2012 - Chaminade Julienne Catholic High School

foundationMinistry and Service staff: (l-r) Sr. Nicole Trahan, FMI, Marilyn McCrate, Fr. Matt Robben, Killi Kinnear, Mike Hoendorf ‘03 and Claire Davis.Expanding ServicesMinistry & ServiceThe ministry and service departmentwelcomed two new membersto its team this year: MikeHoendorf ‘03 and Fr. Matthew Robbenwho was just ordained in May and residesat St. Peter Parish.“The Way” Down Washington StreetWhat started as a typicalschool day for Sr. NicoleTrahan ended like a scenefrom her favorite Martin Sheen movieafter an unannounced visit by the actorin May. In his 2010 film, “The Way,”written and directed by his son EmilioEstevez, Sheen plays a father namedTom who is called to recover the remainsof his deceased son Daniel (playedby Emilio), who dies traveling the ElCamino de Santiago. As Tom rediscovershis faith during the pilgrimage, he isgifted a rosary by a Catholic priest.In real life, and there at another symboliccrossroads of history, faith and family,CJ’s native son—known as RamonEstevez ‘58, to classmates—would playthe role of supporter along Sr. Nicole’sjourney to live out the call of the Gospel.Mike helps coordinate CJ’s comprehensiveretreat program; and, as chaplain,Fr. Matt offers Mass each day beforeschool and is a frequent instructor in religionclasses for all grade levels.“We are thrilled to have Mike andFr. Matt on our team! Having a priestwho can regularly offer the sacraments isAs she recalls, it was a Wednesday andseniors were taking exams when Englishteacher Molly Bardine burst into her officeto share that Sheen was on his way tothe building. News of the star’s return totown was well known, but the impromptuvisit to his alma mater was unplanned.That morning, he had been just oneblock west of school serving with five CJstudents at The Foodbank before he decidedto take a walk with the kids downWashington Street. Word of his arrivalspread quickly.“I didn’t realize it was going to be a bigto-do with everyone taking picturesand actually getting to speak with him,”Trahan said. The once hushed hallwaysuch a blessing; and, Mike has been partof our CJ family since he was a student,so he is a natural fit,” said Kelli Kinnear,director of ministry and service.“The warm and genuine personalities ofboth have made it easy for them to fitright in to our community and connectwith our students.” Voutside her office was suddenly abuzzwith news reporters, faculty, staff, and afew students.“The next thing I know they are packingup to leave and I hadn’t said anythingto him,” Trahan said. “I don’t know whatmade me think I was bold enough to dothis, but I walked over and said, ‘Excuseme Mr. Sheen, I just wanted to say thankyou for your support of the Marianistsover the years.’” To his surprise, Trahanintroduced herself as a Marianist Sister.The exchange that followed evoked imagesof Sheen in the flick she considers herfavorite by the award-winning actor.“He reached into his pocket and pulledout a rosary that was made in Jerusalemand offered it to me,” said Trahan, whopolitely refused his gift at first. “Martinsaid, ‘No, I have many of them. I wantyou to take it and use it as you preparefor final vows. Pray for me.’”Each day since, Trahan has carried thesimple olive wood rosary she receivedthat morning. In her second year at CJ,the religion teacher will become eligibleto take her final vows in the summerof 2013. VFALL 2012 4