Chaminade News Spring 2023

CHAMINADE NEWS

THE CHAMINADE FAMILY MAGAZINE SPRING 2023

Bro. Thomas Cleary, S.M. ’81 President

Bro. Joseph Bellizzi, S.M. ’78 Principal

Chris Hanley ’80 Executive Director of Advancement

Deborah Kendric P ’22 Director of Alumni and Parent Relations

Guy LaCognata ’15 Director of Communications and Marketing

Bro. Richard Hartz, S.M. ’59 Director Emeritus of Development and Alumni Relations

Mary Naglia

Creative Lead

Jenna Bianco Graphic Design Assistant

Shuchao Luo

Cover Photo

Element Media Photography

Joseph Caso

William Clemens '14

Peter Vanderberg

Office of

(516) 742-5555 ext. 444

A quiet moment in the chapel. Students gather for a short prayer service every day before lunch. Junior Julio Arreaga joins with his rosary beads.

742-5555 ext. 492

PRESIDENT'S LETTER

not always in the way that you want it to be answered, yet in the way you need it to be answered.

Another wrote:

In all honesty, first coming here I was not very religious at all. Surely my family attended church every Sunday, but I never viewed it as God’s home, but rather a chore. I did very well in my first three years of religion, but it was more of a history class to me. My faith and understanding became much more meaningful in my Senior Year. I finally came to the understanding that this is not so much a task but a necessary means for communication/relationship with God. I’ve come to pray more and communicate much more often with God not because I have to, but because I want to. I also began to attend adoration before lunch a few times a week, as I truly feel the connection with God. This connection has helped me become a happier person most definitely. I could not have found this connection so smoothly and efficiently without this class.

As I read and graded these essays, I had a calm sense that all will be well. These kids get it, eventually...

Dear Chaminade Family,

Every year on Accepted Students Day, I give a keynote presentation in Darby Auditorium to the parents and prospective students, offering a full overview of the Chaminade experience and all it has to offer. One aspect I always touch on is the faith life on campus. It is truly in our DNA here at school. It is intertwined in every facet of student life.

I don’t think you can walk ten feet into the school building, or even onto the campus, without getting a sense of beauty, respect, faith – in a word: God. Everything we do and everything we say reflect our nature as sons and daughters of God. And our students have so many ways to live out this calling to grow in faith.

On May 10 we celebrated the senior last exam and the “walk down” the main steps afterwards. They were greeted by almost 600 cheering, smiling, and some crying parents. It was a wonderful celebration of their four years at 340 Jackson Avenue. In the days leading up to the final week of classes, I had asked the seniors in my religion class to reflect on their four years here. I was genuinely humbled and thrilled with their responses...across the board!

One of my scholars wrote:

Chaminade has allowed me to have a different outlook on my faith and the true meaning behind it. It started with the basics, as everything does, to build knowledge on exactly what it is we believe in. As we matured and advanced to higher grade levels, we began to dive deeper into our faith, and most importantly, question our faith. This class specifically has given me a better outlook on my faith. One of my main takeaways from this class is that God works in mysterious ways: he always answers your prayers, however, it is

As you know from the last issue of Chaminade News, we launched our rugby program this spring. I received this email from one of the rugby coaches recently:

It should be noted that following the coaches’ remarks and presentation of jerseys in the locker room, these young men were left to themselves for a moment. Before anything else was said by the captains, they first led themselves in prayer together.

A very poignant moment and the right way to begin this journey. That’s what Flyers do.

An alumnus from the Class of 1988 whose son recently graduated summed up our mission perfectly when he wrote to me in a letter:

What the Chaminade Family and the Marianist Community do daily can be likened to the parable of the sower: seed planted in good soil grows and yields an abundant crop. Chaminade provides a tremendous faith-based foundation (the good soil) for boys to grow into amazing men strong in body, mind, and spirit.

Wishing you all a peaceful and restful summer! And remember, if you are in the area, please drop in…that’s what families do!

Bro. Thomas J. Cleary, S.M. ’81 President

On the Road to Spiritual Growth of the Chaminade Man

There are many unique traits and special qualities that distinguish a Chaminade education. Surely the rigorous academic curriculum, robust athletic programs, and diverse extracurriculars set it apart from other schools. But it is Chaminade’s mission of educating the whole student - mind, body, and soul - that truly separates it. Campus Ministry and the retreat program are at the heart of Chaminade’s mission to help its students grow in their faith and relationship with God. They are guiding the Chaminade man as he engages in the good fight, in the presence of other witnesses to the faith.

