Mass of the Holy Spirit - The Catholic University of America

Mass of the Holy Spirit

Thursday, Sept. 1, 12:10 p.m.

Cardinal Donald Wuerl, Archbishop of Washington and University Chancellor, will celebrate The Catholic University of America's Mass of the Holy Spirit Sept. 1 in the Great Upper Church of the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception. The Mass, which attracts hundreds of University faculty, staff and students, will officially open the academic year. The Eternal Word Television Network (EWTN) will broadcast the Mass live to millions of households around the world.

This year, for the first time, the members of the National Catholic Educational Association (NCEA), are being encouraged to view the Mass live via TV and web streaming. NCEA represents nearly 7,000 Catholic elementary and high schools throughout the United States.

The Mass will also serve as the kickoff for Catholic University's 125th anniversary celebration. President John Garvey will officially announce the University's Cardinal Service Commitment to perform 125,000 hours of volunteer work to mark the anniversary. The goal is for the Catholic University community - students, faculty, staff and alumni - to log 125,000 hours of community service over an 11-month period that started May 15, 2011. The service will culminate on Founders Day, April 10, 2012.

Officers of the University and faculty will be in academic attire for the Mass. Representatives of neighboring religious houses of study and of other religious communities are requested to join the academic procession, which will form in Memorial Hall on the ground level of the Basilica at noon. Priests in attendance are invited to concelebrate.

Immediately following the Mass, Garvey will host an annual University-wide picnic from 1:30 to 3 p.m. on the University mall to celebrate the new academic year. Classes between noon and 3 p.m. are cancelled for these events. In the event of rain, the picnic will be cancelled.