Resources during Shelter-in-Place

Spiritual Resources For These Trying Times

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Various organizations are making available spiritual resources during these days of social distancing and following the shelter-in-place rule. Here are some that you may want to avail yourselves:


Other Resources



Fun Resources for These Trying Times

Don’t forget to take advantage of this time to have fun and grow in new and different ways. In our workaholic society, we rarely get a chance to explore and have fun.

  • Theater and Music Fans

  • Knowledge Fans

    • TED Talks - Short power talks on Technology, Entertainment and Design.

    • PBS - Besides drama, PBS provide science and historical documentaries.

    • MIT Open CourseWare - Miss taking classes, then check MIT’s Open Courses.

    • YouTube - Just google something you want to learn how to do and no doubt someone has put a YouTube video on it.


Ordination of Paulist Deacon Paolo Puccini, CSP (July 25, 2020)

The Paulist have a new priest, Fr. Paolo Puccini, CSP. He was ordained on Saturday, July 25th at St. Austin Catholic Church in Austin, TX. His first assignment will be to St. Austin Catholic Church. You can watch his ordination at paulist.org/ordination, or on the Paulist Facebook page or YouTube channel.  Learn more about future Fr. Paulo here. Who knows, he may in no time be assigned to Newman Hall and you’ll be able to say, “I remember when you were ordain in the time of COVID-19.”


Want to learn more about the Paulist and talk to someone about discerning a vocation, check out our Vocation Page or contact Fr. Dat, Paulist Vocation Director.

Voices of the Community

In this extraordinary time,
what motivates you to keep going?

Click here to see what our parishioners are doing or saying about our sheltering in place.

Black Lives Matter: Statement of Bishop Barber

BLACK LIVES MATTER: STATEMENT OF BISHOP BARBER

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 Father Aidan McAleenan and I agree, Black Lives Matter. 

How I and other leaders in the Catholic Church increase awareness of that truth among Catholics and in our communities is a conversation that is overdue and must begin immediately. 

I am on a journey, as are we all, learning what I can do as the shepherd for our diocese, in helping our parishioners change our actions to meet our words and our professed faith. 

As the bishops of the United States explained in our 2018 pastoral letter against racism, “Racist acts are sinful because they violate justice. They reveal a failure to acknowledge the human dignity of the persons offended, to recognize them as the neighbors Christ calls us to love (Mt 22:39). … The cumulative effects of personal sins of racism have led to social structures of injustice and violence that makes us all accomplices in racism.” 

I believe to eradicate racism requires a conversion of each person’s mind and heart, which means we must start from our belief in a God who loves each one of us, indiscriminately and irrevocably. 

In our pastoral, “Open Wide our Hearts: The Enduring Call to Love,” the bishops rely on our ancient teachings to offer a path forward. We must do justice, love goodness and be humble (Mi 6:8). This requires each of us to acknowledge our failures, to restore right relationships, to pursue peace building and humility. 

We have a long way to go in our journey, and I vigorously deny telling Father McAleenan “Black people should be happy with the way the church and this country has treated them.” Instead, I offer some ways we have begun this journey toward a conversion of minds and hearts: Celebrating the Votive Mass "for the Preservation of Peace and Justice” on Tuesday, June 9, the day George Floyd was buried, during which priests and parishioners knelt with me for eight minutes and 46 seconds. I am in constant communication with the other bishops in California. Together, we created a video reenacting the Stations of the Cross to draw attention to the sin of racism and ask God’s help in eliminating it. Each station in the video was taped at a location with rich racial significance. The sixth Station of the Cross was taped at the Fruitvale BART station in Oakland where Oscar Grant was killed. The Way of the Cross is an ancient prayer, allowing people to enter into Jesus’ final outpouring of love.Last year, I brought Bishop George Murry, SJ, one of the then-leading black Catholic bishops, to give a retreat for the priests of the diocese and offer the homily for the Chrism Mass (http://www.catholicvoiceoakland.org/2019/04-29/inthisissue1.htm).The history of slavery and structural racism in this country has created long-standing inequities in all areas of society, from health (look at COVID-19), to housing, education, law enforcement, and employment. The Catholic Campaign for Human Development is the major domestic anti-poverty, social justice program of the Catholic Church. Last year more than a quarter million was given to local organizations.But much, much more needs to be done. 

