Mason Hedges
He longed to feel like he belonged. After a childhood suspended between two worlds—one with his white biological family in rural Ohio, and the other with his adoptive Black family in inner-city Cincinnati—senior Mason Hedges wanted to believe that God had a plan for him. At Notre Dame, he’s discovered a community that not only accepts him but also celebrates the full person that he is.
“And then I met Father Joe Corpora, who lived in the room across from me in Dillon. I didn’t even know to call him Father. I would always just say, ‘What’s up, Joe!’ One day, I told him everything—about my childhood, my pain, and my doubts. He looked me in the eye and told me, ‘You belong here.’ At first I didn’t believe him, but something deep down whispered, ‘Maybe he’s right.’”
Advent is a season of grace. It reminds us that we are invited into community, not because we are prepared or worthy, but because God chooses us. We may struggle to imagine our Savior belonging in a stable, yet there he was. He steps into the ordinary, the imperfect, even the messy—and his presence makes it holy. And by his grace, we belong, right where we are, too.
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What an amazing story, Mason. Notre Dame is a place filled with many extraordinary people and you are one of them. Thank you for sharing such an inspirational message. You will go far!
Matt, it seems that Father Joe played a major role in helping you belong and feel accepted. He sounds like a wonderful friend.
People will come to you at a pivotal moment in their life looking for guidance and seeking friendship.
Please remember that to the world you may be just one person, but to just one person, you may be the world.
Mason Hedges story is one of the most unlikely successes. True proof that God can do anything with anyone. If you look back over his life journey, everything that happened to him from the most tragic to the moments of light, all led to ND. If his birth mother had raised him, would his outcome be the same. I love this story, it moved me. I just wonder about his twin sister’s path.
This beautiful, sacred story moved me because Mason Hedge’s successes were so unlikely based on his very early beginnings and struggles. It is encouraging to see how God puts people on your path to bring about His holy outcomes. I’m curious about his twin sister’s path. It is for sure Mason will be a very good person with so much to offer.
Beautiful!
Mason
Thank you thank you thank you for sharing your amazing journey and reminding me God is out there watching over us, even when we don’t realize it!
Keep the faith
Fight the fight
Trust God
Thank you for sharing your story. It touched my heart. May God continue to work through you, Mason!
Beautiful Mason… simply beautiful. You are truly living out your holiness only God prepared for you.
Peace and blessings.
Wow! What a powerful story! Thank you for sharing. Notre Dame is indeed a very special place.
Thanks so much for sharing your story Mason! The vulnerability and honesty in the telling of your story is just so refreshing. It is wonderful that you found a place of faith where you feel you belong – what a community ND is!
What a wonderful story, and a beautiful adventure message! Thank you for sharing it with us, Mason!
Mason, your story is beautiful and you are inspiring! God bless you!
Mason,
Your story is incredible! God has big plans for you. Never be ashamed to tell your story. God is working in your life every day!!
Go Irish!!
I have enjoyed each and everyone’s stories every morning!! Love this!!
Thank you for sharing your story Mason. Stories like yours reminds me that God is with us always. I am thankful to God for leading you to Notre Dame.
Mason, what a blessing for you that you met Fr Joe. I’ve known him for over 25 years. I’m honored to say he married my husband and I. He was our counselor when we were preparing for marriage. Keep the faith as our Lord guides through your path. He put Fr Joe with you for good reasons. May our Lord continue to always bless you, and I’ll keep you in my prayers.
Welcome to the family!! You are awesome and you definitely belong! We are lucky to have you.
Wow what a powerful story… there are no words I am moved to tears and I think about my own son who is a freshman, we are so grateful for the care and compassion and intentionality with which Notre Dame operates. They are motivated by the love of Christ and continue to “ crack open skies” of opportunities for future generations of godly men and women.
Mason – I could listen to your story over and over. Your strength and courage and honesty is a gift. The Holy Spirit lives within you and is thrilled to be able to do the work with such a willing partner. You have blessed so many people along the way most especially your adoptive, mother and families. May God continue to guide your steps and bring all the right people in places and timing into your life.
