Need a little more pomp and circumstance in your life? Want a chance to march around campus in your cap and gown taking all the family photos you want without worrying about dire post-commencement rental-return warnings?

Join us at Baccalaureate Mass!

I’m writing to let you know that ALL graduating students regardless of religious affiliation are invited – welcomed, encouraged, urged – to participate in DePaul’s Baccalaureate Mass!

Don’t be afraid – I’ll walk you through it now and hope to see you this Friday afternoon, June 13th, as DePaul’s Baccalaureate is held at St. Vincent de Paul Church the Friday of Commencement Weekend.

First of all, “Baccalaureate:” Five syllables. Sounds like some sort of award, or a card game played in a Monte Carlo casino. One meaning, derived from Latin is “undergraduate degree.” Another definition is “a religious service held at an educational institution before commencement.” Bingo. As a faith-based institution DePaul wants to celebrate and pray with/for graduating students.

Secondly, Baccalaureate Mass is indeed a mass, but not an ordinary Sunday one. It begins with an academic procession led by the DePaul banner and banners representing each of the colleges that make up the university. Faculty and students in their academic regalia file into St. Vincent’s as guests of honor (your parents will love it). Following this academic procession is the liturgical procession – there’s incense, cross, candles, and those assisting in celebrating the Mass all process to celebratory music led by a 22-member orchestra and 24-voice choir.

If you’ve never been to a Catholic mass and are graduating from “The largest Catholic university in North America,” it’s a good time to check one out before you depart. If you are a regular Sunday attendee you’ll find a lot to like. Fr. Holtschneider, our president, will be the presider. Muslim, Jewish, and Protestant staff of University Ministry will be up front as well, along with Vincentian priests in addition to Fr. Holtschneider.

Thirdly, all graduates are encouraged to wear your cap and gown (and any other academic regalia you have been given or awarded). Somehow people often fail to get this message – so feel free to share it. Students line up in the Student Center Atrium between 3:00 and 3:30pm for the academic procession to the church at 3:45pm. Families and guests are encouraged to arrive at St. Vincent’s as early as 3:00pm, as seating is limited.

You can give me a shout to answer any questions you may have about the Baccalaureate Mass. Hope to see you there!

Matt Merkt is Chaplain for Liturgy with DePaul’s Catholic Campus Ministry

Photo courtesy of Jeff Carrion/DePaul University