Fisher Hall offers Holy Mass, ice cream, and camaraderie

Every Wednesday night, candlelight fills the chapel of Zahm Hall as the men of Fisher gather for the 10 p.m. signature Ice Cream Mass. Presided by Father Greg Haake, C.S.C., the Mass is preceded by Eucharistic Adoration and Confession and now draws an attendance of nearly 40 people each week. At the conclusion of Mass, attendees move downstairs for a social hour including homemade ice cream and fellowship. 

The ice cream tradition started when priests-in-residence Fr. Haake and Father Brendan McAleer, C.S.C discovered the talent of a hall staff member in making ice cream and decided to combine his talent with a midweek opportunity for prayer and community. Ice cream Mass became a regular event during the 2022–2023 school year, and has since become a staple within Fisher culture. 

Ice cream flavors rotate weekly according to the discretion and creative license of their creator. Flavors range from classics such as cookies and creme, to more eccentric varieties, such as Ritz Cracker, a buttery treat with undertones of salt. Past student favorites have included butter pecan, and Batter Batter Batter, which is cake batter ice cream with pieces of cookie dough and brownie bites. 

Harry Penne, a freshman in Fisher Hall, told the Rover that he “knew from week one” that this signature Fisher event was a must-attend. “Ice Cream Mass truly fosters faith and fellowship,” Penne said, noting that his strengthened rapport with the men of Fisher is a direct result of the ice cream social. 

Fr. Haake told the Rover about the effect of Ice Cream Mass on Fisher community, saying, “I look forward to this Mass every week, and it’s not just my anticipation to find out what flavor has [been] made. The enthusiasm of the students for an encounter with Christ and community is always edifying.” 

Ice Cream Mass has also garnered a loyal following from students outside of Fisher. Caoilinn Flinn, a freshman from Badin Hall, has not missed one Ice Cream Mass—or flavor reveal—since the beginning of her time at Notre Dame. “There is something profound in knowing that we believe in the same God and like the same ice cream,” she shares. “Everyone comes with good intentions.”

After attending one Ice Cream Mass upon invitation from a friend in Fisher, Carroll Hall freshman Max McNiff became a weekly participant. He is particularly moved by the “peaceful and reverant atmosphere for congregants,” as well as the unique camaraderie established over bowls of fresh ice cream. 

The Fisher community welcomes you to join them for Ice Cream Mass in Zahm Hall Wednesdays at 10 p.m. 

Madeline Page is a freshman studying biology. She has an unusual fondness for insects, and fancies that she is making a difference in the world by rescuing them from unfortunate circumstances. If you know of an insect in need, she can be reached at mpage4@nd.edu

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