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One chapel in each residence hall at Notre Dame. Thirty three residence halls total. In any given week, over 100 masses are held in hall chapels across campus. While the abundance of service options are no secret, what may be lesser known is the post-Mass refreshments that are offered. Apart from being a much needed sweet treat after a busy week of work, it is also an opportunity to connect with friends and fellow residents. With this in mind, let’s pull back the curtain and explore a few of these dorm Mass food traditions.

On Sundays, Howard holds Ice Cream Mass and Lewis features Sunday Sundaes, both at 8:30 p.m. While Lewis Masses are held by their priest-in-residence Rev. Aaron Michka, C.S.C., Howard is one of the few dorms that doesn’t have a priest-in-residence. Thus, a different priest celebrates every week — from Rev. Brian Ching, C.S.C, to Rev. Gregory Haake, C.S.C. Lewis and Howard offer a variety of ice cream flavors, a popular treat among residents in both halls. Senior Nikki McNamara continues to enjoy this Sunday night treat, though she no longer lives in Lewis.

“Even though I’m off-campus now, I love going back to my home behind the dome on Sundays. It’s great seeing familiar faces around and getting the chance to catch up with everyone after Mass over sundaes.”

On Mondays, Welsh Fam Cinnawhirl Mass at 9 p.m. is the star of the show. Welsh Fam sophomore Candice Estrada enjoys the Mass as a chance to reflect on the past week, meditate on her goals and set her intentions for the upcoming week. Admittedly, the cinnamon rolls afterward are an added bonus for both her and her roommate, whom she always brings an extra roll to.

On Wednesdays, a slew of options are presented, including Badin Brownies Mass, Baumer Banana Bread Mass and Ryan Waffle Mass at 9 p.m., and at 10 p.m. Fisher hosts Homemade Ice Cream Mass and Keenan hosts Smoothie Mass.

Thursday nights include both Dillon Milkshake Mass and Sorin College Massn’ Cheese at 10 p.m., though Dillon draws a larger crowd — Milkshake Mass is known to be a high energy environment, featuring its own choir with unique instruments like the cajón. Behind the scenes, several Dillon Hall residents make the milkshakes in preparation of the crowd that streams from the chapel after the conclusion of the service. This includes sophomore Mason McCart, who has been involved since his freshman year and estimates around 150 milkshakes are distributed each week.

“This was the way I found to be more impactful within Dillon Hall, and seeing the smile on the attendees’ faces when being greeted and receiving their milkshakes is something I’ll cherish beyond my time at Notre Dame,” Mason said.

He also believes that those who come to Milkshake Mass are a special kind of people, who “instead of being anywhere else, they [choose] to be there surrounded by their community doing something they believe to be meaningful.” Unsurprisingly, the community is his favorite part about Milkshake Mass. Nearly 30 years since the first milkshake was poured, fellowship continues to be fostered with post-Mass treats across campus.