Fr. Ed’s Lenten travel reflection: All good things must come to an end
Much like our Lenten journeys and Fr. Ed’s preaching travels, all good things must come to an end.
The Paulist Fathers announced on March 13, 2024, the intent to return pastoral care of Newman Hall – Holy Spirit Parish in Berkeley, CA, to the Diocese of Oakland at the end of the current academic year, among other ministerial changes.
The Paulist Fathers have served the Catholic campus ministry at the University of California at Berkeley since 1907.
“It is with sadness that we will complete our ministry with the wonderful students, faculty, administrators, staff members, and permanent community members in Berkeley after 117 years,” said Fr. René Constanza, C.S.P., Paulist Fathers president. “We pray in thanksgiving to God for our long and fruitful ministry with these faithful People of God.”
“We are responding to where we believe the Holy Spirit is calling us to serve, considering the changing landscape of the Catholic Church in the United States and the shifting demographics of our own members,” Fr. René said, noting that the Paulist leadership engaged in a comprehensive discernment process that included seeking the advice of external lay professionals.
“The Paulists will miss the Berkeley community deeply,” said Fr. Ivan Tou, C.S.P., pastor of Newman Hall – Holy Spirit Parish. “We have been so blessed by their faithfulness, friendship, and participation. Their ownership and leadership of the faith, resulting in many vibrant lay-led ministries, has given us great hope for the future of the Church. They will always be in our hearts and prayers.”
As part of his Lent preaching travels, Paulist Fathers Vocations Director Fr. Ed Nowak, C.S.P., made it a point to stop at Newman Hall – Holy Spirit Parish as a show of support to the parishioners and his brother Paulists.
“These decisions are always difficult, especially for the community,” Fr. Ed said. “It’s important to show support. We’re grateful for so many years of service there. We hope the Paulist spirit will continue to inspire and guide the faithful long after we are gone.”
Along with spending time with Paulist formation prospects and Paulist seminarian Zach Turner, C.S.P., Fr. Ed was visited by Fr. Tom Hall, C.S.P., who happened to be his vocation director.
The next stop for Fr. Ed is Santa Fe, New Mexico. You can follow his travels on social media at @PaulistVocation.
The missionary life of a Paulist priest can be one of constant travel, encountering the faithful along the way, and preaching following the example of Servant of God Fr. Isaac Hecker, founder of the Paulist Fathers.
If you’re interested in learning more about a Paulist Fathers vocation, want to start a conversation with Fr. Ed, or know someone who would make a great Paulist priest, please contact Fr. Ed at vocations@paulist.org or at (917) 763-7899.
