Chaplain’s Corner: Fr. Ralph Haag, C.S.C.

“Have courage, and you will not only inspire those around you but also be what the Founder desired every graduate of Notre Dame to be—a force for good in the world.”
—Rev. Ralph L. Haag, C.S.C., ’03 M.Div.

Mentor. Radio host. Matthew and Patricia Jochum McClimon Rector at St. Edward’s Hall. Men’s soccer team chaplain.

The next time you attend a men’s soccer game at Notre Dame’s Alumni Stadium, look across the field. There you’ll find Fr. Ralph, shoulder-to-shoulder with student-athletes, coaches, and staff, supporting from the sideline. He’s been their team chaplain since 2022—a role most befitting someone who grew up playing the sport and watching it every week.

When he’s not on the sideline, Fr. Ralph can be found at St. Edward’s Hall. There, he serves as rector and mentors 150+ students in navigating life and faith through the undergraduate experience. Fr. Ralph became the St. Edward’s Hall rector in 2006, just two years after he was ordained as a Holy Cross priest. 

Fr. Ralph has worn many hats (and headphones) at Notre Dame, most creatively as a radio host for a Friday afternoon baroque music show on WSND 88.9. This year marks the 20th in his post-graduate career at the University.

Chaplains like Fr. Ralph have been part of the Notre Dame story for over 100 years, offering faithful guidance to student-athletes on and off the field. Their presence is a blessing supported by the Rockne Athletics Fund.

Q&A with Fr. Ralph

What did you think when asked to be the chaplain to the men’s soccer team?

I remember it vividly. I’ll never forget it. I was standing in my parents’ garden in Nebraska when I received a phone call to consider being the men’s soccer chaplain. There was no need for any deliberation because I was all in. I played soccer as a kid, but now as an adult, I watched it every Saturday and lived my soccer dreams through my nephew. For me, being the chaplain for the men’s soccer team was a dream come true.

What is one of your favorite memories from your time serving as the men’s soccer chaplain so far?

There are so many great memories, but to single out one of them, it would be standing on the sidelines with the team, watching the game unfold, hearing them encourage their fellow teammates out on the pitch. Being present with the team in such a unique way has not only increased my knowledge and appreciation of the game but also given me a few insights into how I might be a better teammate for those teams I find myself on in life.

If you were on the team, what position would you play and why?

Whatever position would afford me the opportunity to don the ND Men’s Soccer kit, I would gladly play. Even if it means being the backup to the backup. I am your player!

What’s the best advice you can give to a student-athlete that doesn’t involve winning or losing?

Have courage. Courage is movement of the heart, and that’s what teammates are looking for, counting on really, on and off the pitch. Have courage, and you will not only inspire those around you but also be what the Founder desired every graduate of Notre Dame to be—a force for good in the world.

Team chaplains play an integral role in the faith formation of every student-athlete at Notre Dame. Thank you for supporting this invaluable part of what it means to be a part of the Fighting Irish.