30th Year Reunion Prayer: Help, Thanks, Wow

The Class of 1996 continues to grow more legendary.

When our 25th reunion was canceled because of COVID, we rallied and returned a year later to celebrate together. This year, more than 400 classmates gathered on campus for our 30th reunion. As noted in our official class communique, the efforts of Larissa Herczeg and the class leadership group resulted in "an all-time record attendance for a 30 year class and the most memorable reunion we have had." Here, here!

When I tell others about reunion, they want to know: Don't you have Homecoming? Why attend a reunion? Is it mostly networking? Why hold it in the spring rather than during football season? These are fair questions.

Notre Dame does not have an official Homecoming. In many ways, every football weekend feels like one. Reunions are held when school is not in session because many alumni stay in the dorms—which I have said more than once I will never stay in again...and yet, I know I will. While networking undoubtedly happens, that is not why most of us come back.

I know why I come. Upon returning home, I found the answer on the front of a card I received in the mail while I was away. It says:

Ask yourself what makes you come alive and go do that. Because what the world needs is people who have come alive.— Howard Thurman

That is exactly why I have returned to my class reunion in recent years. Time with friends and classmates, walking the campus, sharing stories, laughing about old memories, and creating new ones—these things make me come alive. I suspect the same is true for many of my classmates.

Farley girls. All non-smokers

For one weekend, hundreds of people stepped away from their routines and reconnected with a place and a community that helped shape them. The result was more than nostalgia. It was renewal. So, rather than editorialize my experience or give a (Keenan) review, I thought I would share my highlights in the form of one of my favorite prayers. 

A spiritual writer whose work I return to often, Anne Lamott, has said, "I do not know much about God and prayer, but I have come to believe that there's something to be said about keeping prayer simple: Help. Thanks. Wow." She writes that authentic prayer can be distilled into three simple responses to life:

1. Help — When we are overwhelmed, frightened, confused, or in need, we ask for assistance.
2. Thanks — When we recognize gifts, blessings, or simple goodness, we express gratitude.
3. Wow — When we encounter beauty, mystery, love, or wonder, we respond with awe

Thus, allow me to frame my thoughts about the 2026 reunion and offer them as a prayer. Amen.

Help. 
I wasn't sure if I could or should attend reunion, given that my mom is in hospice. Diagnosed with Stage 3 ovarian cancer in December, my mom's prognosis took a hard turn on Mother's Day. Rather than celebrate my mom, we ended up in the E.R. only to discover her cancer had spread. She came home later than week with hospice care underway.

As a teacher, I love to make travel and adventure plans for summer. My mom has been one of my co-pilots and compatriots in these experiences for years. This year, I am grateful that June and July give me time to be with her and help out. But going to campus was a risk. With cancer, the hospice timeline is unpredictable And yet, my one hope was to be able to return to my spiritual home, Notre Dame for reunion. I asked Our Lady to protect my mom when I was away. She answered my cry for help and my mom is holding on and hanging in there.

What I did not expect from my three days on campus is the help I received from my classmates in the form of empathy and compassion. So many of my peers have already dealt with the challenge of aging and ill parents. Although I don't wish suffering on anyone, it did help to hear the struggles and the graces the moms and dads of my classmates have endured. Perspective. Community. Wisdom. Their offers to pray for my mom and my family, to listen and let me cry provided much more than help, it brought healing. Thank you... which leads to...

One aspect I love about ND is that you often make friends with your classmates after graduation

Thanks.
I arrived at Notre Dame sight unseen in August 1992 (times were different back then). In an effort to save money, my mom brought me to campus, while my dad planned to visit during a home football weekend with my uncle (he may have gotten the better end of that deal!).

I still remember my mom and I not knowing exactly where to go or what to think. We entered through the Stepan gate—not quite the iconic arrival down Notre Dame Avenue and into the Main Circle. However, when I got to Room 213 of Farley Hall, I was delighted to discover that I had a view of the Dome. (That's a "Wow!") My roommate, who had grown up in South Bend, was not impressed.

My mom helped me get settled and then left me to begin my new life. I was homesick. I knew only one other person on campus. Yet I found my way.

Returning 30 years later, I realize that I succeeded academically, socially, and spiritually because my parents believed that I could. Through every challenge and every uncertainty, I knew I had their support.

