Name: Thomas Daily
Age: 20
Year: Freshman
From: Lawrenceburg, IN
Major: Most likely History.
Hobbies? Photography, camping, hiking.
What's your favorite class? Prof. McGuire's History class. He is really passionate about teaching and truly cares about his students.
Do you play any sports? I play rugby here at Christendom. It's more of a brotherhood than a team sport.
Do you participate in any drama or music related activities? I'm on the stage crew for Hello, Dolly!—I ended up doing it because I find it hard to say "no" to pretty girls.
What is your favorite thing about Christendom? Most of the classes and the friends I've made—they'll last a lifetime.
Why did you choose Christendom? I visited and enjoyed talking with Mr. McGuire and the students.
What do you plan to do after graduation? I plan to teach high school history and raise a family.

Mystery Dinner Theater

Friday, Saturday, and Sunday nights, the St. Lawrence Commons was filled with excited and hungry audience members ready to watch this year's Mystery Dinner Theater: Murder at the U.N.! The play was written by Senior Brian Gallagher, and many Christendom students participated in it, whether by acting, tech, or serving the dinner. Mystery Dinner Theater is held every year to help raise money for the senior class gift.

“We want to put in a substantial deck overlooking the Shenandoah River beyond the St. John the Evangelist Library,” Senior Class President Jobie Norton said. “Not only will this deck provide a beautiful view, but it will serve as the pivotal point of a nature trail that will circumnavigate the campus, providing a much-needed jogging and biking trail.”

The play this year was riotous and very entertaining, having a different ending at each performance to keep audience members guessing!

In the play, Jimbo Star, a U.N. representative from Texas, was murdered, and it was the audience's job to figure out whodunnit. Junior Liz Newcombe, who helped with makeup and backstage crew, said, "It's really funny, and everybody worked so hard. There's a lot of talent there."

Check out the pics below.


Senior Jobie Norton and Sophomore Catherine Marra played the comical news casters.


The Detective, played by Junior James Hannon, caught the killer every night.


The scheming mobster Salvatore Ricci, played by Senior Kyle Kelly was the killer on Saturday night.


Discovering Jimbo's body... Death by plunger is a horrible way to go.


The Detective interrogates the English Ambassador, played by Frances Allington.


The Arab Ambassador, played by Sophomore Tim Ginski, was hilarious and far too goofy to commit a crime.


The short and polemic Army Captain, played by Senior Meghan Rubin, caused quite a ruckus: "We're going to WAR!"

There is No Time

Monday night, girls and guys came to the lobby of the women's Campion Hall to hang out, snack on great food, and listen to two of Christendom's staff members speak on what students should do with the time they have in college. Marie Antunes and Chris Vander Woude alternately discussed different elements of college life, including its social, spiritual, and academic aspects.

They had some great advice; for example, Marie talked about how a student should strive to be the friend that helps bring his friends closer to God and to Heaven, as opposed to the one that pulls them away. And Coach talked about always trying one's best and giving it one's all, whether in athletics, friendships, spiritual life, academics, or whatever the case may be. Great advice in a great talk.

Roman Easter and Weekend in Florence

Buona Pasqua a tutti voi! Happy Easter to you all!

Lent is always hard, even in Rome, so Easter Sunday was a huge celebration for the Rome students.

Thanks to the generosity of our hotel owner, Gianni, my classmates and I all received tickets to the entirety of Holy Week Masses celebrated by Pope Benedict. Thus, we were able to attend Palm Sunday Mass at St. Peter's and Holy Thursday at St. John Lateran. In order for us to receive the full benefit of Easter Week, classes let out early on Wednesday afternoon.

For Good Friday, my classmates, Margaret Antunes and Rocky Levitas, and I, joined our Residence Assistant, Beth Doherty, for an independent trip to Assisi. We had heard about the famous Passion procession that took place there every year, and we were anxious to witness it for ourselves. Our expectations were soon realized, I have rarely seen anything so solemn before in my life.

The procession began around 9:00 that evening, and was led by men carrying crosses and crowned with thorns. A beautiful statue of Our Lady of Sorrows was taken out of one of the churches and carried during the procession, as well. As we walked down the hill of Assisi, all the city’s lights were put out; we could only see the flickering candles of the procession. I was struck by the silence of the crowd, broken only by recitation of the rosary and the divine praises. Margaret, Rocky, and I later agreed that the Assisi procession was one of the most amazing events we had experienced this semester.

