At Notre Dame, every residence hall is also an intentional Christian community. Residents are free to participate in the religious life of Carroll and of Notre Dame as much as they might choose. In Carroll, we strive to be a community where all of our members can grow in their faith, asking deep questions and discerning what sort of man God is calling them to be.
Catholic Mass
For Catholics, the celebration of Mass is the center of their spiritual and communal lives together. Each residence hall has a chapel, serving as a place for communal worship and quiet reflection.
Our chapel is the Chapel of Saint Andre Bessette. This is a space which is open for any Vermin to use for their own prayer or reflection. It is also where we hold our dorm liturgies: 9 p.m. on Sunday, and at 10 p.m on Tuesday, and Wednesday whenever school is in session.
Mass is a wonderful time for the men of Carroll Hall to come together with their brothers to pray and worship. Sunday’s Mass includes music and liturgical ministries led by Carroll residents. Our priest-in-residence, Fr. Mike Connors, CSC, is the usual presider at our Masses.
Sunday’s celebration is usually also followed by Sunday Sundaes, an ice cream social in the Carroll lounge.
Daily Mass in the Chapel (Tuesdays and Wednesdays) is very simple and prayerful. At 25-30 minutes, it is a parred down celebration, usually without music, and a shorter homily. A daily Mass is a great way for Vermin to make space for stillness during busy weeks of intense studying and work.
Night Prayer
Held on Monday nights, night prayer is a very short and simple way to reflect and pray with your fellow Vermin. All are most welcome.
Retreat
The Carroll Hall retreat is an event held in the spring semester at an off-campus retreat center. It is a great opportunity to rest, reflect, pray and have fun. Retreatants are invited to grow into deeper, more authentic friendship with one another and with God.
Questions about Faith?
If you have questions about what you believe or don’t believe, it is our hope that in Carroll you find a non-judgmental community in which to explore them. Guys have meaningful conversations in their rooms, in the den, the living room, and on the long walks to and from class.
Looking for more? Talk to an RA, the ARs, the rector, or the priest-in-residence. Notre Dame is a campus that welcomes questions and curiosity, and it is a place to grow, wrestle with belief, and find a community which supports you on your journey of faith. Whether you’re Christian, of another faith background, or simply unsure what you believe, you are most welcome in Carroll Hall and at Notre Dame.
Outside of Carroll
Every new class of Vermin will be taken to the Grotto, an outdoor space for prayer dedicated to Mary, which is a replica of the original in Lourdes, France. The Grotto is, in many ways, the spiritual center of campus, along with the nearby Basilica of the Sacred Heart. The Grotto is a huge favorite of students as a great place to go when you need prayer, rest, or silence. Students are seen there at all hours of the day: just before (or after) a test, following a difficult phone call home, wrapping up a run around the lakes, or making their way back from a night out with friends. All are welcome to visit the Grotto: light a candle or just sit in silence.
If you need a jolt of organ and beautiful liturgies to compliment the simplicity of Carroll’s chapel, try the Basilica of the Sacred Heart. This beautiful church is the liturgical center for Notre Dame, and is home to incredible choirs, engaging preaching (hopefully!), and beautiful artwork.
The Office of Campus Ministry is a tremendous resource to Notre Dame students from every background. Stop by the Coleman-Morris Center (“Co-Mo”) for ecumenical Christian worship, sacramental preparation, ongoing spiritual direction, retreats, Bible studies, catechesis, and more. Whether you are contemplating becoming a Christian, looking for further spiritual development, or searching for new ways to meet people interested in faith, Campus Ministry is a great destination.
