Baccalaureate Mass

Sunday, June 11

2:00 p.m.

St. James Cathedral

804 9th Ave

Seattle, WA 98104

An annual event during Commencement Weekend, Baccalaureate Mass is a celebration for the entire university community to give thanks for our graduating students and bless them as they complete their time at Seattle U, transitioning into the future as bearers of our university mission, leaders for a just and humane world. As a Jesuit university, we observe this in the context of a Catholic Mass, but people from all religious, secular, and spiritual identities are welcome to attend and participate in this meaningful ritual celebrating this significant transition in our students’ lives. Graduating students, family and friends, current students, faculty, and staff are all invited.  

This year, Baccalaureate Mass will take place on Sunday, June 11, at 2 p.m. at St. James Cathedral, 804 9th Avenue.

We are currently recruiting volunteers to fill a variety of roles for the Mass.  

• New this year, the 2023 Baccalaureate Mass choir will be open to the entire Seattle University community; staff, faculty, students, and alumni with or without prior singing experience can sing in a choir together with a core group of SU Choir students and a quartet of professional cantors. The time commitment is minimal, and the music is very accessible. For more details about the rehearsal schedule and to sign up, please fill out this form as soon as possible.  
• If you’re interested in volunteering as a Liturgical Minister - an usher, candle bearer, reader (in English or a second language you speak), gift bearer, or communion minister - please fill out this form as soon as possible to let us know your preferences. More information on eligibility and training can be found on the form.

Instructions for the Academic Procession 

Graduates, faculty, and staff participating in the academic procession should bring their academic robes. The robing area will be available from 1:15-1:45 in Cathedral Hall. Please enter the hall on the north side of Columbia Street, halfway between 9th Avenue and Terry Avenue. We recommend not leaving any items in the robing hall during the mass. 

Administrators, faculty, and staff participants in the academic procession should gather robed on the north side of Marion between 9th Avenue and Terry Avenue. Graduating students will line up on the south side of Marion. Everyone needs to be in place by 1:45 p.m. to be a part of the procession. The Mass begins promptly at 2 p.m. 

Parking and Seating 

Parking is available in the O’Dea High School parking lot and the Cabrini Tower Garage. Guests may also choose to park on campus and walk to the Cathedral, which takes approximately 15 minutes. The Cathedral often fills up, so family members and guests are encouraged to arrive early to secure seats.

Frequently Asked Questions: 

What should I wear? 

Graduating Students: Wear your gowns and hoods, but no caps or mortar board for the Baccalaureate Mass. You may change into your academic robes in the robing room at St. James Cathedral Hall, entrance on Columbia Street, beginning at 1:15 p.m. We recommend not leaving any items in the robing hall, especially not valuables or money. 

Guests: There is no specific dress code for Baccalaureate Mass. We just ask that all be mindful that it is a religious space and a festive occasion!  

When should I arrive?  

Graduating Students: The robing room will be available from 1:15 p.m. onward. Please line up by 1:45 p.m. on the south side of Marion between 9th Avenue and Terry Avenue to be a part of the procession. 

Guests: No tickets are required, but seating is limited, so arrive early! Ushers will be available to assist you.  

What do I do?  

Graduating Students: Graduates will process into the Cathedral, and will be seated together throughout the mass, and will process out together at the end.  

Guests: Enjoy the liturgy as we pray for, bless, and celebrate our graduates!