman Hall was there for me. I wasn't the most active member but the times that I did participate were the times I got the most out of it. Like anything in life, the more you put in the more you get out. If you're new here go to the 10pm mass that is done by candlelight. There is a solemn beauty to it, especially when they sing the alleluia. I think Newman is great for all kinds of Catholics. Those that are very devout can participate in student groups, become readers, become a communion minister and go to retreats. Those that have been away or don't know if they really believe in God, can come and explore without any pressure. Those that just want a nice respite from the pressures of college life can find that in the 10pm mass. I grew up in a very boring suburban Catholic church that never really spoke to me. But the Paulist priests when I was there were the best I've ever heard. Some of the homilies they gave truly touched me. I distinctly remembering one homily about God where people spontaneously actually clapped (resoundingly loud) after a homily. When have you ever seen that in a Catholic church? read more

As others have mentioned, 10pm mass on Sunday night is just awesome because of the quiet candle light mass accompanied by a lone acoustic guitar. The musician is great, but I'm biased. He was also the musician at USF during my college days. Wonderful times in college, but I digress. Sunday night at Newman Hall is THE place celebrate mass in a solemn and meditative fashion. It's also a perfect way to collect one's thoughts and become centered and prepared for the workweek ahead. ps - Oh and the homilies are always meaningful and are not too long =) read more

I enjoy seeing how many people show up for the 10 pm mass. only church that

I find that the church itself it a quite beautiful (although others will disagree here...hey I like Concrete okay! read my other Church reviews!) and a beautiful use of space. the number of pews on the bottom level may not be as deep as larger churches but it adds to the intimacy of the masses here. Also, I think its the first church I've been to where you don't feel excluded when you are sitting in the balcony. I have attended mass here both during morning times and at night. During morning times it feels more or less like a normal mass, with a slightly different message in the Homily because of the Paulist leadership here. For those not familiar with Paulists here's something I pulled from Wiki "The Paulists seek to be a bridge between contemporary culture and Catholicism by presenting the Gospel truths in fresh ways that are compelling so that the fullness of the Catholic Church can be shared effectively with others." The candlelight mass's songs are led by a single musician on an acoustic guitar, and yes, he definitely adds his own flavor. So all night long expect to get unique renditions of familiar hymns. Another thing I particularly enjoy about this mass is the unique ability to share your prayers out loud with the rest of the church during Prayer for the Faithful, you know, where someone might offer "for the soldiers fighting oversees, may they find their way home safely" and the response is "lord hear our prayers"...occasionally someone will offer a prayer that is very personal, which is the type of intimacy in the candlelight mass I haven't experienced anywhere else, and this is from my former usual seat in the balcony! I know longer live in the area but would definitely want to come back if in the area. If you are in the area on a Sunday, awake at 10pm, Catholic or otherwise, the Candle light mass here is definitely something you should attend at least once! And like someone else mentioned earlier....its the only place I know with a regular 10pm mass. So if waking up early on Sunday isn't your thing, go to Newman! read more

Newman Hall-Holy Spirit Parish - Candlelight Mass =) - Churches Near Me - Berkeley, California

This is a great place to go when you want to say a quick rosary before finals. It's in Berkeley, so it's a very gender neutral church when it comes to the prayers. It's a very come as you are college student friendly church. Parking is INSANE. read more

First off, I would never give a church less than five stars. I really want to write about Newman Hall because it's such a special place to me. I discovered Newman's 10 p.m. mass during my early twenties, when I was part of a Catholic ministry group. I attended mass a few times with the ministry, but continued to attend with my then boyfriend (who is now my husband). We both worked crazy, long hours during those years, and no matter how exhausted we were during the weekend, the late mass was perfect for our unbalanced schedule. During the 10 p.m. mass, the church is dimly lit by candles and guided by a solo guitarist with an amazing voice. This alone creates the perfect place for deep reflection, quiet prayer and intimate worship. (Side note: The music played at the mass is soooo beautiful. My husband and I have loved the music so much that we even asked the guitarist, Rob Grant, to play at our wedding and reception.) The evening atmosphere is completely distraction-free and makes it very easy to fully listen to the mass and comprehend the lessons the priests are trying to share. My husband and I also have an active toddler, and thanks to the late night gathering - our son can sleep soundly in his stroller while we listen to mass. My husband and I drive all the way from Hercules just to attend mass at Newman whenever we can. We attend at different times depending on our schedule. However, the 10 p.m. mass is still my favorite place to go for worship at the end of each long week. read more

