Chaplain’s Corner: Rev. Chris W. Brennan, C.S.C.

“I really see my role as a ministry of presence.”
— Rev. Chris Brennan, C.S.C.

Rector of Stanford Hall. South Bend native. Double-Domer. Men’s lacrosse chaplain.

A native of South Bend, Rev. Christopher Brennan, C.S.C., has deep roots in the Notre Dame community. Today, he serves in key pastoral roles across campus, including as rector of Stanford Hall and chaplain for the Fighting Irish men’s lacrosse team. 

Immediately after high school, Fr. Chris joined the undergraduate seminary for the Congregation of Holy Cross at Notre Dame’s Old College. After earning his bachelor’s in philosophy and theology in 2012, he began a master of divinity degree. As part of his studies, he moved to Portland, Oregon, to serve as a deacon at Holy Redeemer Parish before being ordained a priest in April 2018. Fr. Chris ministry has spanned high schools, prisons, and international missions across Honduras, Western Europe, Bangladesh, East Africa, Israel, and Guatemala. 

Fr. Chris joined men’s lacrosse as team chaplain when the program returned following the 2020 shutdown. This spring marks his seventh season on the sidelines, where he has provided spiritual support and guidance through many wins, a few losses, and two national championship runs.

As team chaplain, he participates in Bible study, guides players through the Holy Sacraments, cheers from the sidelines, and offers prayers for anyone on the team who needs them most. The Rockne Athletics Fund supports Fr. Chris’s role as chaplain, creating invaluable opportunities for spiritual growth among the team and beyond.

Q&A with Fr. Chris

How do you support student-athletes who are in a slump?

I really see my role as a ministry of presence. I told the team when I first became chaplain that I am not cool, and I never played lacrosse. But I am very good at standing awkwardly on the sidelines of practices and games and if the team ever needs anything, to not hesitate to reach out. 

Over the years, guys have really warmed up to me. I try to show up to as many practices as I can. I like to have the freshmen on the team over for dinner one night, or to take a group of them out to lunch to learn their names and get to know them a bit better, which has been nice. Some of the older guys have come to talk about the future, what they are going to do after they leave this place, or tough situations outside of school and lacrosse. I always appreciate being with them, one-on-one, in those moments. 

I really love going to the team’s weekly Bible study. I have been really impressed by their humility and vulnerability with each other as they strive to be better Christians. 

What’s a special memory you share with student-athletes growing in their faith?

This year, after a practice, two guys came to me asking to be baptized and/or confirmed. Two others joined, and during the spring semester, we would meet with their sponsors to talk about the faith. I was inspired by their commitment and the commitment of their sponsors to learn and deepen their faith. It was a joy to walk with them, share the faith, and get to know them better. 

It was a privilege on April 25 this year to baptize, confirm, and give First Communion to two of them and to confirm the other two. It was a joyful Mass and great to see so many of their teammates come and support them. I am also very glad we won the game that was only three hours before! 

What is one of your favorite memories with the men’s lacrosse team?

I do not think I can pick just one. Certainly, being able to bring guys into the Church and doing the prep with them is at the top. 

On the Sunday prior to the two national championships, we had Mass together as a team. It is a blessing to be able to celebrate Mass and worship together. It is a nice and intimate setting, and you can certainly feel the presence of the Holy Spirit. 

The semifinal game in 2023 when we came back to tie the game against Virginia (who had beat us twice already that year) and then win in the first 10 seconds of overtime was great. Probably one of the best sporting experiences of all time and certainly the most exciting I have ever witnessed. It was great to see the team fight through that adversity, charge into the national championship, and win!

If you could play any position on the field, which would you choose?

If I had to pick, it would be close defense. I love the physicality and grittiness of the role, and we are blessed to have some of the best in the game on our team.

Behind every Notre Dame student-athlete competing under the Golden Dome is a quiet foundation of faith, purpose, and community. Because of your support through the Rockne Athletics Fund, leaders like Fr. Chris are right there on the sidelines and in the chapel—guiding our student-athletes through life’s defining moments and reminding them who they play for.

Thank you for championing the development of the whole person—mind, body, and spirit—and for keeping Notre Dame’s timeless mission at the heart of their journey.