Alumni know the special place faith development plays in the lives of the Chaminade student. But even recent alums would be surprised at how the Campus Ministry and retreat programs have grown in such a short period of time. A graduate of the Class of 1986, Fr. Peter Heiskell, Chaminade’s chaplain, has a unique perspective on this evolution. “Since I began as a freshman here in 1982, faith formation has certainly changed on campus. Of course, it has always been a priority, but it looks different today than back then. I am very proud of how we have adapted as a school community over the last several decades to meet the students where they are at,” remarked Fr. Peter.

Mr. Michael Foley ’99, director of campus ministry, together with a team of campus ministers, have helped spearhead many of the initiatives driving this evolution. “As a Catholic school rooted in the Marianist tradition, the school’s Campus Ministry department

ensures that the Catholic identity permeates all aspects of the school's culture. Through frequent programs and events, we seek to create opportunities for each student to grow in his relationship with Jesus, with the goal of shaping our young men as sons of Mary and authentic witnesses of Christ, His Gospel, and His Church,” Foley said. The days of a retreat schedule that could only accommodate a limited number of students have been replaced with day retreats for every Chaminade student, CROSS events, and evenings of recollection - smaller group experiences that, as Mr. Foley states, “emphasize allowing relationships to flourish in a spiritual environment - students and staff with God; peers with one another; teachers with students.”

The job of helping advance this mission, however, falls on many, not just Fr. Peter and Mr. Foley. Both emphasize the “team environment” within the Campus Ministry department and the increasing role of laypeople in helping to carry out the mission. Fr. Peter states, “I would also highlight the major investment and collaboration of our lay staff, together with the Marianist Community, in the faith formation and spiritual life of the school. I am edified by the energy, enthusiasm, creativity, and collaborative spirit of our Campus Ministry team. The way they give witness to their personal faith by their willingness to share the joys and the challenges of their own spiritual lives is truly exemplary and inspiring for our colleagues and students alike.” In addition to the efforts of Fr. Peter and Mr.

Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called and about which you made the good confession in the presence of many witnesses.

- 1 Timothy 6:12

Campus Ministry Department Sees Tremendous Expansion

Foley, Mr. Michael Dolce, '99, Mr. Mathew Chicavich '97, Mr. Michail Griffin (KMHS ’09), Mr. Thomas Griffin (KMHS ’09), and Mr. Kevin O’Neill serve as driving forces for Campus Ministry. But there are countless other people that make this ambitious program work, from religion teachers and student volunteers, to club moderators and teachers alike.

What will faith development and Campus Ministry look like going forward? Look at where it has come from! Currently there are over 60 day retreats that students are exposed to in an effort to help them grow in their faith. As Mr. Foley stated, “Many of the students see Chaminade as their ‘spiritual home.’ There is a weight of responsibility that comes with that.” Providing students with the opportunity to pursue a life of faith is at the core of what Campus Ministry hopes to accomplish. To that end, several students, inspired by their faith development through the day retreats and evenings of recollection, will take part in an exciting opportunity to further their growth. “Marianist LIFE (Living in Faith Experience) is a nationwide faith formation program rooted in the Catholic and Marianist tradition. This summer, we are sending five members from the Class of 2024 to this program in Ohio. This program is a serious commitment with much prayer, fellowship, discussion, and activities. It is our hope that this experience will deepen the students’ relationship with Jesus and Mary and help them to develop skills to be great Marianist leaders next year and beyond,” Mr. Foley remarked.

of the students see Chaminade as their spiritual home.”

The catalyst for many of the changes and programs undertaken by Campus Ministry was the COVID-19 pandemic. With COVID restrictions in place, Mr. Foley and his team were forced to think about ways to continue the mission. “It led us to really ask the question of intentionality – what are the most important events that we host? Why do we have those events?” From this introspection came an emphasis on smaller, more intimate gatherings. For example, students now attend day retreats with their religion teachers and classmates. In addition, monthly prayer nights are held to spiritually nourish the students who lead retreats. “We’ve begun to give them more opportunities to offer their own faith witness to their peers and would like to continue expanding that,” Mr. Foley explained.