At our class Mass, Father Joe Carey, C.S.C., encouraged us to thank our parents for the opportunity they gave us to attend Notre Dame. For those whose parents have died, he invited us to share with our siblings what Notre Dame has meant to us. What a beautiful invitation to gratitude.

This mass was made that much more meaningful because it was held in memory of the 27 men and women from our class who have died. We read each name and honored them with a yellow rose. This bouquet was taken to the Grotto as an offering to Our Lady. 

Traditions and rituals like these are what animate the ethos of Notre Dame. I have never taken that for granted. I love that Father Carey noted that the chapel where we gathered—Saint Patrick's chapel inside of Dillon Hall— opened in 1931. Construction was funded in part by revenue from the famous 1925 Rose Bowl team coached by Knute Rockne. The head coach of Notre Dame football, Knute Rockne died on March 31, 1931, just months before the hall opened. This explains why there is a shrine honoring Saint Olaf—the patron Saint of Norway—in remembrance of The Rock, who was born in Voss, Norway. Indeed, Sports and Spirituality is part of that ethos.

The Shrine to Saint Olaf inside of Saint Patrick's Chapel
Dillon Hall

Wow.
Ask anyone of my classmates their favorite part of the weekend and I have a feeling we might offer the same response—being together. Football weekends are incredibly hectic. There is so much packed into a short amount of time and for me, all the hype around, before during and after the game make those visits exhausting. Reunion however runs in a liminal space...a kairotic time. Wow!

The dinners, parties and after parties are tremendous, but I enjoyed the simple pleasure of reconnecting for a meal in North Dining Hall (NDH). Given the amount of time I spent there as an undergrad, this might not be a surprise. But it was at that table and the eucharistic table that we share our authentic selves.

Inside NDH

When it was time to gather for our class photo, the photographer had to keep adding more chairs and benches. Our class smiled as we shared stories e.g. "What P.E. class did you take?" (The best answer came from Aaron V who said he took gymnastics because he thought it would be all girls. It wasn't). At the conclusion of that picture—a snapshot in time—someone started the cheer "Let's go Irish!" It caught fire. We responded. We cheered. We clapped as one. Again, Wow! Wow!

I absolutely loved Garret Gray's Improv show: "Cheer, Cheer for Main Stage Improv," reconnoitering with members of ACE 3, and taking over Legends once again. I don't know how or when my class became so awesome. We know who we are and appreciate each other. We know that we are part of something special...and for that I can only say "Thanks" and "Wow."

Why go to reunion? Sure, it's the beer tent and closing down the Backer. But, it's fortified by continued learning in sessions like. the University Leaders' Forum—a conversation between Irish Athletic Director Pete Bevacqua '93 and Alumni Director, Dolly Duffy '84, participating in the Notre Dame Women Connect retreat and even meeting up with Father John Jenkins, C.S.C. in his President Emeritus office before walking to the all class mass (I got to know him thanks to my time in ACE). I hope my prayer spoke to a gathering that IS a homecoming. It is networking in its most basic form. And yes, we will have smaller ones during the football season.

I watched the movie Song, Sung Blue on my flight out to South Bend. My favorite moment in the film is when Eddie Vedder invites Lighting and Thunder to open for him. He joins them on stage to sing "Forever in Blue Jeans." I can't help but think that message of that song underscores what I found at my 30th reunion: love, companionship and joy in the simple memories of the past and new ones of this past weekend. So helpful. So grateful. Amazing.

Photo Credits
None! All taken between June 5-7

The Sports and Spirituality Camino: Remembering Coach Lou Holtz

During the deep dark throes of COVID I found comfort in routine. I walked in the morning. I volunteered at the San Francisco Food Bank on Wednesdays I played golf on Saturdays and every night, I sat down to write at a desk in my hallway. A manuscript was born. 

The summer before the start of the pandemic, I was on campus at the University of Notre Dame and I had a vision—a near mystical experience. Standing at the statue of the Holy Family, I saw much more than Mary, Joseph and the child Jesus in the sculpture before me. I saw an invitation. I found an opportunity and an awakening. What took root in that moment was the idea of pilgrimage.

I realized I had come to this place before—to pray, to gaze, and to wonder. In that moment I understood myself as a pilgrim. I had come to this place at a particular moment in time, and those standing around me were pilgrims, too.

I started to take a mental inventory of the various statues scattered throughout campus. Many were familiar, others were new. The University was intentional in its messaging—placing a statue of The Visitation near the Eck Visitors Center at the entry of campus, the unassuming statue of Father Edward Sorin, C.S.C., the founder of Notre Dame toward the front and center of campus. Our Lady as she stands on the Dome.

