Baccalaureate Mass

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 University, transitioning into the future as bearers of our university mission, leaders for a just and humane world.

As a Jesuit university, we observe this ritual within the context of a Catholic Mass, where people of all religious, secular, and spiritual traditions are warmly invited to attend and participate. We welcome graduating students, families, faculty, and staff to join us in celebrating this significant transition. 

Date: Saturday, June 13

Procession Participant Check-In: 1:15-1:45 p.m.

Mass Begins: 2:00 p.m.

Location: St. James Cathedral, 804 9th Ave. Seattle, 98104 

Parking: Limited parking will be available in the O'Dea High School parking lot and Cabrini Center parking garage. Guests may also choose to park on campus and walk to the Cathedral, which takes approximately 15 minutes. Seattle University is offering on-campus complimentary parking for graduates and their guests during Commencement weekend. View more details about on-campus parking on the Commencement Transportation and Parking webpage. Seating is limited, so guests are encouraged to arrive early.

Get Involved

Members of the Seattle University community are invited to participate in the liturgy:

• Baccalaureate Mass Choir: Open to students, faculty, staff, and alumni—no prior singing experience required. Participants will sing alongside SU Choirs students and a quartet of professional cantors. The time commitment is minimal, and the music is accessible. For rehearsal details and to sign up, please fill out this form.
• Liturgical Ministers: Opportunities include ushers, candle bearers, readers (including in languages other than English), gift bearers, and communion ministers. Please fill out this form to indicate your interest and preferences. Additional information on eligibility and training is included on the form. 

Additional Information for Procession Participants

• 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 p.m. in Cathedral Hall. Please enter the hall on the north side of Columbia Street, halfway between 9th Ave. and Terry Ave. It is recommended that you not leave any items in the robing hall during the Mass.
• Administrator, faculty and staff participants in the academic procession should gather robed on the north side of Marion between 9th Ave. and Terry Ave. 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. Mass begins promptly at 2 p.m. 

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I wear? 

• Graduating Students: Wear your gowns and hoods, but no caps or mortar board for the Baccalaureate Mass.
• Guests: There is no specific dress code though we just all attendees to be mindful that it is both a religious service and a festive university celebration.

When should I arrive?

• Graduating Students: Please arrive in time to robe and line up by 1:45 p.m. for the academic procession.
• Guests: No tickets are required. Ushers will be available to assist with seating.

What happens during the Mass?

• Graduating Students: Graduates will participate in the academic procession and be seated together during the Mass.
• Guests: All are invited to participate prayerfully as we celebrate and bless our graduates during this important moment in their lives.