In his Gospel, John states, “I am the vine, you are the branches. Whoever remains in me and I in him will bear much fruit, because without me you can do nothing” (John 15:5). The fruits of spiritual growth and enlightenment of Chaminade are carefully tended to on the vine through the work of Campus Ministry.

“Many

Since its conception, Chaminade High School has always been more than an educational institution; it is a family. From its operation to its mission, the Chaminade Family looks to the Marianist Community of religious brothers and priests for support, leadership, and companionship in the education and formation of young men. Over the years, Chaminade has been witness to generations of young men who have committed themselves to the life of a professed Marianist brother. In keeping with their founder’s mission, the Marianists continue to promote and foster vocations to the order today. “A brother is someone who is a brother to all,” reflects Bro. Michael Duffy (KMHS ’16), a novice currently in formation with the Province of Meribah. “The means in which a Marianist lives this call is by teaching. It is important to note that teaching is not restricted to the classroom. Fr. Chaminade said a brother should teach by his every word, look, and gesture. Teaching occurs anywhere - in the classroom, in the hallway, on retreat, at a basketball game, in the grocery store, ANYWHERE!”

Teaching occurs with “every word, look, and gesture.” Bro. Patrick Sarsfield, S.M. ’86, the current director of the Marianist Community at Chaminade, reflects, “The vocation of a brother is really no different than the vocation that all Christians share. The consecrated religious is trying to live that vocation more intensely, maybe as a sign to the rest of the Church. The vows we take are meant to be reminders to us, and by extension to the rest of the Church, that we are all called to holiness.”

Fr. Peter Heiskell, S.M. ’86, adds that, “we hope that by living faithfully our vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience in a visible way within the school community, we might witness to others what a life of Christian discipleship looks like.” Fr. Peter serves as school chaplain and current novice master, a role that directly oversees the development and formation of those men learning the life of a Marianist in preparation for temporary vows. “By its very nature, this role invites me to enter more deeply into our Marianist charism,

so that I might most effectively pass it on to the next generation of Marianists. Accompanying Bro. Michael Duffy during the first year of his novitiate so far has given me great joy, as I watch his Marianist vocation grow, both in terms of his devotion to our charism, and in his assimilation into our shared common life.”

As a family grows, so also do the Marianists seek to form young men in a relationship with God. “Sometimes that relationship might lead to the possibility of a religious vocation,” says Bro. Stephen Balletta, S.M. ’74, who has served as the Marianists’ vocation director for over a decade. “It is an honor for me to listen to the young men I meet with. I have had the privilege to share in their joys and to accompany them in their sorrows, all the while enhancing and humbling my own prayer life.” Running seasonally vocation events such as "Operation FIAT" and actively collaborating

Marianists continue to seek vocations, spread the faith through community.

with Chaminade’s campus ministry program, Bro. Stephen seeks a model of accompaniment for current students and graduates alike. “It comes down to community,” says Bro. Stephen, “Religious life has such a special place in the Church. We are not simply a provider of a workforce for an institution, but as a witness value for living the Gospel for real in our world today in community. Our task is to create a culture of vocations in our schools and our reach as witnesses of the Gospel. Our younger professed brothers are such role models for our students. Their witness, more so than mine, really captures what it means to be a disciple in today’s world, focused and attentive to the needs of our community.”

The Marianists have had the joy of welcoming many young men into their religious community in the last few years. Three brothers: Bro. Peter Sennert, S.M. ’11, Bro. Andrew Santoriello, S.M. ’07, and Bro. Patrick Cahill, S.M ’11, each have professed perpetual vows within the last few years and are actively serving in ministry at Kellenberg Memorial High School and St. Martin de Porres in Uniondale. Bro. Thomas Terrill, S.M. ’10, who serves as the director of student activities at Chaminade, is preparing to profess perpetual vows at the end of the summer. The Marianist Community is refreshed and renewed by each of their witnesses.

