Name: Fr. Pete McCormick, C.S.C.
Class Year(s): 2006, 2015
Majors and Minors: Master of Divinity, Master of Business Administration
Occupation: Director of Campus Ministry at Notre Dame; Holy Cross Priest
What was a formative moment in your time at Notre Dame that continues to influence you today?
I was ordained a priest on April 14, 2007, in the Basilica of the Sacred Heart. Following an ordination, it’s customary for the newly ordained priests to offer their first blessings. Of the many people that I blessed that day was Fr. Ted Hesburgh, C.S.C. ’39. Fr. Ted politely approached and said, “Father, may I have your blessing?”
Before me stood a man that had been in the presence of greatness throughout his priesthood, yet there he was asking to receive a blessing from a priest that was just hoping to celebrate Mass correctly the following day. I’ll always remember that encounter as a true example of humility and pray that I might embody such virtue throughout my ministry.
What do you like most about your current role in Campus Ministry?
What I most love about my role in Campus Ministry is the chance to spend time with students. While education of both heart and mind is the primary mission of the University, true learning begins with relationships. Entering into these relationships is an opportunity that I will forever cherish.
What is your favorite Notre Dame memory or campus tradition and why?
I’ve been fortunate enough to serve as the chaplain to the Notre Dame men’s basketball team since 2012. A particular memory that stands out is the night that the Irish defeated North Carolina to win the 2015 ACC Tournament Championship. As the confetti fell and players joyfully embraced at midcourt, I sought desperately to take it all in. Such moments are rare, no matter how good a team or program is, and that evening in March I was able to be a part of history.