One star! Why? Because Bernie was very rude. If you look in the dictionary under crazy, you will probably find his picture. He is the stereotype of an old cranky man. I was here not too long ago for a wedding rehearsal and I see Bernie lashing out at the bride. "I DON'T KNOW ANYTHING ABOUT IT. EVERYTHING HERE GOES THROUGH ME!!!"(imagine an old fart saying that at the top of his lungs with a blood vessel on his forehead about to pop). The bride did nothing to provoke this by the way. I don't care who you are or what you did, nobody in their right mind should talk like that, especially to the bride before her wedding day. If you are looking to book this place for a wedding, I advise you not to come here. I am religious myself and have nothing against Catholic's. I just hate A-holes. read more

Newman Hall is mostly Catholic Lite. The homilies don't offend. . but they don't inspire much either. The priests are nice. . everything is nice, but if you want more than this, the Masses can leave you cold. Almost everything is Berkeley PC. The Apostle's Creed is recited, rather than the Nicene Creed. Catholics are supposed to recite the Nicene Creed during Mass. But people have taken offense at the words, "For Us Men and For Our Salvation" so the Nicene Creed was chucked. In another prayer, the parishioners have changed "Him" twice in the prayer and substituted "God." So Newman sort of does its own thing. The music is scrutinized to make sure that it is gender neutral, and to me it can be pretty, but insipid. Another example: during the Penitential Act, most of the priests won't ask people to think about their sins. That is silly, I think, and short-sided on their part. The parishioners know that this prayer is about sin. Why not just say it and ask people to think about their sins? We can handle the truth -- that's why we're there. This church is a good choice for Catholics who are skittish about practicing their faith. It is Catholicism with a happy face, devoid of any of the challenging stuff, such as judgment, hell, the Devil, etc. If you are ready to go to a true Catholic church that is not afraid to actually say the real prayers and sing the lovely ancient hymns, you must check out St. Joseph the Worker Church in Berkeley. It will be one of the most reverent and beautiful experiences of your life. read more

Not Catholic myself, but a good friend of mine is and I accompanied her. Plus, my dad is a fairweather type, so I feel honorary sometimes. We visited this past weekend for a candlelit 10pm mass. There was a uc catholic conference over the weekend, so there were students from all the different uc campuses. So, my friend had other friends in attendance. The words were nice, the music was peaceful. Wherever you seek your truth, long as you seek it with your heart, it is all good. read more

after being raised by a strict traditional filipino catholic mom who lead her life by the laws of catholicism, going to church on sundays became more of a chore. when i started my freshman year at CAL over ten years ago, i discovered newman hall's 10pm mass. it was during the candlelit mass that i realized this solemn venue gave way to a perfect time to reflect and really allow you to personalize your relationship with God. no longer did mass feel like a chore, but it turned into something i looked forward to at the end of my week to decompress and give thanks for the many blessings that were bestowed upon me. the canter at the 10pm mass has a soothing voice and displays excellent skills on the guitar! the priests are very open minded and always have such unique sermons that reach out to any person of any age. read more

A little unorganized, but I've seen worse. Liturgically lax but tremendous community and loving environment. The unfortunate impending removal of the pastor and student minister by the Bishop is disturbing, especially in light of the fact that they were not even warned. The openness toward the LGBT community is so heartening and I fear it is being pushed out with the Bishop's current agenda. Pray for the parishioners and the compassionate Paulist priests being sent packing.... read more

can we just say...AMAZING. this past summer has definitely been one of the toughest of my entire life, and this place has given me peace and solace every time i walk in here. i have never gotten such a feeling from a church as i have from this one. i basically left my spiritual life behind when i left for college, and i'm pretty sure this place is giving it all back to me. here are some reasons as to why newman hall is a place worth visiting: 1) the Sunday night candlelight mass is to die for...plus they serve free doughnut holes after mass. 2) father charlie is awesome....as in...he keeps my attention and makes his sermons entertaining. 3) the music is awesome and done by an exceptional folk-singer. 4) you can come as you are....no need to dress in your sunday best. 5) they're gender-neutral in their lessons and they have an LGBT group that meets every 1st and third Thursday. try it out!! you won't be disappointed!! and then you can go and have blondie's or yogurt park after! read more

In case you missed mass at all other times this is your last chance at 10 pm

Beautiful church. Typical plodding sermons and boring Catholic mass songs. Candlelight masses are the bomb. Supports gay marriage (yay)!

