Baccalaureate Mass

Baccalaureate Services were established at England’s Oxford University almost 600 years ago, as a way of gathering those who were about to graduate to give praise and thanks to God.  Today, Baccalaureate Services are common in most (non-public) universities and colleges, and generally held within a few days of graduation.  At Catholic colleges, a Baccalaureate Mass is usually celebrated.

The Baccalaureate Mass is the long-standing tradition of Mount St. Mary’s College.  In the Mass,  graduates, their families, friends and professors join with the Golden Grads (alumnae who graduated 50 years earlier) to honor the many gifts that have brought one class to the moment of graduation, and the other to a celebration  of college experiences that transformed and enriched their lives. 

Baccalaureate Mass

Saturday, May 4, 2013
4:00 PM
Mary Chapel, Chalon Campus

Information for Graduates

What to Wear

Graduates should wear their black commencement gown without a cap or hood.  You may wear your honors cords or President's Medals if you earned them at Mary's Day.  You may leave items in Hannon Theater, as security will be asked to lock the doors during the Mass.

When to Arrive

Line ups will take place in Hannon Theater beginning at 3:00 PM.  Please arrive no later than 3:30 PM so the Mass can begin promptly at 4:00 PM.  Be sure to listen to the MSMC Professional Staff for instructions on how to process into Mary Chapel.  When you process in, you will be able to sit with your friends rather than by major or in alphabetical order.  Be sure to listen to instructions as to how to line up and sit with the people you wish.

Guests

You are welcome to invite friends and family to celebrate Mass with you.  Please keep in mind that Mary Chapel holds a limited amount of visitors, so kindly keep your guest count to 6 people or less.  Some guests may have to sit outside of the Chapel due to the high number of graduates. Please also remind your guests that there is no room for strollers or car seats in the Chapel.  Since this is a religious ceremony, please ask your guests to keep photography during the ceremony to a minimum.

After the Ceremony

There will be a small reception in the Circle immediately following Mass, at approximately 5:30 PM.  You are encouraged to take pictures with family and friends while you are wearing your commencement garb on campus.  Please retrieve any personal effects left in Hannon Theater by 6:00 PM, when the doors will be locked once again.