“When we say ‘community’ in this sense, we mean the brothers who live together at Chaminade…we are a family,” says Bro. Patrick Sarsfield. “Like in any family, there are good times and bad times, times when we laugh together and times when we get on each other's nerves. But, we are here for each other. The goal of any healthy religious community is for its members to help each other grow in their relationship with God, through a shared prayer life and through mutual support.” Bro. Patrick, as director, oversees the daily routines of the brothers at Chaminade. “We have prayers together and meals together. We celebrate the good

times together and endure the hard times together. We do all of this while we are trying to remain faithful to Fr. Chaminade's vision of bringing people to Christ through Mary.” Bro. Michael Duffy considers his time prior to joining the Marianists, “Before I joined the Marianist Community and attended my childhood parish, I was often asked, ‘Why don't you become a priest?’ My response would always be ‘community.’ Community is what refreshes my soul daily. I am refreshed by our communal singing, communal meals, communal living. The key word is communal, being together.”

Inspired by their commitment to intentional “community,” the brothers have invited and embedded this communal spirit into everything they do at Chaminade. “We hope that our ministry of education and formation in the faith within the school creates a strong sense of community and family spirit,” Fr. Peter testifies, “In other words, we follow Mary’s call to us to help raise up new sons of Mary, who by their belonging to our Chaminade Marianist family will feel called in their own lives to draw closer to Christ through Mary.” “You know, it’s really a family business,” says Bro. Thomas Cleary, S.M. ’81. “It never gets old because my brothers and I have a passionate love for the mission of the school. We keep asking ourselves, ‘how can we make this better?’ because of our deep love for what we do and how we serve our students and extended family.”

“The path to religious life is not always a straight and easy one,” says Bro. Stephen, “it really gets at the heart of what it means to be human, learning, growing, and struggling, just like everyone does. Community brings us to a space where we can learn and grow together in the Gospel in our specific work of education.”

As leaders and witnesses of the life of the Gospel at work at Chaminade and beyond, the Marianists are more active than ever, strengthened by their commitment to a life guided under the protection of the Blessed Virgin. To Jesus, Through Mary.

Why Supporting the Matters

The Torch Fund is Chaminade’s program of unrestricted annual giving. Giving to the Torch Fund is vital to sustaining our educational missionfor both today's students and future generations. Tuition assistance provided this school year to 1,700 students

14,000 Flyers $50 Million $2,340

The number of Flyers who received Torch support since 1987

The amount of tuition support distributed over the last 36 fiscal years

PAYING IT FORWARD THROUGH PLANNED GIVING

Executive Director of Advancement Chris Hanley '80 speaks with Frank Liantonio '66, executive vice president at Cushman & Wakefield, to discuss his recent funding of the Marion & Grace Liantonio Memorial Scholarship Fund.

Q- Frank, what motivated you to fund a scholarship at Chaminade?

A- As you may know, I'm a board member of Tomorrow's Hope Foundation and a big believer in the importance of providing educational opportunities for the underserved communities of Long Island. Through financial support the foundation gives almost 2,000 scholarships annually so that deserving children can attend and afford Catholic elementary school each school year. Unfortunately, many don't continue their Catholic education in high school, and that needs to change. After speaking with Bro. Thomas about Chaminade's new initiative, Access for All, he suggested that I consider underwriting a need-based scholarship.

Q- How did you decide to establish the scholarship in memory of your mother and Aunt Grace?

A- There's a great story behind that, and it truly guided my support for the scholarship. Several years after I graduated from Chaminade, in the early 1970s, my mother and aunt started working as staff members in the cafeteria at Chaminade. Aunt Grace and my mom were like sisters, and they both loved being around the students and took great pleasure in watching them grow and mature over their four years. Mom and Grace both worked in those roles for almost 30 years, and after my mother passed away a few years back, I couldn't think of a better way to honor their dedication and service to Chaminade.

Q- How do you envision this scholarship benefiting students and supporting their educational journey?

A- A Chaminade education can change the trajectory of a young man's life, and although my investment will not cover full tuition, I'm sure for some families this scholarship might make the difference in their son's ability to attend. I'd love to see if we could also create a more solid path for the Tomorrow's Hope recipients to continue their Catholic education at Chaminade.

Q- How important is the faith formation aspect of a Chaminade education?

A- It's very important that we continue to build on the foundation that is provided in the home and at the Catholic grammar schools in the area. It's a critical component in providing the ethical roots and moral compass that will guide these young men through the rest of their lives. It remains a very critical part of my life some 57 years after my high school graduation.

