I do not live in the all-male Christie Hall at the University of Portland. I do not even live in the same quad as Christie. That being said, I look forward to going to Christie mass every Monday night. I’ve logically thought it through, and if I were a boy, I would definitely live in Christie Hall. Here are 12 reasons why Christie Hall mass makes my Mondays a day I look forward to, instead of a day that I dread.

1. The songs.

According to St. Augustine, “He who sings prays twice.” Singing is already one of the best parts of mass, but singing songs that are fun to sing makes the experience that much more enjoyable. I can always count on some or all of my favorite songs to be sung. Add the enthusiasm that the Christie men sing with, and I can’t help but smile (or attempt not to burst out in laughter because I’m so filled with joy) as we sing the closing song (yes, I’m referring to “Lead Me, Lord”).

Along with the amazing songs is of course, the amazing choir. A variety of instruments are played (including a cello!), and I’m always amazed by how good they sound.

3. Fr. Hannon.

Fr. Hannon is one of my favorite priests. I look forward to his homilies because I know that a good story with a message that I can learn from will be shared. Fr. Hannon also tells his homilies in an engaging way, and really connects with those who have the pleasure of listening to him speak.

4. The open homily.

I’m not sure if an open homily is what it would be called, because like many of the reasons on the list, it is unique to Christie mass. But after Fr. Hannon finishes his homily he allows everyone else to share what the readings mean to them. Some of the greatest insights I have heard and ideas that I have subsequently tried to apply to my own life have come from hearing what others had to share.

5. Standing around the altar.

Instead of kneeling or standing at our seats during the Eucharist, everyone gathers around the altar. I think this allows for a deeper connection to the most important part of mass, as it feels like you’re really a part of the sacredness of what is happening.

6. Praying the Our Father.

The Our Father is already one of my favorite parts of mass, one reason being that I get to hold the hands of the people I’m standing next to. Yes, I know that sounds a bit weird, but I think holding hands strengthens the sense of community I feel. So imagine how connected I feel at Christie mass when, instead of holding hands, we put our arms around each other.

7. Hugs.

The peace is basically a giant hug fest where everyone hugs each other, regardless if you actually know them personally or not. While my own strategy is to pivot while standing in one spot, I can always count on others to come up and offer me a hug. I like to think of these wonderful people as serial huggers because they’ll go around the circle and hug every person they possibly can. As a person who loves hugs, it may or may not be my favorite part of Christie mass.

8. Singing the Alma Mater.

Community and school spirit reach their highest levels when our alma mater is sung at the end of mass with our arms around each other once again. Christie adds their own style of singing it of course (of course), and it is beautiful (beautiful).

9. The gong.

A gong is struck two times, once at the start of the evening to signal that mass is about to begin and it’s time to go to the chapel, and once at the end of mass to signal that it has ended (and to accentuate the closing song).

10. The Christie Spikes reminder.

Christie mass would be incomplete without the reminder of Christie Spikes. The announcement will be shared without fail at the end of every mass. Only 15 more weeks until the next one, in case you were wondering.

11. The After Mass Social food.

Every hall has an After Mass Social, and every social has food, but I am seriously amazed by how good the After Mass Social food is at Christie every single week. Pie on Pi Day? Chocolate chip banana bread? Varying kinds of soup? Yes, please.

12. The overall sense of community.

As is probably already clear, all of the above reasons combine to create an amazing community. I am not the only one who goes to Christie mass (almost) every week who does not actually live in Christie. So many of us go that Fr. Hannon thanks us for coming at the beginning of every mass. I think the main reason I am drawn each week is the knowledge that I will feel like I belong. The sense of community that Christie mass creates can be felt from both the Christie men themselves and the visitors. Fr. Hannon additionally says that they (Christie) are happy to have us, and I experience the genuineness of his words every time I set foot in the chapel.