Opening of the Academic Year Mass

Students, faculty, staff and their families are invited to gather for the Opening of the Academic Year Mass at 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, August 23 in the Purcell Pavilion of the Joyce Center. Doors open at 4:30 p.m. All are most welcome!

Rev. John I. Jenkins, C.S.C., University President, will serve as presider and homilist. Music for the liturgy will be provided by over 200 members of the Notre Dame Chorale, Folk Choir, Glee Club, Liturgical Choir, and Women's Liturgical Choir, accompanied by the Concert Band.

Academic Procession/ Academic Regalia for Faculty

Faculty wishing to participate in the Academic Procession which precedes the Mass can secure academic regalia through the Hammes Notre Dame Bookstore site. Those participating in the academic procession should assemble by 5:10 p.m. in the North Dome of the Joyce Center, entering through Gate 4.

Picnic on South Quad Following Mass

Please join us for a campus community picnic on South Quad from 6:30-8:00 p.m. Families welcome! 

Details about the locally-sourced menu can be found here. Dining Halls will be closed for the occasion.

Musical entertainment will be provided by the Oblates of Blues, a band whose members are part of the Notre Dame community, and balloon artists and stilt-walkers will also be on hand. 

In the event of inclement weather, the picnic can be enjoyed at either North Dining Hall or South Dining Hall.

Parking and Shuttles

Attendees are encouraged to park in the Joyce Center lots. The University's South Shuttle will be extended until 9:00 p.m. Courtesy golf carts will also be available 6:00-9:00 p.m. for those who might wish for assistance. The golf carts will be available outside of Gate 3 as Mass concludes and will be available after the picnic as well.