I welcome all people of good will, including Father McAleenan, to join in this effort so we can answer this urgent call to love one another as Christ loves each of us, “For there is no place for racism in the hearts of any person (Open Wide our Hearts).”


Other Resources

The Gospel Demands it: Confronting the Sins of Racism,” Kennedy Lecture 2018 by late Bishop George V. Murry, SJ, former chair of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops Ad Hoc Committee Against Racism:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=820&v=ofCxFZhe04I&feature=emb_logo 

Pope Francis and U.S. Bishops Respond to George Floyd's Killing:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JiXydrXXGLI

U.S. unrest: Pope condemns 'sin of racism’:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ou2owd-efm4&feature=youtu.be

“Open Wide Our Hearts: The Enduring Call to Love, A Pastoral Letter Against Racism, USCCB, Nov, 2018:
http://www.usccb.org/issues-and-action/human-life-and-dignity/racism/upload/open-wide-our-hearts.pdf

Abramos nuestros Corazones, El Incesante Llamado al Amor, Una Carta Pastoral en Contra del Racismo, USCCB, Nov. 2018:
http://www.usccb.org/issues-and-action/human-life-and-dignity/racism/upload/open-wide-our-hearts-spanish.pdf

Combatting Racism - Parish Resources (English and Spanish) Bulletin insert, pastoral aid, prayer resources, backgrounders and more.:
http://www.usccb.org/issues-and-action/human-life-and-dignity/racism/parish-resources-on-racism.cfm

Combatting Racism - Educational Resources (English and Spanish)
Lessons for your Sunday School classes can be adapted from the plans available here.
http://www.usccb.org/issues-and-action/human-life-and-dignity/racism/educational-resources-on-racism.cfm

Parish Reopening Protocols

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Newman Hall-Holy Spirit Parish

Reopening Plan

With restrictions and limitations, under the guidance of Bishop Michael Barber and Alameda County Health, Newman Hall-Holy Spirit Parish had  reopened for public worship on Monday, June 29. But the latest news from the governor and Alameda County, we closed again on July 14 because of the surge of cases. We are however allowed to have outdoor Masses, so we have started outdoor Masses on our patio, July 30th.

 

Prior to Opening

●      All liturgical aids and brochures, bulletins, etc. have been removed from the pews and vestibules, including missalettes and Mass cards

●      Baskets will be placed near the sanctuary for offerings to the parish

●      Hand sanitizer will be found throughout the entrance of the chapel

●      Pews will be marked to maintain social distancing

●      Floor marking will be used to guide the flow for entrance, exit, and Communion

●      Reception crew – check temperatures and confirm reservations and seat folks if space is available

●      Cleaning Crew – to disinfect all public spaces after Mass and do some cursory disinfecting 45 minutes before Mass.

●      Narrow staircases to the balcony will be roped off and folks will be asked to use the larger lobby staircase to get to the balcony.  In case of emergency, the ropes can easily be pulled aside so folks can be quickly evacuate the chapel.

●      A section on the lower floor will be allocated for seniors so they do not have to go to the balcony.

●      A section of the balcony will be allocated for folks without reservations.


Before Mass

Reservation

To ensure that we do not exceed the 100-person capacity in the church, and that no one is turned away at the door, each person attending Mass will need to make a reservation ahead of time using EventBrite that will found on our Newman website.

If more parishioners seek to attend on Sunday than we can handle, we will have overflow in our multiversity room and patio, projecting our live streaming of the Mass.  If consistently have more, we will add more Masses on Sunday.  

