Tarmac Online

By Daniel Graziose ’27

First established in 2024 as the Father-Son Evening of Recollection, the event quickly became a meaningful opportunity for faith and fellowship within the Chaminade community. Although it did not take place in 2025, its return in 2026 made this year’s evening especially anticipated and significant. Held in conjunction with the month’s CROSS Night, the revival reflected a renewed sense of purpose—one that, as Campus Ministry leadership emphasized, is rooted in helping students encounter Christ within a strong, faith-filled community and then carry that experience into their families.

On Thursday, March 19, the Activity-Athletic Center (AAC) was transformed into a space of fraternity and faith. Sponsored by Campus Ministry and supported by the Marianist LIFE Team, the evening brought together CROSS students and their fathers—or significant male figures—for a program centered on prayer, shared reflection, and the strengthening of the paternal bond. The event reflects a broader mission described by Campus Ministry leaders as creating “opportunities to deepen their relationship with Jesus Christ,” not only individually but also in shared community settings.

Preparation began in advance, as members of Campus Ministry and the Marianist LIFE Team carefully arranged the AAC Mezzanine and Hearst Auditorium to reflect a spirit of hospitality. This intentional effort aligns with the broader goal of creating environments where families can feel welcomed into a shared spiritual experience from the moment they arrive.

The evening began with fellowship over dinner in the AAC Mezzanine. Following a prayer of grace led by the Marianist LIFE Team, attendees shared a meal of penne alla vodka with meatballs. In keeping with the spirit of CROSS Nights, the gathering balanced community and prayer, allowing relationships to form naturally before transitioning into deeper reflection. The focus then shifted to Hearst Auditorium for a Holy Hour of Adoration led by Chaminade’s chaplain, Fr. Peter Heiskell, S.M. ’86.

At the heart of the event was a Gospel proclamation and reflection from Mr. Alex Basile ’81, the chair of the religion department at Kellenberg Memorial. Drawing from his experience in Catholic education, Mr. Basile emphasized the importance of faith within the home and the unique dynamics of father-son relationships. He acknowledged that misunderstandings can sometimes arise between generations, but stressed the need for patience and mutual respect, stating that “it is important that we have patience with each other.”

His message also challenged attendees to actively live their faith rather than postpone it. Referencing C.S. Lewis, he warned against spiritual complacency and the tendency to delay commitment, reminding participants that distractions can easily pull individuals away from focusing on God. In this way, his reflection aligned with the broader purpose of CROSS Nights, which, as Campus Ministry leadership has noted, aim to help students consistently encounter and respond to their faith.

Mr. Basile also shared personal insights about the influence of mentorship in his life, particularly from a Marianist priest, Fr. Ernest Lorfanfant, S.M., who was a Chaminade educator. He described how that relationship helped shape both his vocation and his lifelong passion for music, ultimately demonstrating how one person’s guidance can have a lasting impact on another’s path.

In addition, he spoke about the importance of emotional openness, especially among men, encouraging fathers and sons to express care, support, and affirmation more freely. This emphasis on relational authenticity reflects a broader theme echoed throughout the evening: that faith is not only practiced individually, but lived out through relationships.

The importance of shared experience was evident in student reflections. John Durham ’26 shared that the evening allowed him to connect his school-based faith life with his family, describing it as meaningful to share an experience that has shaped him with his father. This connection between school, family, and faith reflects what Campus Ministry leaders describe as the expansion of spiritual life “beyond the student body and into the family.”

This idea was further echoed by John Thomas ’27, who noted that the evening strengthened his understanding of his relationship with his father, emphasizing that such bonds require unity and perseverance.

Throughout the Holy Hour, periods of silence were interspersed with music, allowing participants to engage in both personal reflection and communal prayer. The service concluded with Benediction and the Divine Praises, after which families gathered in the lobby for refreshments and received a copy of Mr. Basile’s book, The Beach Teacher: Scriptural Lessons from the Shore, to continue their reflection at home.

Reflecting on the broader purpose behind events like this, Mr. Brian Gallery ’18, Co-Moderator of the Marianist LIFE Team, emphasized that CROSS Nights and Evenings of Recollection are designed to foster encounters with Christ within a strong community. He explained that student participation in these gatherings has inspired Campus Ministry to extend this spirit of faith into family life, creating opportunities for shared spiritual growth.

He also highlighted a deeper spiritual connection often reflected within Campus Ministry: the relationship between fathers and children as a reflection of God the Father’s love for His people. This perspective helped shape the creation of the Father-Son CROSS Night, which provides a dedicated space for fathers and sons to pray together and grow in faith. As he described, the goal is for them to “grow in faith” and “bear witness side by side,” strengthening not only their relationship with one another but also their relationship with Christ at the center.

The Father-Son Evening of Recollection, held in conjunction with CROSS Night, ultimately stood as a powerful expression of Chaminade’s commitment to faith, family, and fraternity. Its celebration of the Solemnity of St. Joseph added an additional layer of spiritual significance.

“The biggest takeaway I have from the Father-Son Evening of Recollection was being able to experience the Eucharist on the Solemnity of St. Joseph, the father of Christ,” said Thomas Rubenacker ’27. “It was incredible to be with my earthly father and my heavenly Father, just as Jesus was before me.”

Given the success of this year’s gathering and the depth of its impact, the Father-Son Evening of Recollection continues to emerge as a meaningful tradition—one that not only strengthens bonds between fathers and sons, but also reinforces a shared journey of faith centered on Christ.