Beyond the Books - November 2025
November 12, 2025
At Cretin-Derham Hall, students have important opportunities to grow, learn and thrive both in the classroom and 'beyond the books!' In fact, 98% of students participate in one or more sports or activities.
Beyond the Books is our brag book on all of your favorite co-curriculars at CDH: athletics, activities, JROTC, Campus Ministry, and the Arts. This can also be a place for occasional school-wide athletic department updates and current news on some of our activities.
ATHLETICS | ACTIVITIES | BAND | CAMPUS MINISTRY | JROTC | THEATER
Athletics
Read all about our successful fall sports season!
Activities
Intramural Basketball
By Tommy Murray, Moderator
Sign Up for CDH Intramural Basketball!
Encourage your student to join the CDH Intramural Basketball League (IBL)! It’s a 4-on-4 league open to all CDH students, regardless of experience or skill level.
When: Sundays, noon-2pm , starting December 14
Where: Joe Mauer Fieldhouse
Cost: $20 per player (Cost should not prohibit anyone from playing )
Deadline: Tuesday, December 2, 2025
How to Register:
Families/Parents: Please sign up your student through the Final Forms program.( no players can compete until their registration is current )
Players/Students: See Mr. Murray for team sign-up forms. Students must register their teams by submitting the form to Mr. Murray.
Band
By Teddy Williams, Band Director
The band will be preparing for their Christmas Concert that will be shared with the CDH Choir! Come hear some festive music and support these wonderful young musicians!
When: Wednesday, December 17, 7pm
Where: Lillian Theater
Additionally, be on the lookout for the pep band at boys/girls basketball and hockey this winter! The band is looking forward to cheering on these teams and bringing some school spirit.
JROTC
By SGM David Berrisford '81, COL Scrocca, and SFC Thingvold
Congratulations, to cadets Cayden Runyon ’29, Ben Bejardi ’27, Ike Crouser ’27, and Jack Van Gemert ’27 who were named CDH Raider Brigade October 2025 Cadets of the Month for each of their respective Battalions. The cadets stood out amongst their peers and recognized for excellence, superb leadership and service during Leadership Labs and other events in October. Congratulations to these outstanding cadets!
The Air Rifle, Archery, Regulation Drill, Orienteering, and Knowledge Bowl, Cyber Security, and Robotics Teams have been hard at it for the past few months, practicing and competing in various local competitions.
No one has been busier than our Color Guard team though, who was invited to perform their second Minnesota's Vikings POW/MIA guard for the Vikings vs Ravens football game on November 9th. As part of the National Football League's "Salute to Service" campaign, our cadets helped provide an honor guard for the one permanently unfilled POW/MIA seat at US Bank Stadium. The seat is set in front of the seals of the five branches of the United States Military, covered in black, decorated with the POW/MIA logo and guarded by military representatives throughout the game. Our cadets had the honor of taking part in this and also performed the Color Guard ceremony for the Vikings vs Bengals game on September 21!
As we move into the 2nd Trimester, the Brigade will begin to prepare for its annual Service Learning Project to be conducted on 16 December. As part of the program, in teams of about five cadets each, the entire Corps of Cadets will go to three local elementary schools to teach Kindergarten through 5th Grade students for the day. During the preparation for and execution of the event, cadets have the opportunity to put much of what they learn in class and leadership lab into action as they plan and organize for the project; develop lesson plans; serve as group leaders, managers, supervisors and followers; conduct rehearsals; and have the opportunity to stand up and speak in front of others. Most of all though, they serve as role models and inspirations for other young people in our city as they demonstrated CDH and Army Values at work. The cadets are super excited for this annual event and we can’t wait to see them in action!
Theater
By Cullen Wiley '16, Theater Director
Cretin-Derham Hall Theater presents Charlie & The Chocolate Factory this December 5-14! Based on the book by Roald Dahl. Who wouldn’t want to join Charlie Bucket in his adventurous tour of Willy Wonka’s world-famous Chocolate Factory? Now is your chance! You will see the greedy Augustus Gloop, the boastful Violet Beauregarde, the spoiled Veruca Salt, and the wrath of Mike TeaVee, and the magical Willy Wonka himself! They will all discover the true meaning of teamwork, self-confidence and self-esteem.
Starring CDH Teachers!