I started to organize these statues by themes: saints, Holy Cross priests, images of Christ, tributes to Mary and coaches! Go Irish. I decided that I could create and dedicate a specific path of pilgrimage—caminos—as a way to engage with the art and pray. Caminos on Campus: Five Paths of Pilgrimage at the University of Notre Dame needed to be written! COVID afforded me the time to do that and I'm excited to share that this Spring Break is dedicated to finding an a publisher and way to get this text into print. 

When I got the news that Coach Lou Holtz had died, I couldn't help but wonder if people would make an act of pilgrimage to the statue of him outside of Notre Dame Stadium. Those who place flowers and personal mementos at his feet are pilgrims. That journey to a specific place for a prayerful purpose is pilgrimage.

For those who will make this journey in the days, weeks, and months to come, I would like to share something I wrote in my book for those who undertake the Sports and Spirituality Camino. Each path brings the pilgrim to five to ten different sites. At each statue, the pilgrim can read a short reflection I have written to provide context. After learning a little about the sculpture, the pilgrim is then invited to pray.

I am including both components here as a way to honor Coach Lou Holtz and to invite you into this same space. One does not need to stand before the actual statue to enter into a spiritual pilgrimage.

My hope is that this moment may be meaningful and memorable—a small invitation to see, reflect, and pray at the University of Notre Dame. According to Lou, “Those who know Notre Dame, no explanation’s necessary. Those who don’t, no explanation will suffice.” Maybe this pilgrimage will help.

Sports and Spirituality Pilgrimage
Travel to the southwest corner of Notre Dame Stadium. The D Gate also known as the Holtz gate features the statue you see here.

Coach Lou Holtz
In November 1985, Lou Holtz became the twenty-fifth head coach in Notre Dame football history. Holtz is the fourth to win a national championship in his third year at the helm, leading the Irish—in 1988— to a perfect record of 12-0. Known as a master motivator and a strict disciplinarian, Coach Holtz credits his Catholic faith as the source of such outstanding qualities. Moreover, his vision and philosophy resonate with his belief. 

In The Notre Dame Book of Prayer, Holtz wrote 

The sisters of Notre Dame preached to me when I was in grade school that God is everywhere. No place is that more evident to me than at the University of Notre Dame. God’s presence permeates the campus. I am not referring just to the Basilica of the Sacred Heart or the Grotto, but to the football stadium as well.  

I often felt, during a critical stage of a close football game, that more people in the stadium were praying to God than in most church on Sunday morning, even though they were praying to God for different reasons. 

I felt, and still do, that the stadium is a sacred place. Our players would go from our team Mass at Sacred Heart directly to the stadium. After warm-up we would pray the Our Father and the Hail Mary led by our team priest, Jim Riehle, C.S.C. We often asked our football players to conduct their activities both on and off the field according to the Book of Proverbs. 

God is always with us wherever we go, and that includes the football field. 

It also says in the Bible that when two or more come together to pray, God will be among them. The sisters were right.

Perhaps you too have felt God’s presence inside of Notre Dame stadium. Maybe you have offered your own prayers of gratitude for moments and memories inside the House that Rockne built. Has gazing at The Word of Life Mural ever called you to give praise to Jesus? or reflect further upon His message? Coach Holtz has reminded us that our workplaces or venues we return to every fall can serve as sacred places. Blessed be!

Prayer: Proverbs 3 1-12
Coach Holtz always wrote a line from this passage on his game plan.

My child, do not forget my teaching, take to heart my commands;

For many days, and years of life, and peace, will they bring you.

Do not let love and fidelity forsake you; bind them around your neck; write them on the tablet of your heart.

Then will you win favor and esteem before God and human beings.

Trust in the LORD with all your heart, on your own intelligence do not rely

In all your ways be mindful of Him, and He will make straight your paths.

Do not be wise in your own eyes, fear the LORD and turn away from evil;

This will mean health for your flesh and vigor for your bones.

Honor the LORD with your wealth, with first fruits of all your produce;

Then will your barns be filled with plenty, with new wine your vats will overflow.

The discipline of the LORD, my child, do not spurn do not disdain his reproof;

For whom the LORD loves he reproves, as a father, the son he favors.

