January 12, 2022
St Thomas Aquinas mass at the Bascilica

Several traditional spring events at Catholic University are returning to a more “normal” observation this year. However the recent surge in COVID-19 cases in the District will affect how the events are celebrated this year.

Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service

The MLK Day of Service is a way for the University to serve neighboring organizations. The traditional talk and breakfast held before volunteers head to service sites will not occur this year due to local restrictions on indoor gatherings. However, Campus Ministry will be publishing a list of service opportunities for students to attend on their own on Monday, Jan. 17.

March for Life

Similarly, the rally traditionally held on campus before the March for Life will not occur this year. However, classes will still be canceled on Friday, Jan. 21, from 11:10 a.m. to 3 p.m., so that students, faculty, and staff can participate in the March. Marchers will meet at the Brookland Metro at 11:15 a.m. to travel downtown together. Despite the fact that the event is an outdoors activity, we encourage responsible participation in the March for Life. This includes masking when social distancing is not possible.

The University will not be hosting any outside organizations on campus overnight as they have in past years. On Thursday, Jan. 20, students will be volunteering to assist at the Vigil for Life at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception. Additionally, the Cardinals for Life are hosting a Pep Rally for Life that evening featuring Catholic University alumnus Bishop Robert Barron (participating virtually) and University President John Garvey. The rally will take place on the Pryz Lawn at 8 p.m.

Students, faculty, and staff who plan to attend the march should register by filling out this form.
Students who wish to volunteer at the Vigil can sign up on this form.

For more information, contact Amanda Schleimer at ceraldi@cua.edu.

Patronal Feast of Saint Thomas Aquinas

The University Mass celebrating the patronal feast of St. Thomas Aquinas is scheduled for Thursday, Jan. 27, at 12:10 p.m., in the Great Upper Church of the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception. No classes will be held that day between 11:50 a.m. and 3 p.m. The University community is invited to the Mass. Wearing of masks is required by the Basilica. The Mass will be broadcast live on EWTN and CatholicTV.

Last updated Jan 14, 2022, 2:00pm EST.