Celebrations, Decorations, Collections (12/08/2015)
Highlanders,
Happy Year of Mercy! Pope Francis opened the Holy Door at St. Peter's Basilica this morning, marking the beginning of the Jubilee of Mercy: "The Holy Door will become a Door of Mercy through which anyone who enters will experience the love of God who consoles, pardons, and instills hope." While we are at the mercy of our professors and finals in the coming week, know that there is hope! "Hope is a good thing, maybe the best of things, and no good thing ever dies." (Shawshank Redemption.) My hope for you is as it has always been: to be successful! Read on to see how to can be successful during this Advent season:
Holy Day of Obligation and Donut Mass
All are welcome and encouraged to celebrate Mass for the Feast of the Immaculate Conception--it refers to the condition that the Blessed Virgin Mary (Our Lady, Notre Dame) was free from original sin from the very moment of her conception in the womb of her mother, Saint Anne. Mass will be celebrated at 9pm in the Chapel. Tonight is also Donut Mass and Fr. Mark's first time back to Duncan Hall since his father's passing. Community. Brotherhood. Respect.
Christmas Decorations
The Notre Dame Cheerleaders will be judging our section decorations on Thursday starting around 7:30pm. Get excited and creative. Winning section gets a free pizza party during one of the reading days. Good pizzas too! All decorations must be down before Christmas break.
Man Hour Holiday Celebration
Rector is hosting Man Hour's White Elephant Gifts Exchange in his apartment on Thursday at 10pm. "Generally, white elephant parties need a minimum of six participants. With a larger group, game play may be more protracted. White elephant parties have been known to result in playful rivalries between players trying to get sought-after items." Please keep gifts to less than $10. There will be cookies, milk, and light finger foods. Duncan 24Hr Lounge is reserved for Iron Sharpens Iron for their Christmas party on Thursday from 10pm-midnight.
Green Blazers Thursday
To celebrate the last day of classes, the Green Blazer Commissioners declare this Thursday a Duncan Green Blazer Day! Green goes well with Christmas colors and weather is in the mid 50s on Thursday.
Reading Days and Finals
Throughout Reading Days and Final Exams, the following regulations will be in effect in all residence hall:
- Midnight Parietals
- No social gatherings
- No formal programming
- Extended 23-hour quiet hours with one designated "loud hour" as a hall-wide /section study break
The atmosphere in the halls on these days should one EXCLUSIVELY OF STUDY AND REST. No activity, at any time, should interfere with this atmosphere. Everyone has the right to sleep and study.
Monday Loud Hour and Study Break
On Monday, our Health and Wellness Commissioner, Cam Nolan, will host a smoothie night in the 24 at 9pm. Free smoothies to help you in all your studying needs.
Everything Christmas Break
Duncan Hall closes on Saturday December 19th, please plan on checking out by 12pm. There is a $50 late check out after 2pm.
You will receive the attached check out list under your door later this week.
Residence Halls officially open at 9am on Sunday, January 10, 2016. NO residents are permitted to arrive before that time.
No one will be in the dorm over break, so remember your medications and passports if you are traveling. No one will be here to retrieve them for you if you forget.
The housekeepers will clean all mirrors and sinks, as well as private bathrooms over break.
Annual Christmas Collection for our Housekeepers
Bridget and Emina have been very good to us. It's time to show them our appreciation. There's a collection box in the lobby or give your donations to your RAs. Thanks men!
Food Collection
Starting Friday, there will be large boxes outside each of the trash rooms to collect nonperishable foods for the Catholic Worker, Food Bank, and Center for the Homeless. We want to reduce food waste in the dorm.
That's all boys. Good luck with the last week of the semester and know of my prayers for all of you. My doors are always open so feel free to drop in anytime.
Peace be with you always!
Nhat Nguyen