A Week of Raider Spirit: Celebrating Homecoming at CDH
October 2, 2025
Homecoming Week at Cretin-Derham Hall was a mix of school spirit, community events, and alumni gatherings. From the Mass on Wednesday morning to the school dance on Saturday night, the week was filled with activities that brought the entire CDH community together to celebrate their shared Raider pride.
Wednesday Morning Mass
During the excitement of Homecoming Week, the Cretin-Derham Hall community paused for a moment at the annual Homecoming Mass, celebrated by Father Pat Kennedy ’69. Centered on the Campus Ministry theme of Life and Dignity of the Human Person, the Mass featured reflections from Principal Mona Passman and Brother Michael, who spoke about the idea of “home” as both a place of belonging and a sense of purpose.
Student participation brought the Mass to life, especially through music. Bridget Bower '26, Lucas Roberto '26, and others led songs, including a memorable rendition of Home that sparked a spontaneous student “conga” line. As Campus Minister Mark McGuire put it, “It’s a fun reminder that joy and community belong at the center of our faith.” Even in a busy week, the Mass was a heartfelt reminder of what makes CDH feel like home.
School-Day Homecoming Activities
Throughout the week, Student Council organized a series of events that kept the students engaged. Dress-up days added some fun, while Flex time activities like movies and an Activities Fair provided opportunities to relax and connect. The school week wrapped up with a Friday Pep Fest, where school spirit was on full display.
Alumni Return to Campus for a Day of Remembrance and Reunion
On Friday, September 26, CDH welcomed back over 100 alumni for the Alumni on Campus event. Cretin, Derham Hall, and CDH graduates spanning decades reunited for a day of reflection and reconnection. Special attention was given to the reunion classes of 1950, 1955, 1960, 1965, 1970, and 1985, whose milestones were honored throughout the day.
The event began with an Alumni Mass celebrated by Fr. Ken Pierre ’55, with Gene Scapanski ’60 and Cathy Conrad Jansen ’55 participating as readers. The service highlighted the spiritual and communal past that ties alumni to CDH. Afterwards, alumni enjoyed lunch and school tours, where many were delighted to see their class photos in the halls and reminisce about their time as students. The atmosphere was filled with laughter, stories, and a strong sense of belonging that continues within the CDH community.
Homecoming Football Game
Friday evening featured the highly anticipated Homecoming football game, which opened with the CDH Choir singing the national anthem!
Raider Family Fest
The celebration continued on Saturday afternoon with the popular Raider Family Fest, an event that drew hundreds of CDH community members, from current students to alumni and future Raiders. The campus was alive with activity, including a JV football game and a Varsity girls soccer game, featuring the CDH Dance Team and the Junior CDH Dance Team performance at halftime.
Cold Front and Twin Cities Tacos food trucks provided delicious local food, while a variety of family-friendly activities were provided by CDH students, including: face painting, cornhole, and kids’ games. Jeb Myers, President and Sean Van Gemert ‘96, Director of Admissions, gave guests tours of the school.
A notable new addition to this year’s festivities was a table hosted by the student-run club Letters of Love, where attendees created heartfelt cards for children in hospitals, blending fun with compassion and community service.
We look forward to hosting these events again in the fall of 2026!
Homecoming Dance
Homecoming Week wrapped up with the traditional Homecoming Dance held in the Joe Mauer Field House. Seniors wore their traditional black and green and students danced the night away.