Gather Worship Aids

If you like to follow along with the prayers at Mass, bring your own worship aids such as Magnificat.  There will not be missalettes or hymnals available in the church

 

Arriving at Church

Arrive Early

Please arrive at the doors 15 minutes prior to Mass to check in

Keep Moving

Please move promptly to and from the church, as we must not gather in the foyer, courtyard, side streets or parking lots.  Entrance and exits will be as usual, through the main doors.

Temperature Check

Before entering the church, all must stop for a temperature check.  If above 100.4, you will be directed to stay at home for your safety and others.

Arriving without a Reservation

If you arrive without a reservation, you will be asked to wait outside the church in case there are no shows.  If space is available, we will find you a space up to the 100-person capacity limit.  We will have a limited-space overflow in the multiversity room and patio where you can watch Mass live-streamed.

 

Inside the Church

Holy Water

Our holy water fonts will be empty for safety. The faithful may request holy water in advance to bring to Mass 

Chapel Seating

To ensure proper social distancing, Please sit toward the end of a pew. Avoid the ends of the pews marked off with rope.  

Face Masks

Guided by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), those over age 3 must wear a face covering that covers the nose and mouth throughout the liturgy, except when consuming the Eucharist.

If possible, bring your own hand sanitizer, so you can disinfect your hands before Communion and after touching anything public.  We will provide some hand sanitizer, but may run out if everyone relies on the church’s supply.

6-Foot Distance

While seated, standing and walking, people who are not in the same household must remain 6 feet apart from each other.

 

Procedures During Mass

Presentation of the Gifts

 To reduce contact, the presentation of the gifts has been removed.

Offertory

Collection baskets will not be passed.  Parishioners are invited to deposit their contribution/donation with the basket near the sanctuary and entrance of the chapel.

Our Father and Sign of Peace 

There is to be no contact when greeting others during the Lord’s Prayer or Sign of Peace.  A bow or wave can be given for the sign of peace.

Music

Though music is an important part of the Mass, we will only have a pianist or guitar during this time.  Until there is evidence that a cantor singing will not infect others, we will not have sung music.  The hymns will no longer be projected on the screen to discourage congregational singing.   

Communion 

Communion will take place AFTER Mass to allow those who are watching livestream Mass to come and receive.

The Precious Blood (Cup) will not be available.

The presider will move from aisle to aisle.  So wait until the presider is down your aisle before lining up for Communion. Balcony people are asked to wait until everyone below has received and then you may proceed down the main staircase, into the chapel, and down the main aisle.

The faithful are strongly encouraged to receive Communion in the hand. 

Approach the sanctuary wearing a face covering.  Place one hand under the other while keeping fingers together and receive the host. After receiving the host, step aside to a marked place, lower/lift face covering and consume

If you must receive on the tongue, please wait to receive last. The priest must sanitize his hands after each person who receives on the tongue.

After receiving, move to the X on the floor in front of the sanctuary and consume the host there before proceeding back to your pew or out of the church.

Each Minister of Communion will have the necessary items for sanitation in accordance with Diocesan Protocol.  If a communicant is touched, the minister will place the bowl on the table and sanitize their hands before resuming.

After Mass

Recessional

There is no formal recessional.  After Communion, parishioners should exit the church without gathering in the courtyard or parking lot for fellowship.  But do share your experience and week with parishioners on Facebook, YouTube, and/or ZOOM.

Your prompt exit will allow our clean up crew to sanitize the chapel and public areas for the next Mass.  If you would like to help with the clean up, that would be greatly appreciated.  We will have gloves and sanitation wipes.

Far right doors will be propped open before Mass and all doors will be propped open after Mass for touchless entrance and exits.  The priests will not be greeting the people as they leave for everyone’s safety.

 

Cleaning

The high touch areas of the church will be cleaned after every Mass.  All backs of pews, lobby area, doors bars, and bathroom.