Amen

Photo Credits
Statue: Thank you to a beloved former student Thomas for taking the photo of the statue!
Holtz statue
Fleur de Lis

Announcing Rev. Bob Dowd, C.S.C, the University of Notre Dame's 18th President:

At an alumni event during the Stanford vs. Notre Dame game weekend, a friend asked me who the next University president would be. Alumni and friends have been asking this question for years—only now it's a legitimate one. And that is because on October 13, 2023 Rev. John Jenkins, C.S.C. announced he will step down at the conclusion of the 2023-2024 school year to return to teaching and ministry at ND. Father Jenkins has served in the role since 2005. I said to my classmate, "I have a few ideas in mind, but I know that I really do not know." Today, however, is a different story. I know. You (now) know upon the annoucment that Father Bob Dowd, C.S.C.  has been named the University's 18th president. 

I got the update from my Uncle Jay and good friend, Mike. I gave an audible gasp upon reading what my Uncle Jay sent: a screen shot of a tweet from "The Observer."

I wasn't expecting this announcement...not right now, nor about Father Bob. My colleague, a fellow Religious Studies teacher asked if everything was okay. "Yes! Notre Dame has a new president," I said. He asked, "Does that person have to be a Holy Cross priest?" "Yes," I said. "That's too bad, he replied." "Not in this case. It's great news," I added. I meant it.

Father Bob Dowd was one of two Holy Cross priests on rotation for weekday/weeknight Masses in Farley Hall. While our Sunday liturgies were well attended at 10:00 p.m., the Monday and Thursday masses gathered a smaller crowd. Consequently, we got to all know one another—through a welcome presence (we sat on the floor), casual conversation and personal intentions. Each of us knew Father Bob was happy to be there. He smiled naturally and remembered our names. I was always impressed with his voice—it's clear, but not deep. Safe to say he has always been youthful—in appearance, energy and demeanor. In what *may* have been an effort to look like he had gone through puberty, sometime that first year he grew a mustache. The women in Farley wondered how he did that.

The other message was a screen shot of a tweet from ND Football beat writer, Mike Berardino. It complied "Father Bob facts" They are: 

• Ordained in 1994
• Political science PhD from UCLA
• BA in economics from #NotreDame ('87)
• Author of "Christianity, Islam, and Liberal Democracy: Lessons from Sub-Saharan Africa"
• Research interests include religion, development, and political culture.

My list is different. I would like this post to serve as a testimony of my own "Father Bob facts." These are off the cuff and what I came to know as a student.

• Humble Heart
• Servant Leader
• Good friend of Bishop Pat Neary, CSC. 
• Committed to the work of the Alliance for Catholic Education (the ACE teaching program) and the Center for Social Concerns (CSC)
• Assigned to East Africa

While you can (and should read) about his academic research, accomplishments and administrative experience, I can speak to his priesthood. I believe those attributes are well suited for the presidency.

• Jesus was the servant of the servants. And, Christian discipleship is predicated on the willingness to lead by serving one another. A humble heart helps make that all work. Jesus' entire life modeled humility and servant leadership; it's what I have seen in Father Bob. 
  
  
• They say you can judge a person by the company they keep. I always knew Father Pat and Father Bob were close. Contemporaries in the Congregation of Holy Cross, both men are ND alums and were ordained not too long after graduation. Father Pat was the other priest on that Farley Hall rotation—lucky us! He was recently named a Bishop for the Diocese of Saint Cloud. In short: see earlier paragraph about servant leadership and humble heart and put a check by the names of these Church leaders. 
  
  
  
• I love that so much of Father Bob's academic research and own experience is tied to Africa. He will bring a global perspective to the question and concern of Catholic identity to Notre Dame. The Church is alive—it is thriving and growing in Africa. It is diverse and dynamic, both rich and poor. It is essential that the Catholic Church's outreach and commitment to Africa be known, shaped, broadened and appreciated. 
  
  
• On the domestic front, Father Bob gave of his time and talent to serve the Alliance for Catholic Education. He sees teaching as ministry (he himself is an associate professor of political science) and an essential arm of the Church in the US. He conspired with us on many a retreat. Grateful for those memories.

The University has had only three presidents in the last 70 years. Father Bob will follow other servant leaders, each with their own pastoral gifts and administrative assets. I hope in this time of waiting and preparation, both Father Bob and the leadership of the University can help one another to live out the words of Father Basil Moreau, CSC: "Make God Known, Loved and Served." AND, I hope he really likes football.....

Photo Credits
Research
CSC Shot