The Easter Vigil Mass in St. Peter's was very long, but very beautiful. My classmates and I were delighted to celebrate the joy of Easter in the Eternal City. Although the sun had long set when we left the basilica, the bells of St. Peter's rang out that Christ had risen.

Once our Easter festivities were over, the Fuertes packed us off for our last school trip of the semester, a weekend in Florence. We spent our first day touring the Monastery of San Marco, which contains some amazing frescos by the patron of artists, Beato Fra Angelico. It is said that Fra Angelico openly wept as he painted the scenes which depict the suffering of Christ. The Rome students were also able to wander in the famous Uffizi Gallery, which contains enough inspiring art pieces to render a viewer speechless.

After having had our fill of artistic works, my classmates and I spent much time shopping in the markets, where we found the famous stationery and leather goods of Florence. Although the female Christendom students are frequently teased about being excessive shoppers, in Florence no such claim could be made, since the guys of our group were just as excited about bargains as the girls.

As we drove back to Rome, it struck me how soon this wonderful semester is coming to an end. I still cannot believe that we now have less than two weeks before we leave the Eternal City and return home.

Until then…

Lauren Kavanagh, Megan Walters, and Ania Zganiacz loved Florence's breathtaking Duomo (cathedral).


Una bella vista con gelato: Nothing beats a beautiful view with gelato.


Students marvel at the impressive bronze doors of the Duomo.

Student Organizations and Clubs

At Christendom College, students stay very busy year-round—inside and outside the classroom. There's a myriad of clubs and organizations that you can take advantage of, so your sure to find something that intersts you.

1) Student Ambassadors
These students are selected by the Admissions Office to represent the College to prospective students, College alumni, and donors, primarily by giving campus tours and hosting prospective students in their rooms.

2) The Christendom Players
Under the direction of Christendom College English Professor Dr. Patrick Keats, the Players put on a variety of plays and musicals – one in the fall and one in the spring. All students are invited to audition for the plays and others are encouraged to use their talents in helping with set design, make-up, costumes, and music.

3) Shield of Roses
Following 7:30am Mass on Saturday, students travel to Washington, DC, to pray in front of a Planned Parenthood abortion clinic. They normally return to the College in time for the mid-day meal. Once a semester, the Shield of Roses leaders organize a “Mega Shield” event where they try and encourage the entire student body to take part in the prayerful protest.

4) Legion of Mary
The Legion of Mary is a world-wide organization of the lay apostolate. Students in the Legion seek to take the light of faith they receive at Christendom to the wider world. They do so by accepting a routine of prayer and apostolic works— at least two hours a week— thus deepening their faith while bringing it to others. Works include door-to-door evangelization, comforting of the sick and dying in nursing homes, and visitation of inmates at a local prison.

5) Chester-Belloc Debate Society
The Debate Society exists to provide students with the opportunity to sharpen their intellectual wit and provide practice in extemporaneous speaking. The Debate Society meets numerous times throughout each semester and all members of the student body are invited to participate.

6) Schola Gregoriana
The Schola Gregoriana assists in the College community’s worship in the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass by chanting the traditional propers. This all-male group thus beautifies the weekly Sunday Mass, helping to elevate the hearts of the Faithful to interior participation in the Holy Sacrifice. The group also chants the propers for the high feasts celebrated during the school year as well as at the graduation Mass.

7) Choir
Men’s and women’s choir which sings for Sunday and feast day Masses on campus. The choir sings sacred polyphony by such noted masters as Palestrina, Victoria, and Josquin des Prez. Occasionally the group gives performances off campus.

8) The Rambler
The student journal dedicated to training the next generation of Catholic journalists and intellectuals to engage the world through the media. Rambler journalists gain invaluable experience reporting and writing about the news, arts and culture, and faith and reason from the perspective of their liberal arts education.

9) Holy Rood Guild
This group of women students cares for the vestments and altar linens used in the Chapel, and coordinates displays and decorations for religious celebrations.

10) The Film Club
The Film Club is a group of dedicated amateur filmmakers interested in producing films of high quality and good content while building up the Christendom community. The Film Club hosts a Film Fest at the end of every academic year. This event provides a forum for all student filmmakers to display their work.

11) Outreach
Outreach is a club for those interested in performing some of the corporal works of mercy. Students volunteer at the local crisis pregnancy center and Habitat for Humanity, participate in a Meals on Wheels program, and help out at the local parish’s soup kitchen. On Sundays, students go to an area nursing home to visit with the elderly and sometimes put on small concerts for their enjoyment.

