Celebrating Graduates, Alumni, and the Christmas Season at USD: Masses and Events at Founders Chapel
Founders Chapel at the University of San Diego is gearing up for a busy weekend with a series of Masses to celebrate mid-year graduating students, provide holiday cheer for alumni, and bring the campus community together for a Candlelight Mass.
The fall semester at USD is coming to a close, with final exams scheduled for Dec. 16-20. But before students head off for winter break, Founders Chapel will be hosting a variety of Masses to mark the end of the semester.
On Friday, Dec. 13, the Mid-Year Graduates’ Mass will take place at 3 p.m. in Founders Chapel for students completing their academic requirements this semester or during January’s Intersession. This event is a special celebration for eligible graduating students and their guests, followed by a reception and photo opportunities in graduation regalia.
The following day, Saturday, Dec. 14, the Alumni Christmas Mass will be held at 5 p.m. in Founders Chapel. Alumni are invited to come and celebrate the Catholic faith during the Advent season, with a reception featuring a child-friendly cookie decorating station and holiday beverages.
Attendees of the Alumni Christmas Mass are encouraged to bring donations to support USD students experiencing food insecurity. Donations of food, school supplies, hygiene products, and professional clothing are welcome to support the Torero Renaissance Scholars Program.
To conclude the weekend, on Sunday night, Dec. 15, the fall semester Candlelight Mass will take place at 8 p.m. in Founders Chapel. Participants will receive a candle to light during the Mass, symbolizing unity and prayer for students entering final exam week.
In addition to these special events, Founders Chapel will continue to host daily Mass, Monday through Friday, until Dec. 20. The Chapel’s next services will resume in January 2020.
For those interested in art, the “Christ: Life, Death, and Resurrection” exhibition at USD’s Hoehn Family Galleries has been extended until Dec. 15 due to overwhelming public interest. The exhibit features original drawings and prints by Italian Renaissance artists and is free and open to the public.
While Founders Chapel will not have Christmas Mass due to the holiday break, The Immaculata Catholic Church on campus will be hosting Christmas Eve and Christmas Day Masses, as well as additional Mass offerings during the holiday break.
With a variety of Masses and events happening at Founders Chapel and The Immaculata, the University of San Diego community is coming together to celebrate faith, academic achievements, and the holiday season.