By Timothy Stoeber ’26
On Friday, November 22, 2024, over 30 members of the Chaminade student body gathered for an evening of prayer, pizza, and pickleball. The event was organized by the Marianist Life Team, a group of students dedicated to coordinating religious activities and events both on and off Chaminade’s campus.
The night began with a round-robin pickleball tournament in the small gymnasium. Students teamed up with friends to engage in friendly competition against other duos in a single-elimination format. The Marianist Life Team provided all the necessary pickleball equipment. Even Fr. Peter Heiskell, S.M. ’86, joined in on the fun. The tournament was a tremendous success, bringing the Flyers together to enjoy the fastest-growing sport in America.
Following the tournament, students gathered in the newly renovated cafeteria for a pizza dinner provided by Lessing’s. The meal offered a chance for students to relax, converse, and enjoy one another’s company.
After dinner, the Flyer family made their way to the Retreat and Conference Center of the Immaculate Conception, formerly known as the Seminary of the Immaculate Conception. There, Chaminade students and faculty members Bro. Stephen Balletta, S.M. ’74, and Mr. Brian Gallery ’18 participated in the Holy Hour “Totus Tuus,” an event designed for young Catholics from Long Island. Students from several Catholic schools, including Kellenberg Memorial, St. Anthony’s, St. John the Baptist, St. Dominic’s High School, and St. Dominic’s Middle School, were also in attendance.
Fr. John Crozier, the Diocesan Vocation Director for the Diocese of Rockville Centre, delivered a homily about Blessed Miguel Pro, a Mexican Jesuit priest martyred during the Mexican Revolution. Fr. Crozier encouraged everyone to dedicate their lives to God with the phrase “totus tuus”—meaning “all yours.” During the Holy Hour, students and staff had the opportunity for silent prayer and reconciliation, allowing for deep reflection and spiritual preparation ahead of the Advent and Christmas seasons. Each student received a candle, which was lit during the final moments of the Holy Hour, symbolizing unity as children of God under Jesus Christ, Our Savior.
To conclude the evening, the Chaminade Flyers faced off against the Friars of St. Anthony’s in a spirited dodgeball tournament. The Flyers emerged victorious with a 2-0 record, capping off the night on a high note. “I didn’t originally think that prayer and pickleball would go well together, but they made for an awesome night, and I’m grateful I was able to attend,” said Jack Reisert ’26.
Ultimately, this special evening allowed students to grow in their faith while enjoying fellowship through pickleball and dodgeball. The Chaminade community extends its gratitude to the Marianist Life Team, Bro. Stephen Balletta, S.M. ’74, and Mr. Brian Gallery ’18 for making the event possible. We look forward to many more gatherings like this in the future!
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