If you can help with the chapel cleaning, please let us know.

Confession

Confession will occur after Mass in the Gallery.  Please wait by the sign in the hallway.

Please keep your mask on and either sit or kneel in designated areas to maintain social distancing.

Those at Risk

Those who are sick, elderly, immune-compromised or otherwise at risk for COVID 19 should not attend Mass in person. Masses will continue to be livestreamed.

Until further notice, Bishop Barber continues to dispense the faithful from the obligation to attend Mass on Sundays and holy days. 

For Holy Communion to the Sick and those at Risk or Holy Anointing, please call the office number at 510-848-7812 or email us at info@calnewman.org for an appointment. 

 

Bathroom Instructions

Given our limited bathroom facilities, we recommend you use your bathroom at home before coming to Mass.

Please make sure to wash your hands before and after using the bathroom.

Please line up for the bathroom along the hallway by the water fountain.  There will be only one line given the limited width of the hallway.  Only one person per bathroom, so use any bathroom that is free.

After someone uses the bathroom, consider waiting 2 minutes to allow the air to clear and settle.

The water fountain will be turned off for everyone’s safety.  Please bring your own water bottle if you anticipate needing to drink water.

 

Clergy Instructions

Before Mass, clergy and all ministers will sanitize their hands.

In place of kissing the altar, the priest makes a profound bow before the altar.  In place of kissing the gospel book, the priest pauses or reverently touches the book.

After receiving Holy Communion, the priest leaves the ciborium on the altar, covered and on top of a corporal.

After reverencing the altar with a profound bow at the end of Mass, Priest or Deacon goes to the sacristy to wash their hands with soap and water prior to distributing Communion.  The chasuble is removed to minimize infection.  Wearing alb and stole, the priest returns to the altar, holds up a single host and says, ““Behold the Lamb of God. Behold him who takes away the sins of the world. Blessed are those called to the supper of the Lamb.” He then leads the people in saying: “Lord, I am not worthy that you should enter under my roof, but only  say the word, and my soul shall be healed.” The priest (and any other ministers distributing Holy Communion) dons a surgical mask or cloth face covering, takes the ciborium, and goes to the Communion station at the bottom of the sanctuary.

The priest and deacon must wear a face covering for the distribution of Communion.  Priest does not wear a mask or face covering when presiding at Mass since he is far away from the people.

Only the priest(s) and deacon are to distribute Communion during the Mass.

If the priest’s or deacon’s hand comes into contact with the faithful’s hand, hand sanitizer will be available for the priest or deacon to sanitize his fingers.

Music Minister Instructions

Only a pianist or guitar.  No cantor or choir.

Lector Minister Instructions

Sanitize hands before Mass begins.

Take off masks when approaching the sanctuary and put on mask when returning to the pew.

Mass Schedule

Daily Mass: Mon-Sat at 12:10pm

Summer Sunday Mass:  10am and 5pm (more Masses will be added as demand arises)

Livestream Mass

Mass will continue to be livestreamed on YouTube and Facebook for those who are unable to attend Mass in person.  Sunday at 10am and Daily Mass at 12:10pm.

Dad-ication - Happy Father's Day

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Here’s wishing all fathers much gratitude and many blessings.

On Sunday, June 21st, at our 10am Mass, we paid tribute to our fathers. Thank you all who submitted photos of your fathers and yourself. We lift up all our fathers to God in thanksgiving and for God’s blessings.

You can also enjoy our DAD-ication tribute to our fathers below:


USCCB's Pastoral Letter Against Racism

The document Open Wide Our Hearts: The Enduring Call to Love - A Pastoral Letter Against Racism was developed by the Committee on Cultural Diversity in the Church of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB). It was approved by the full body of bishops as a formal statement of the same at its November 2018 General Meeting and has been authorized for publication.

Click here to download that pastoral letter.