The Roman Catholic Community at the University of California, Berkeley. Is it a sin to review a church? I go for the 10PM candle-lit masses on Sundays: Huge, contemporary yet ancient looking space, great guitarist-singer, liberal priests who read their sermons from memory, not a book and admit that the Church has issues. This is the only church I don't fall asleep in. And its just so wonderful to see a thousand or so college kids spending an evening in church instead of boozing it up and creating havoc. Its almost enough to make me feel the human race may have a chance. read more

Very friendly church! To explain about some of the comments previously left. The church was built entirely of concrete--it was experimental. It's pretty neat. Unlike others, I'm a moderate to conservative Catholic and I was pleasantly suprised that there was nothing uncomfortable about this church. I think it's wonderful that there is so much outreach to all. The only thing that bothered me was that the precious blood was in a glass goblet, which may be nitpicking to many. However, considering what the cup is holding and knowing that the glass is fragile, I found that a little disconcerting. I hope that the Parish considers something less fragile. Still, I did have a great experience. Got lots of help locating the church and was told by a parishoner the history of the parish. We'd call that southern hospitality where I'm from. I felt very much at home! read more

This is, by far, my favorite church. I go specifically to the 10pm mass on Sunday nights because the candle-lit ambience is very soothing and conducive to prayer and the musician who plays guitar at this time is amazing. The homilies are very interesting, inspiring and speak to the intellect of the congregation who consist of a lot of CAL students and alumni. Everyone is very friendly, reverent, and respectful and I feel very welcome and at home at Newman. read more

This is a nice parish, though the choir is a bit sparse. One thing that bothers me a lot though is that the Alleluia they sing is like a dirge, which just makes me want to shoot myself. But some of the priests are super awesome, so it is a good place to go if you don't mind the music. There are also lots of activities to involve the student community, and an LGBT community, which is great. read more

Wonderful community, great space, love the furnishings, the bald headed Jesus, the Flintstones altar. 10 pm mass on Sundays is great. People who think they don't like the Catholic church, they haven't been to Newman. It can be happy clappy but it has gravitas to spare. Very open and accepting, great homilies. read more

WANT FREE PARKING FOR YOUR MOTOR HOME IN BERKELEY? (Berkeley) Father Ivan can you help? FREE TWO YEAR PARKING FOR MOTOR HOME IN BERKELEY (for office use "Architect"). (LOCATIONS INCLUDE): Ashby Ave Elmwood District, Bancroft Way and Telegraph AREA or Shattuck Avenue North Side Berkeley by Cedar Street or you pick and decide a site location even the Berkeley Marina for, "Free". I am in search for a motor home in excellent shape that the owner would like to store for "FREE" in San Francisco with no mileage use, just parked for up to (2) two years. I am actively doing proposal architecture as a one man architecture office. I need the motor home to work out of (office) and even sleep there too. I am single, a devout Christian and do not smoke, drink alcohol, or do any drugs. I am currently developing an Aquarium concept for the U.C. Berkeley campus. I have an authorization signed by my doctor for my handicap ailment and received my two year placard from DMV with my attorney's legal knowledge and know how that I am within my legal rights to borrow and store said vehicle anywhere in the San Francisco city limits 24 hours a day (seven) 7 days a week up to two years and "ALL IS LEGAL". So "if" your in a bind with the motor home and can't find parking or storage maybe I am your answer to all your headaches. Also I would entertain buying your motorhome (Good Condition low mileage) on a pay each month (monthly) with a possible "Small down payment" and say $300 to $400 per month. I remind you the vehicle never moves only to start up and recharge the batteries and if you choose so too it can be moved to another S.F. location (on weekends if scheduled you can use it too.). I have plenty of references and "degrees academically" including Architecture and "Law enforcement background checks too". I am also well known in California and America, "I DID NOT STEAL THE PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION AS ADVOCATED SIX MONTHS PRIOR NOVEMBER 8TH ELECTION", ("ONLY GOD ALMIGHTY COULD STEAL IT AND DID!" If interested please contact me. Thank you, BOB read more