12) Shogi Club
The Shogi Club is made up of students who are interested in meeting on a weekly basis and playing this Japanese chess game.

13) Students for Life
Students for Life is different from the Shield of Roses pro-life group in that it focuses on more activism, particularly, political activism with regards to the sanctity of human life issues. They meet twice a month throughout the school year and normally focus on doing one big project a semester, for example, a literature drop prior to an election.

14) Contra-Dance Club
Students meet on Thursday evenings to enjoy each others company contra-dancing. Contra-dance is a type of English country dance, where someone “calls” out the various dances.

15) Swing/Ballroom Dance Club
Students interested in improving their dance moves meet on Sunday nights to swing dance and to learn such dances as the foxtrot, the rumba, the waltz, and the tango. Students who are talented in these dances offer personalized instruction to those who are interested.

Even if you don't see something that really gets you excited, each year new clubs & organizations are formed by students with different interests. If you are interested in starting a new club, contact the Student Life Office: studentlife@christendom.edu.

Crusaders Place 2nd in East Coast Rugby Tournament

The following comes to us from Rugby coach (and History Professor) Brendan McGuire. Photos by Sophomore Richie Lancaster:

On April 10th and 11th, the Christendom Crusaders rugby team headed up to Pennsylvania to compete in the Philadelphia Collegiate Cup Tournament. Placed in a division with three other college teams, the Crusaders would play two matches on Saturday, which would determine seeding for the semifinal round Sunday morning. Only semifinal winners would advance; there would be no consolation final Sunday afternoon.

Knowing the serious challenge that awaited them, the Crusaders were further sobered by the news that they would be traveling to Philly short-handed—three of the team’s best players, including the starting fly-half (who “quarterbacks” the play of the back line) had to be left behind, either due to illness or other commitments. This meant that several players would have to play out-of-position, with inexperienced players filling in starting spots and getting unprecedented playing time.

The team responded to these challenging circumstances with courage and poise. The first match pitted Christendom against the Angry Young Newts club of Haverford College, from suburban Philadelphia. The patchwork Crusader side dominated from the first whistle to the last, with a physicality and speed that simply overwhelmed the Newts. Senior co-captain Dave Long, playing the fly-half position for the first time in his life, directed the back line with remarkable skill, assisted by the blazing speed of freshman Rob Hambleton. Freshman Tommy Salmon moved from his flanker position, and filled in admirably for absent scrum-half Paddy Norton, who was battling illness, while Senior co-captain Zach Miller and Junior Ben Ranieri set the tone for the forwards, playing with a savage ferocity that was too much for the young and talented side from Haverford. The match was played cleanly, and although the final score stood 34-0 for the Crusaders, both sides could hold their heads high.

Christendom was left with little time to rest or recuperate and had to face a very seasoned team, from rugby powerhouse Kutztown University, after only a 90-minute break. Two-hundred-and-sixty-pound Junior Bill Waller shocked referees and spectators alike by playing out-of-position as a wing (usually a position for small, agile players), showing a level of speed and passing finesse that, combined with his size, made him one of the most intimidating players on the field. In the first half, Waller drew gasps with a spectacular pass that led to a “try,” giving Christendom an early 10-7 lead. Nevertheless, the Crusaders eventually wore down and succumbed to Kutztown 26-15, with the all-important fly-half Dave Long being sent off the field for visible bleeding, after the referee had been lobbied by Kutztown’s coaching staff.

The 1-1 record on Saturday had earned the Crusaders the #2 seed in the next morning’s semifinal round, meaning that they would be slotted against a big, strong side from Susquehanna University. Paddy Norton, the starting scrum-half, shook off his flu and drove up to Philadelphia on Saturday night, giving the Crusaders a needed morale boost. The semifinal got underway at 8:30 AM, and it was quickly apparent that Christendom had a serious challenge on its hands, as the Crusaders withstood two strong drives by Susquehanna in the first 5 minutes. With both teams playing to avoid elimination, the tide gradually turned, as Christendom punched in two tries and a conversion within a 3-minute period. Having thus staked themselves a 12-point lead, the Crusaders placed a strangle-hold on the game, with fierce defense from Ben Ranieri, Zach Miller, Tommy Salmon, Karl Haislmaier, Nick Scrivener, and Thomas Daily. Fullback Hugh Bratt made several spectacular tackles to help goose-egg Susquehanna, while Bill Waller and outside-center Gabe Schuberg combined for a series of clever plays that baffled the opposition’s defense. The final score stood 24-0, and Christendom moved on to the final, where they would again face Kutztown University.