Q- What is your fondest memory of Chaminade?

A- There are many, and I can honestly say that for those that want to be there, you can create many great memories. However, playing in a band called T.S. and the Eliots with my classmate and piano player Roy Clark '66 at a sock hop in the gym was the best.

Q- Frank, what would you suggest to someone considering making a gift to Chaminade?

A- I started with a small gift when the Torch Fund started in 1987 and have tried to support the annual fund every year. The scholarship will combine both a pledged and planned gift. Remember what somebody has done for you, and when you're in a position to help, pay it forward.

For more information about planned giving and the 1930 Legacy Society, please contact Chris Hanley ’80 at (516) 742-5555 ext. 509 or email chanley@chaminade-hs.org.

Frank's mother Marion (left) and Aunt Grace (right)

Partners in our Mission

Bro. Stephen Balletta, S.M. ’74, speaks on the importance of lay people as partners in the Marianist mission of faith and education.

Q- Can you give our readers some of the partnership history between lay people and religious in Marianist education?

A- Historically, Blessed William Joseph Chaminade envisioned the consecrated religious in partnership with lay people. This partnership is at the heart of the Sodality movement. The enactment of this partnership creates a rippling-out effect on the transmission of faith. Lay people are partners in faith formation and education. It is important to remember that this partnership is not just a response to a need to fill faculty positions; it is part of the original fabric of the Marianist vision for how the mission of faith formation can be best enacted.

Q- How do you see lay people strengthening the faith of their students?

A- Our students see their lay teachers take faith seriously. They expect this from the Marianist brothers, but when our lay faculty speak and live their faith in class, or during the various witness talks, students see a broader context of lived faith in their teachers and role models. It is crucial for students to see that the faith is real for the brothers and religious teachers, but also for the lay people at Marianst schools. The commitment of lay people makes the faith identity of our schools clear and prevalent.

The role of a teacher is not merely that of pouring knowledge into the heads of the pupils as though he were using a funnel but also of awakening a desire to know and a passion for truth in their souls.

A- Chaminade offers more than an education; it offers a family of caring and support. Faith formation happens through formal instruction, but also through the relationships our students build with coaches, maintenance personnel, cleaning staff, and cafeteria personnel. We have given the Founders Award to deserving individuals from all of these areas because they all have an integral part to play in the mission, and all contributors are valued here.

The Board of Advisors is composed of lay people with expertise in various fields other than education. These trusted individuals are lay people who advise the president about how to best enact policies that will keep our school strong. The Board of Advisors will join our community for various events. It’s more than a business partnership; they are part of this larger mission. The familial ties we create keep this bond strong. Very often members of the Board of Advisors are alumni, parents of current students, or parents of alumni.

The Chaminade Alumni Parents Association (CAPA) is another example of the strong bond between lay people and Marianist educators. CAPA members have sons who have graduated from Chaminade, but who still wish to remain connected to our mission. CAPA runs various events and provides services to Chaminade that continue to support the school community.

The work that far surpasses the most beautiful creations of man’s artistic skill is that of reproducing in souls the living image of Jesus Christ.

– St. John Chrysostom

Q- Other than teaching, how might lay people join Marianist educators?

There can be no education without love. In education, everything is the product of love.

Q- How would you like to see the relationship between religious and lay faculty strengthened in the future?

A- We need to continue and build upon the tradition of joint events that bring Marianists and lay faculty together for the purpose of reflection, community building, and enjoyment. Collaborative faith-centered events like “Kinship: An Evening of Recollection” and faculty retreats are helpful in strengthening that relationship. Each year we invite our new teachers to dinner in the brothers’ residence. It is one of the first moments when our new faculty are welcomed into the Chaminade Family - literally welcomed into our home to share a meal and get to know each other better. It is a beautiful and enjoyable evening that I think establishes that this is not just a professional relationship; it’s a family relationship.

Q- What challenges are posed when incorporating lay people into the life and mission of a religious organization like Chaminade?

A- A challenge for everyone is work-life balance. We Marianists should try to remember the challenges and demands of family life when balancing the mission and its commitment. How do we ensure a healthy work-life balance for both lay and religious faculty? I love when I see lay people bringing their children to Chaminade events. It expands on the notion of family and is a good reminder for those of us who are not married that these teachers have families, often with young children, which presents a whole world of demands which can sometimes be overlooked.