- Mr. Mark McGuire as Grandpa Joe
- Dr. Claire Bischoff as Grandma Josephine
- Mr. Joe Kruse as Grandpa George
- Ms. Christina DeVos as Grandma Georgina
Show dates:
- December 5 @ 7pm
- December 6 @ 2pm
- December 6 @ 5pm
- December 7 @ 2pm
- December 12 @ 7pm
- December 13 @ 7pm
- December 14 @ 2pm
Campus Ministry
By Peter Gleich, Campus Minister & Religion Teacher
Empty Bowls
23 years ago, two 9th grade students had a vision to provide long term help for those facing food insecurity, hunger and starvation. To be fed for a day is good, but to feed oneself, family and community for a lifetime is the goal. 23 years later, this work continues through our CDH Empty Bowls support of Heifer International.
The past year has, as never before, highlighted the critical work of Heifer International and many other programs that seek to empower our Dear Neighbor to be self-sustaining by providing the needed resources of livestock, seed, microloans, water wells, education and much more.
After 23 years of Empty Bowls and Heifer International, and over 3,000 gallons of soup, 30,000 buns, and 20,000 ceramic bowls, some might think that our CDH community’s commitment to this life saving and life changing work may have waned. But no, in fact, quite the contrary!
CDH students and staff looking ahead and already planning for this year’s Empty Bowls on February 4, 2026! We want to thank all of our many, many past soup, bread, silent auction, and ceramic bowl donors. We pray for each of you, many of whom have faced great challenges this past year. Our 23 years of Empty Bowls could never have happened without your generous support!!!
And a special word of thanks to our Empty Bowls Leadership Team: Nico Cortez-Orme '26, Mary Jensen '26, Ellen Kovats '26, Olivia Laughlin '26, Alexa Wahlberg '26, Carolynn Ek '27, Lauren Fairbairn '27, Greta Johnson '27, Ellie McQuillan '27, Meghan Muckala '27, Anna Snustad '27, Mateo Chevrier '28, Jameson Downs '28, Madison Gehrman '28, Muggs McMahon '28, Elise Nobrega '28, Audrey Seymore '28, Marco Silva '28.
If you wish to become a “Team Empty Bowls” partner, and join us supporting the work of Heifer International, any donation, large or small would be greatly appreciated. Donations can be sent to CDH/Empty Bowls c/o Peter Gleich. Questions….please contact Peter Gleich at PGleich@c-dh.org.
Wilder Foundation “Leap Forward for Children”
CDH students and staff continue to partner with Wilder Foundation and their multifaceted work to serve some of the most vulnerable in the Twin Cities and beyond. For over 25 years, CDH has had volunteers at the Wilder Foundation Child Development Center working with the CDC staff with their learning plan for their children. Our fall volunteers have included: Charlotte Bauer '26, Cece Christenson '27, Claire Crayne '29, Lorelie Kessel '29, Lizzy Kronschnabel '29, Max Mattaini '28, Evelyen McKiel '27, Amya Mercado '29, Samantha Mollner '29, Maya Regnier '27, Dagna Smestad '27, Mr. Peter Gleich, Jennifer Cooper '29, Liam Doyle '28, Lorelei Kessel '29, Dang Hong Nguyen '26, Claire Olson Crayne '29, Adriella Ramsay '27, Louisa Riemenschneider '29, and Mr. Tim Teuber.
Students from each class, especially 9th graders, are encouraged to be part of our monthly day of service working with the 18 month “Toddle Bears” to the 5 year old “Dolphins”. Please watch for invitations from Mr. Gleich in your CDH email Our next “Leap Forward for Children” is scheduled for Monday. December 15.
9th Grade Retreat
The CDH class of 2029 celebrated their Class Retreat on Oct. 8 at St. Thomas Moore Church. The theme of Respect was explored through song, stories, activities and prayer. CDH seniors and juniors who are Link Crew leaders guided the 9th graders on a day in which they were asked to explore the many ways they can build up our CDH family through actions that treat one another as sacred and deserving of love and respect. The day ended with many students standing before their peers and naming specific actions they were committed to take that will build up their class. A special thank you to the St. Thomas Moore church community for allowing the retreat to be held at the Church, and the staff or Youth Frontiers for leading the day.