The final was to be held after a brief 2-hour break, once again leaving little time for the Crusader side to rest. Kutztown, on the other hand, was fresh—they had a bye through the semifinal round due to the departure of the Haverford squad. Moreover, Kutztown’s depth became apparent right away, as many of the players fielded for the tournament final were not the same men that Christendom had faced the day before. Within the first five minutes, however, Christendom shocked the spectators by seizing the advantage, keeping the ball deep in Kutztown’s territory with strong play from forwards Nick Kelly, Matt Cavanagh, Dominick Donahue, and the omnipresent Ben Ranieri. Dave Long, Rob Hambleton, and the backs played their hearts out as well, but could not score a try. Eventually, the difference in rest manifested itself, as Kutztown scored two quick tries before halftime. The second half was brutal for the Crusaders, who left everything on the field but had a very hard time slowing down the fresh legs of the Kutztown side, falling 27-0.

The second-place finish in the tournament, however, was an amazing achievement for Christendom College’s young rugby program. Two shutout wins against teams from larger schools highlighted the weekend in which Christendom’s rugby team truly came of age. Their record now stands at 3-2 for the season, and with one game left Christendom College can sew up its first ever winning rugby season. Congrats to the guys!


Thomas Daily wrestles through the defense.


Ben Raneri breaks through the opposition.




Q: What are your dorms like?

A: That’s a good question, and one that is important to know about because if you come to Christendom, you will be spending a lot of time in them. In general, our dorm rooms are pretty big and they have drywall walls, rather than cement walls as some colleges have.

First of all, we have separate residence halls for men and women, and inter-visitation is not allowed. We have three main dorms for the women: Blessed Margaret of Castello Hall, St. Edmund Campion Hall, and St. Catherine of Siena Hall. We also have three main residence halls for the men: St. Francis Hall, St. Benedict’s, and St. Joseph’s. Additionally, we have three houses which are located directly across the street from our main entrance to campus: St. Augustine’s (men), St. Pius’ (men), and St. Theresa’s (women). Students who need to be off the meal plan, or who have special needs, normally live in these houses. And finally, we have Cardinal Newman Apartments, which are located about a mile up the road from the campus, housing even more of our men.

Blessed Margaret’s, St. Fran’s, and St. Joe’s are similar in design. Blessed Margaret’s has 8 rooms in it, with two girls in each room. Each room also has its own bathroom, and has a desk, a dresser, a closet, and a bed for each student. St. Fran’s has 11 rooms and St. Joe’s has 9 rooms. Since men apparently need less space, there are three men in each of these rooms, with the same furnishings as Blessed Margaret’s.

St. Ben’s, St. Catherine’s, and Campion are similar in that the rooms do not have their own bathrooms, rather, they share bathrooms on each floor, or wing. And there are normally three men in each of the rooms in St. Ben’s, while, again, there are normally only two women per room in Catherine’s and Campion. Campion has three floors, with a total of 38 rooms; Catherine’s has three floors with a total of 36 rooms; and Ben’s has three floors with 24 rooms.

The houses across the street for the men hold 9 students each and St. Theresa’s houses 5 women, and of course, they have full kitchens in them, as well as all the normal furnishings. The Cardinal Newman Apartments are a little larger, with two rooms in each of them, a living room, and small kitchen, with a total of 12 men living in them.

Laundry machines are in most of the residences and every student gets a laundry card at the beginning of the semester which they then use anytime they want. Students may have small refrigerators, popcorn poppers, and plug-in hot pots for heating water. All coffee pots and irons must have automatic shut-off features. Microwaves are available in various common areas of the dorms for use by the students.

Here is a link to our campus map, which shows you the layout of campus and where the dorms are.

I hope this helps and if you want to see the dorms for yourself, I suggest that you schedule a visit in the near future.

Director of Admissions
tmcfadden@christendom.edu
800.877.5456 ext. 1290

If anyone has questions about applying, visiting, scholarships, financial aid, campus life, rules and regulations, majors, core curriculum, transfer credits, or even about the food here at Christendom, please do not hesitate to contact me at any time.