The continued faith formation of lay faculty is a challenge that I take seriously. We can’t assume that everyone is one hundred percent on board with our faith mission. Faith formation is an ongoing process for our students, but also for our lay faculty. We should continually remind ourselves of the Chaminade mission. Everyone, myself included, can easily get absorbed in the daily work of teaching and keeping this place going. We need to take time to reestablish our connection to the overall Marianist mission and philosophy.

Thanks be to God, though your voice is weak from speaking and your eyes tired from checking and correcting papers, your heart is nevertheless raised towards God, towards Christ, to whom you wish to return the pupils who have been entrusted to you. It is to you that a good number of them will owe, even if they have forgotten you, their strong and enlightened Christian life.

Q- Any last words for our lay faculty?

A- All our Marianist schools could not exist without the dedication and contributions of our lay people. We are very happy and proud to partner with them in Marianist education, and we are edified in how our lay partners embrace not only their specific disciplines but also their lived faith experience. This is something that Fr. Chaminade envisioned in 1817, and he would be proud to see it thriving in 2023.

Quotes from The Marianist Educator, by Rev. Paul Joseph Hoffer, S.M., Published in 1957

No Matter Who’s Watching!

This could not be more apparent for some Chaminade seniors during this past February break while on vacation in the Dominican Republic with their parents. Ben Caccavo ’23 recounts the importance for him and his friends to receive ashes on Ash Wednesday, even though school was out for winter recess. “Many of us were intent on receiving ashes while on vacation in the Dominican Republic. When we inquired at the hotel, we were told there was only one Ash Wednesday service being held at the local church at 5 p.m. We were very disappointed because we were all on a pre-planned snorkeling excursion that day and realized we would not be back in time.” Regardless of the scheduling conflict, Ben and his friends knew how important this day in the life of the Church was inspired by their religion classes and involvement in Chaminade’s robust Campus Ministry program.

“Because we had two Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion with us on our vacation group, we thought it might be worth a shot to see if we could distribute ashes in light of our scheduling conflicts.” Ben and his friends were able to coordinate with a local parish to get ashes sent to them in order that they could distribute them.

“I made sure to research proper rules and prayers on the way back from snorkeling,” Ben recalls, “and all of us who wanted to receive ashes gathered together. Luke Moran and I led everyone in a short prayer service and Hail Mary to set the prayer tone for the experience.” In the lobby of the hotel, Ben and Luke were able to distribute ashes to all their vacation guests. Ben identifies that it was his faith formation that inspired his proactive approach to this important day while on vacation. “We had about 30 Chaminade students and their families with us on our trip, so to have an ash distribution service really extended the sense of the Chaminade Family witnessing to the truth of the Gospel out in the world.” Simply put, for Ben, something would have been missing if they did not at least try to receive ashes on such an important start to the Lenten season.

Ben’s story testifies to the goal of Chaminade education: to let faith in God inform everything you do. As a member of CROSS, the Parish Religious Education Program, and the Varsity Lacrosse Team, Ben found influential witnesses to the faith in his coaches,

his teachers, especially Mr. Matthew Chicavich ’98, his religion teacher, and Ben’s brother, who graduated in 2020.

Because of the effort and determination of these Chaminade men, many members of their group were able to receive ashes on Ash Wednesday, even while on break. “It was a very special moment,” Ben reflects, “We all agreed it was a great way to start the Lenten season together, even if we had to think creatively about how to receive ashes on such an important day. It would’ve never happened if so many of us weren’t determined to get ashes, despite the obstacles of our schedule.”

“The Chaminade Man does the right thing at the right time, because it’s the right thing to do, regardless of who is watching.”

Paving the Way: Chaminade Alumni

in Catholic Leadership

Bishop Richard Henning ’82

As a prominent member of the Rockville Centre community, Bishop Henning held various roles including professor of sacred scripture and formator at Seminary of the Immaculate Conception and episcopal vicar for the diocese.

Bishop Henning's exceptional academic record and contributions to the Catholic community did not go unnoticed. On June 8, 2018, Pope Francis appointed him as auxiliary bishop for the Diocese of Rockville Centre. Bishop John Barres consecrated him as bishop on July 24, 2018.