Joseph of Arimathea Service Ministry
CDH is blessed to have a new service group called the Joseph of Arimathea Society. This new ministry will follow the example of St. Joseph of Arimathea who, following Jesus’ crucifixion and death, had the courage to ask Pontius Pilate for the body of Jesus seeking to ensure that he would have a dignified burial. Under the guidance and training of staff from Resurrection Cemetery in Mendota Heights, students serve as pallbearers for those who have few or none to stand with those who have died. This act of
the corporal work of mercy to "Bury the Dead" will guide students in learning the importance of respecting all human life, especially at the time of death.
Over 20 student students have expressed an interest in becoming members of this new service group, with most attending a training session on Nov. 5, led by Ms.Jamie Moloney. Director of Pastoral Outreach at Resurrection Cemetery. All students are invited to consider joining this new ministry. Please email or see Mr. Falconer in FH~212, or Mr. Gleich in Campus Ministry for more information.
9th Grade Parent Mass
Students of the class of 2029 and their parents and guardians gathered on October 22 to celebrate their Parent Mass. Fr. Pat Kennedy presided over the liturgy, with members of our CDH Music Ministry group under the direction of Ms. Delilah Schuster led all present in song.
A highlight moment of the Mass were the post communion reflections offered by 9th graders Hannah Murphy and Joey Harris. Each spoke to the gift of family and the blessing of coming together to remember and celebrate the gifts that surround us each day.
Ecumenical Prayer Service
“The Lord is our Shepherd” was a common refrain at our Nov. 4 Ecumenical Prayer Service. God’s infinite and ever watchful love for us was the focus of our prayer.
Following an opening prayer offered by CDH Chaplain, Fr. Pat Kennedy, and a reading of Psalm 100, reflections were offered by CDH parent Rev. Melvin Miller (Progressive Baptist Church, St. Paul, MN), Junior class member Rhema Edomaruseh '27, and Rev. Elizabeth Gleich, ‘08 (The Congregational Church of Middlebury, VT). Each, during this season of Thanksgiving, offered a reminder of many ways God has shown us a vision of what a life grounded in love could look like.
Under the direction of Ms. Delilah Schuster, the CDH Choir provided a beautiful offering of “Salmo 150”, as well as senior Yolanda Xu performing J.S. Bach’s Cello Suite #1 Prelude.
In addition, special guests Mr. Jerry Steele (vocalist), and Mr. Thomas West (accompanist), offered our Opening and Closing Gospel songs.
Habitat for Humanity
While the weather outside has moved into early winter mode, warmth, laughter, and new skills were abundant at our November 7 Habitat build.
Minneapolis was the site of our construction day. A primer coat of paint, followed by the finish coat was the morning task for the 5 students and two staff on our first building day of the year. The afternoon was spent installing laminate flooring in the upstairs bathroom and basement. Each task demanded an attention to detail
The importance of safe, quality, affordable housing was a motivating factor for all who spent a day off from school volunteering with HfH. The importance of a stable housing, a place to put down roots, to feel safe, and to celebrate the blessings of being a family are all core facets of Habitat for Humanity’s mission, and that of CDH. Our entire school community, students, staff, parents and alumni continue to be blessed by our ongoing partnership with Habitat for Humanity.
A special thanks to our fall volunteers: Weston Burke '26, Joseph Massari '27, Max Mattaini '28, Shea Murphy '26, Alyod Teffera '27, Mr. Chris Kaus, and Mr. Peter Gleich.
Our next building day will be on January 23, 2026.
Parents, guardians, alumni and friends are invited to be a part of our Habitat for Humanity experience. Come spend a day with some awesome students, learn new carpentry skills, and help a family know the joy and blessing of having a place to call home. Note that Archdiocesan Virtus Training is required in advance to assist as a volunteer.
If you have any questions regarding our CDH Habitat for Humanity opportunities, please contact Peter Gleich at 651-696-3329 or PGleich@c-dh.org.
LaSallian Youth
Inspired by the example of the Sisters of St. Joseph and the Christian Brothers, Love of God and Service to the Dear Neighbor continue to be the focus of our CDH LaSallian Youth.
A 41 year tradition at Cretin, Derham, and Cretin-Derham Hall has been our LaSallian Youth Children’s Christmas Party. Once again, CDH students and staff will be joining with the students, staff and parents of Community of Saints Regional Catholic School in West St. Paul on December 12. We are looking for 60 students from all grades to come spend the morning with the Community of Saints kindergarten and 1st grade students.
All students are invited to consider being part of this wonderful tradition.. Please email or see Mr. Gleich in Campus Ministry for more information.