Your Sunday picture...

Rainbow: A sign from God that He's got it

... from Notre Dame. On the day before classes start, what better sign from God that every little thing is going to be okay than a rainbow?! Early in the morning, a brief shower passed through campus, but before it did, this enormous rainbow appeared. Odd as they usually appear AFTER a storm... but hey, we'll take it. Enjoy, and enjoy Sunday wherever you may be!

Behold the rainbow! Then bless its Maker,

for majestic indeed is its splendor;

It spans the heavens with its glory,

the hand of God has stretched it out in power.

From the Book of Sirach

To hear this week's special installment of In the Red Room, on:

iTunes, click HERE.

Spotify, click HERE.

Move in...

The Welcome Week Crew 2026...

... day was perfect! First, the weather couldn't have been more agreeable…  even better than last year. In the high seventies and no humidity,  it had to be one of the better weather days for move in for the last twenty years. No lie! Next, the Hall's Welcome Week Committee, under the direction of juniors Pat Fischer and Henry Mackie, assisted further by sophomores Evan Greer, Evan von Rotz, and Darryl Brocken, was organized and sprung into action like a well oiled machine, making unloading times much shorter than your wait for an oil change. Matter of fact, move in was complete BEFORE Noon. Suffice it to say, it was efficient, but it was draining so that when there was a lull in the action, a much needed break was had. Still, there was time for some high jinx too. With no one being injured nor any items being lost, Move In Day 2026 was declared a success. On being the first to arrive on Move In Day, Ben Schechter, Steds freshman and resident Massachusettan, said, "The early bird gets the worm!"

To hear this week's special installment of In the Red Room, on:

iTunes, click HERE.

Spotify, click HERE.

... with Ben arriving first...

... and the crew was ready...

... but a break was need after a while...

... there was constant preparedness...

... but still time to squeeze in a podcast mini...

... as well as a smile...

... and it was all fun until...

... someone got hurt, well, almost...

... and in the end, even the President was impressed with our boys. 

It's official...

Kelly and Thomas Larson with Fr. Ralph...

... they're married! With Fr. Ralph witnessing and with family, friends, and fellow Stedsmen present, Madison Kelly and Thomas Larson ’24, Stedsman and critically acclaimed cinematographer, were married at Our Lady of the Rosary in San Diego in April. It was beautiful and sunny, San Diegoan day, and it was only made more so by this couple. The bride made an entrance like none other, and the groom wore the biggest smile. After their beautiful and moving Wedding Mass, the celebrating of the couple was on!  And celebrate we did!

But there's more...

Our newly married couple honeymooned in Europe and had the chance to attend the Sposi Novelli (newlyweds), where they had the chance to meet Pope Leo XIV! On marrying and meeting the Pope, Thomas shared, "Standing at the steps of St. Peter’s Basilica with all of those young Catholic couples who chose to take that extra step and get married in the Church was truly inspiring. Marriage can feel like a very daunting, and sometimes scary, endeavor. But being at the Sposi Novelli reminded me that we aren’t stepping into it alone. Seeing so many young couples committed to their faith, to each other, and to the sacrament of marriage showed me that the Church is truly alive and well, and in great hands for the next generation. Also, getting to shake hands with the Pope was as amazing as it sounds!”

Best wishes and congratulations to Kelly and Thomas!

To hear this week's special installment of In the Red Room, on:

iTunes, click HERE.

Spotify, click HERE.

... and then with the big boss, Leo XIV, at the Vatican...

... showing respect to the unbroken succession of St. Peter...

... and so did Kelly...

... and all newlyweds!

They got...

Mr.& Mrs. Johnson with Fr. Ralph...

... married! With Fr. Ralph witnessing, family and friends present, and the Steds family in attendance, Maggie Moshier '18 and Edward "Eddie" Johnson IV '18 of Steds were married at the Chapel of St. Lucy at Villa Walsh in Morristown, New Jersey. It was a true summer day, warm and humid, with showers always threatening, but nothing could put a damper on this special day nor the radiance of this bride and the beaming pride of the groom. Indeed, there were smiles all around but none bigger than that of the groom. On Maggie joining the Steds Family, fellow Stedsman, Best Man, and brother of the groom, Ryan Johnson' 24, shared, "This weekend was a fantastic demonstration of the love and joy of the Notre Dame and St. Ed's families. Many former Steds-men make the trip to New Jersey to celebrate one of their own and welcome Maggie into the family. Congratulations Maggie and Eddie!"

Best wishes and congratulations to 

Maggie and Eddie Johnson!

To hear this week's special installment of In the Red Room, on:

iTunes, click HERE.

Spotify, click HERE.

... and then the feting of the new couple began...

... and then it was time for toasts...

... and lil bro and best man hit it out the park...

... and proud Dad, Ed, was all smiles...

... and then there was dancing...

... while others took a break!

Saturday squirrel.

Aix sponsa 

With our furry friends still on hiatus, another campus neighbor can take center stage. In the lakes at Notre Dame, many fowl can be found, and by far, the most numerous are the ducks. Spotted in St. Mary's Lake, this wood duck was seen enjoying its catch. On enjoying breakfast, this wood duck non-verbaled, "It's a little fishy for my tastes."

To hear this week's special installment of In the Red Room, on:

iTunes, click HERE.

Spotify, click HERE.

Another special...

First treat...

... treat. Yes, another special treat was enjoyed by Fr. Ralph. Actually, not one but TWO special treats! On returning to campus, Fr. Ralph flew over one of the natural wonders of America, the Grand Canyon, and then another, the Great Salt Lake. And if you look closely enough, one can actually see the white rapids of the Colorado River! On enjoying these natural treats from thirty-eight thousand feet, Fr. Ralph said, "You always hear from others, but finally, I got to experience for myself! I can now stop flying!"

To hear this week's special installment of In the Red Room, on:

iTunes, click HERE.

Spotify, click HERE.

... and then another treat!

They got...

Robert and Brigid Cline with Fr. Ralph...

... married! With Fr. Ralph witnessing and with family, friends, and the Steds family present, Brigid Burns '23 of Farley Hall and Robert Cline '23 of Steds were married at Our Lady of Lourdes Church in Denver, Colorado. It was a beautiful and a very warm day, with bright, bright sunshine, but nothing, not even heat nor the effects of high altitude could put a damper on the radiance of this bride and the beaming pride of the groom. On Brigid, joining the Steds family, groomsman and Stedsman, Michael Mitchell '23, said, "I have never seen anyone with as large a smile as the smiles that were on Robert and Brigid’s face during the wedding ceremony” while Kyle Bass '23, fellow Stedsman and Man of Honor, shared, "Was it the altitude taking my breath away, or this beautiful wedding? It was an absolute joy to see Robert and Brigid finally tie the knot, and we could not have asked for a better addition to the extended St. Edward’s Hall family.” 

Best wishes and congratulations to Mr. & Mrs. Cline!

To hear this week's special installment of In the Red Room, on:

iTunes, click HERE.

Spotify, click HERE.

... Stedsmen gathered for pre-reception drinks...

... but were better later with the groom!