More than 250 freshman students and family members gathered recently to celebrate Notre Dame's sixth Freshman Family Liturgy, presided over by Father Victor Trinidad, this week. The liturgy, an extension of classrooms activities revolving around Catholic faith and liturgy, is a teaching mass and included commentary from peer ministry leaders. Father Trinidad, who is with the Cathedral Basilica of St. Joseph, shared with families that he first visited Notre Dame as a Bellarmine student attending a mixer. This was his first time back as a priest.

"I think this is a moment where we are forming students and families together," said Kathleen Quiazon, Notre Dame's director of mission and ministry. "Since parents accompany and support their daughters' spiritual growth in partnership with the school, this is an opportunity to provide the space for that shared learning and prayer. And, in our formation efforts for both students and adults, we are aiming to provide for the religious growth for families of all faith traditions."

There was something to learn for everyone, even life-long Catholics, in this moving and special celebration.