OBy Sean Maleady ’17

One minute and 29 seconds remained on the clock as dodgeballs soared through the air. One freshman stood alone and refused to cave under the bombardment.  One at a time, the lone ranger took out his opponents and forced overtime, ultimately taking the match as his fellow homeroom members celebrated ballistically.  As one battle does not win a war, the homeroom moved on to the next event of the first part of Restless, a Freshman Evening of Recollection.  

The sounds of whistles, battle cries, and victory rang down Jericho Turnpike as twelve Chaminade homerooms waged a fierce war on each other in the spirit of winning the coveted Restless: Freshmen Evening of Recollection Trophy.

Over 300 ecstatic freshmen exhibited their relentless spirit and restless faith on Tuesday, January 19, during the Restless Freshman Evening of Recollection.  This inaugural freshmen event began at 4:00 in Darby Auditorium, where the plan for the evening was announced. The evening of recollection started with six competitive events: speedball, dodgeball, an obstacle course, Bible scavenger hunt, trivia, and “Heads-Up” charades.  Dinner followed the competition, and the evening concluded with a Holy Hour.  After the explanation of the night’s agenda concluded, students anxiously fled out of the auditorium and raced to their respective field events.

In the gym, freshmen launched dodgeballs, picking them up and pelting the enemy.  Balls flew at blazing speeds, bombarding the back of the nets.  Laughter rang out during “Heads-Up” charades, and endless guesses were yelled at moderators during trivia.  The tireless freshmen, striving to win the competition, also competed in an obstacle course.  They even flexed their spiritual muscles in the biblical scavenger hunt.

By 6:00, field events concluded, and dinner was ready to be served. The smell of delicious chicken heroes lured hungry freshman to the buffet of soda, chips, and endless chicken heroes waiting to be devoured.  After saying grace, the freshmen ate their meals, leaving their stomachs filled but hearts yearning for spiritual nourishment.

The Flyers then flocked to the Hearst Auditorium for the Holy Hour, where performing artist Anthony Muse led the group in song.  Father Garrett Long, SM ’62 first led the Holy Hour in prayer.  

Brother Daniel Griffin, S.M. then offered a reflection on the theme of the night, restlessness.  By definition, restlessness means being unable to rest or relax as a result of anxiety or boredom, and transition from middle school to Chaminade can bring about this feeling.  

Bro. Dan discussed strategy and ways to combat restlessness.  He emphasized that if one follows God’s plan, he will grow closer to God and no longer be restless.  Following Bro. Dan’s speech, Fr. Garrett exposed the Eucharist for Adoration.  With the Eucharist exposed, the freshman class worshipped the Lord and sang along with Anthony Muse.

“Restless was a great way to interact with others and have fun, but most importantly to strengthen our relationships with God through adoration,” said James Butler of Homeroom 1B. Following Adoration, the Evening of Recollection concluded.

“Not only was the turnout for the event amazing, but the participation was outstanding. Freshman competed in field events with heart and participated in the Holy Hour with vigor,” noted Mr. Michael Foley ’99.

The night was over, but students were still anxious to see which homeroom won the competitive event. By Wednesday afternoon, Homeroom 1A was heralded as the champion of the Restless Evening of Recollection.

Congratulations to Homeroom 1A and all the freshmen who participated in Restless!