In a recent development, on November 23, 2022, Pope Francis appointed Bishop Henning as coadjutor bishop of the Diocese of Providence.

Jonathan Pham is a seminarian studying for the Diocese of Rockville Centre. The dynamic faith life at Chaminade nurtured his vocation to the priesthood where he entered the seminary directly after high school. As part of the seminary formation, he has a pastoral internship year, and he has been blessed to be a part of St. Dominic High School, where he served as a theology teacher and worked in campus ministry.

“The proper teaching of right, moral living is necessary for students today as they navigate through the flux and trends of modernity. The impact of the Marianists' education has left a treasured imprint on my vocational discernment towards the priesthood and allows me to pass on the torch to the next generation.”

Dr. William Mattison ’89

Dr. Mattison, a prominent scholar and theologian, completed his doctoral studies at the University of Notre Dame. During his years at the university, he focused on Thomistic moral theology under the guidance of Dr. Jean Porter and embarked on a Fulbright Fellowship in Fribourg, Switzerland, for his dissertation research, where he had the opportunity to learn from Fr. Servais Pinckaers, O.P.

In recognition of his exceptional scholarship and leadership, Prof. Mattison returned to the University of Notre Dame in 2016. He currently holds a joint appointment as a Wilsey Family Associate Professor in the Department of Theology and Senior Advisor for Theological Formation in the Alliance for Catholic Education, where he helps prepare Catholic school teachers.

Jonathan Pham ’15

Deacon Frank Kurre’s journey to becoming a clergyman began in 2009 when he entered the Seminary of the Immaculate Conception to begin his studies for the diaconate. Deacon Frank was ordained a deacon for the Diocese of Rockville Centre in 2013 and assigned to Notre Dame Parish.

Deacon Frank is a distinguished alumnus of Notre Dame School, Chaminade High School, St. John’s University, and the Seminary of the Immaculate Conception. He holds several leadership positions, including serving as chairman of the Board of Advisors of the Tobin College of Business, St. John’s University, on the Finance and Audit Committees of Catholic Health, on the Board of Advisors of Chaminade High School, and vice chairman of the Board of Directors of the Institute for Catholic Schools. Frank was recently appointed to the Board of Directors of the Pontifical Mission Societies.

“The Marianist priests and brothers have always been role models and heroes to me. They’ve taught me and thousands of others of how to live lives of service and faith."

Archbishop Christopher Cardone's journey began with his ordination as a Dominican priest on May 30, 1986. Following this, he spent two years as a parish priest at St. Gertrude Parish in Madeira, Ohio. In 1988, he moved to the Dominican vicariate in the Solomon Islands, where he held various positions.

Pope John Paul II appointed Cardone titular bishop of Thuburnica and auxiliary bishop to the Diocese of Gizo on March 27, 2001. Later, on October 19, 2004, Pope John Paul II appointed him bishop of the Diocese of Auki. On June 22, 2016, Pope Francis appointed Cardone as the archbishop of the Archdiocese of Honiara, and he was installed on September 10, 2016.

“Chaminade was a wonderful experience learning about our Catholic faith from memorable priests and brothers and meeting people who have become lifelong friends.”

John Schoenig is a prominent figure in the world of education and policy, serving as the senior director of teacher formation and education policy at the University of Notre Dame's Alliance for Catholic Education (ACE). Schoenig's leadership role in the ACE Teaching Fellows Program, the largest provider of Catholic school teaching talent in the United States, has made him a respected advocate for educational reform. He also over sees the Program for Educational Access (PEA), an enterprise that helps develop and implement policy that expands financial access to faith-based schools.

As a faculty member and Fellow of Notre Dame's Institute for Educational Initiatives (IEI), Schoenig has lent his expertise to the academic community. Schoenig earned his BA and M.Ed from the University of Notre Dame and his JD from the Notre Dame Law School.

“Although I didn't realize it as a student, Chaminade forged in me two dispositions that are at the heart of my life as a husband, father, and professional. The first is a passion for Catholic schools. The second is the willingness to accept the reality that I am not the center of the universe.”

John Schoenig ’94

Deacon Frank Kurre ’81

Archbishop Christopher Cardone ’76

THINK YOU MAY BE CALLED TO THE RELIGIOUS LIFE OR THE PRIESTHOOD?