Chaplain’s Corner: Rev. Joseph H. Carey, C.S.C.

“I thank God every day for my relationship with Notre Dame women’s lacrosse. I love them all, and this is the joy of my life.”
— Rev. Joseph Carey, C.S.C.

Baker. Sean Richards ACE Chaplain. Priest-in-Residence of Ryan Hall. FJ. Women’s lacrosse chaplain.

Fr. Joe Carey (or “FJ,” if you’re in the know) has spent over four decades at Notre Dame. In that time, he’s traveled with the football team, men’s basketball, rowing, and today, he serves as the chaplain for the women’s lacrosse team and is the priest-in-residence for Ryan Hall. He’s an integral part of his communities. 

Of his experiences at the University, he reflected, “I have learned during 42 years of living with Notre Dame students that there are many important things that matter. Every student, both athlete and non-athlete, wants to be known and loved.”

One way Fr. Carey shows his care is through baking. On Tuesdays, you might find Fr. Carey next to a KitchenAid in his Ryan Hall apartment. Students join him in baking tasty treats each week—a beloved tradition that builds community and camaraderie. 

“Baking on Tuesdays is called ‘FJ’s,’ and it began when a student by the name of Clare taught me how to bake. It was a small venture with about 20 or 30 people coming for cookies and conversation; now we bake about 40 dozen cookies and serve about 200 people. I did this so I could meet Ryan women and their guests. Many people have developed relationships by baking together,” Fr. Carey explained.

Prior to moving into Ryan Hall, Fr. Carey served Dillon Hall as assistant rector and rector for 20 years, including in 1988, when Notre Dame won the Football National Championship. When he’s not on the sideline, Fr. Carey’s primary role is the Sean Richards ACE Chaplain.

Q&A with Fr. Carey

How did you become the women’s lacrosse team chaplain?

I was recruited by eight lacrosse women to be their chaplain. It was 2018, and I was part of a Notre Dame summer immersion program in Ireland. These women were part of a group of students who spent nine days traveling in Ireland. I got the chance to get to know the lacrosse women, and they returned that fall and told [Coach] Chris Halfpenny that they had found a chaplain for the team.

How would the women’s lacrosse team describe your chaplain style? 

I absolutely love being the chaplain of the Notre Dame women’s lacrosse team. They appreciate that I know each of them and many of their parents and family members. I support the injured players. They are the IR (injured reserve), and I tell them you can’t spell IRISH without I-R. I know that they are loved by the team, but I pay special attention to them. Everybody has learned to love each other, and I feel that love.

What are some of your favorite memories with the team?

My favorite memory is when most of the team goes to the Grotto either before or after the pre-game meal. We have a simple ritual. They line up, light a candle, and then pray individually. Then we gather in a circle, hold hands, and pray together, led by me. I remind them how grateful we are to be at Notre Dame and to be a member of the team. We always gather for a picture. My second favorite is dinner at Rocco’s.

Which of the team’s goal celebrations is your favorite?

My favorite celebration is push-ups at Goals 7 and 14. I also swing a lacrosse stick at Goal 4 and lift my hat to celebrate a third goal by an individual.

Fr. Carey offers spiritual guidance and a sense of belonging to the women’s lacrosse team and to others on campus more broadly in his roles on the field, in residential life, and through the ACE Program. To have his support as a chaplain for our student-athletes is an invaluable opportunity that is made a reality by your gifts to the Rockne Athletics Fund. Thank you for adding to the distinct and world-class student-athlete experience of the Fighting Irish.