Baccalaureate Masses

The Baccalaureate Mass is traditionally a religious service rooted in the medieval European custom of presenting graduating candidates for the degree of Bachelor (bacca) with laurels (lauri) or recognition of their achievement. At the University of the Incarnate Word, this service takes form as a Catholic Mass, thanking God for the time our graduates have devoted to growing in wisdom at this place of education. It is the final spiritual act we walk with our students as they begin the next chapter of their lives.

Both Masses will take place in the Chapel of the Incarnate Word at 2 p.m. and 6 p.m.  There will be no Masses held anywhere else on campus

Both Baccalaureate Masses will be livestreamed. View the livestream here.

Both Masses will also be livestreamed for those who are unable to attend or who prefer to view from home. No registration is required. View the livestream here.

Students approved for graduation will receive a link through their Cardinal email on March 31 to claim their tickets for Commencement. The RSVP for the Baccalaureate Mass will be located on the same portal as Commencement tickets. No tickets will be issued for the Baccalaureate Mass, but an RSVP is required. Graduates and their guests are asked to attend the Mass for which they RSVP’d.

Due to fire code and other restrictions, the Chapel of the Incarnate Word is limited to a total of 400 persons. Graduates wishing to participate in the Mass in person may RSVP for up to three persons – the graduate and and up to two guests. RSVPs will be taken on a first come, first served basis. RSVP as early as possible.

NOTE: A “Know Before You Go – Baccalaureate Mass” memo will be sent via Canvas the week leading to the Baccalaureate Mass. It will contain information and updates for the Masses, including if space is available for extra guests. Please check your email.

In-person Attendance

Graduates and guests will be seated from front to back in Chapel of the Incarnate Word. Please follow the directions of the hospitality ministers. Seating is on a first come-first served basis. Due to the number of attendees, plan to arrive together. Please do not save seats.

Graduates will sit with their families/guests. Faculty are invited to sit among the graduates.

A “Know Before You Go – Baccalaureate Mass” memo with information and updates for the Baccalaureate Mass will be sent via email through Canvas the week leading to the Masses. Only graduates who are participating in one of the Baccalaureate Masses will receive this information. We strongly recommend you check your email regularly.

On the day of the Mass, individuals who RSVP’d will be seated first. Walk-ins will be seated only if space remains.

On-line Attendance

Mass will be livestreamed. No registration is required. View the livestream here.

Yes. The Mass will be livestreamed. View the livestream here.

Graduates are invited to wear their caps and gowns, and faculty are invited to wear their academic regalia.

The University of the Incarnate Word provides reasonable accommodations for special events with adequate notice. We have contracted with Caption Source to provide a bilingual captioner for the Mass. An ASL signer will also be present for each Mass. To request disability accommodation for events, please complete the online form.

Request for Event Accommodations