Baccalaureate

Following a long-standing tradition dating back to Oxford University in 1432, Central Catholic seniors will gather this evening for Mass at St. Mary's Church to participate in our Baccalaureate Mass. The Baccalaureate ceremony itself stems from a medieval custom of presenting the candidates for Bachelor's (bacca) degrees with laurels (lauri) orations praising the value of education and the wisdom thus acquired. The degree recipient was obliged to deliver an oration or semon in Latin (the common language of the educated) as part of the academic requirements for the completion of the degree. The ceremony evolved into a worship service in praise and thanksgiving for lives dedicated to learning. Since the early universities founded in America were for the education of ministers, the Baccalaureate Service continued, eventually was adopted at the high school level, and in Catholic Schools, incorporated into Holy Mass. Thus, tonight our seniors, faculty and staff, fully robed, will give praise and thanks to God for the blessings and achievements of the past four years in a thoughtfully prepared, meaningful liturgy. It is a joyful event full of memories, promise and challenge. Our world-wide community of Daily Bread readers is invited to pray with us and share the joy of accomplish-ment with us.
Bro. Rene