Beautiful. Thank you so much for sharing.
WOW. You brought me to tears. the empathy that you gained Mason gives you the ability to reach others in a way no one else cans. God will use that in your life. Amazing message. Great job. touched my. heart!
I can’t add anything to these comments except “thank you!”
What a beautiful, moving story. God redeems everything.
Mason, thank you for sharing. It has brought tears of joy. May God bless you all your days.
Mason, what an uplifting story that shows how God works in our lives. Keep going, don’t stop!
Thankful for your story and that you are a part of the Notre Dame Family and the Catholic faith of God’s Grace and love.
“ Nothing is impossible with God”, from scripture, and at 87 years, I continue to see it in life and I am no longer amazed, I just connect the dots and see God’s hands and love in each one. to you and your family, Mason., a very Merry Christmas
Marilyn Woidat
Mason,
You have great courage and compassion. It is no accident that Fr. Joe lives across the hall. God is taking care of and using you both! Notre Dame is blest to have you!
Here I am this morning turning to the Sacred Stories. My husband was in the class of 59. I loved reading your story. It meant so much to me. I have found comfort in having ND apart of my life. I am so proud of you and hearing about your life and pray for your continued joy in life
Thank you for sharing your journey Mason. You are so blessed to be at ND, and ND is so blessed to have you! God will continue to guide you and with the Blessed Mother, you are always safe. Never give up hope, always pray, and pass along your blessings to others always. Merry Christmas!
Mason, your story is inspiring. You grew up not far from my home in Oxford, Ohio. While I had a somewhat idyllic upbringing and can only identify with your story from a distance, I’m sure your struggles mirror those of many of your classmates. I’m also a Dillonite.
Thanks for sharing your story.
God Bless,
Dave Wallace
Class of 1977
Beautiful story, Mason! Thank you for sharing and glad you’re at ND! Have a Merry Christmas!
Mason, you do belong at the University of our Lady. Thanks for your ministry. Mike Brennan class of 1969
Mason,
I can tell that you are going to accomplish great things in your life with the humility you hold. I am very proud of you!
Never give up!
A very powerful story. Thanks for having the courage to share it with us. I hope and pray that you will always feel accepted wherever you are.
Mason,
Thank you for sharing your story. You give courage and inspiration to others who probably feel similar to you. You are a blessing to the community and our world. Never forget that. Looking forward to seeing where your journey takes you next!
Hi, Mason – I am glad you have found people who are a blessing to you, as I can see you are a blessing to so many others – your birth family and adoptive family as well as all you meet – no experience in life is wasted or mistaken – it is all from God and it is all for our good, even if we cannot see it right away. God bless you, Merry Christmas, and wishing you a very Happy New Year!
Terrific, Mason. Thanks for sharing.
Thank you for sharing your inspirational story.
Awesome testimony, Mason! Thank you and a Blessed Advent!
Mason!
Thank you for sharing your journey!
Your journey touched my heart very deeply and reminded me of this quote;
God asks us to trust that our crosses are a means for good in our lives and the lives of others, even though they are painful and involve sacrifice.
-Dorothy Day
We are ALL called to help each other carry our crosses in this life Mason!
Your journey has taught all of us something very important, regarding the theme “Then & Now.”
Then + Now = Trusting in God’s plan for your life!
God bless and Merry Christmas!
Mason,
Your story is beautiful and truly humbling. You embody the spirit of Notre Dame.
You ARE Notre Dame. And you most definitely belong-anywhere you go.
May God continue blessing your path!
Yours in Notre Dame,
Lisa ‘92
Amazing Mason. God does take care of us and show us the way. So happy you appreciated your family. God bless you and Merry Christmas
Thank you for sharing your incredible journey! Notre Dame is blessed to have you!
What a beautiful story! Thank you, Mason. I think we may have met at an ND event, but please stop by at St. Clement in St. Bernard when you have the chance.
Mason, Thank you for sharing your story. May God continue to shine his light on you. You are loved!