What is Baccalaureate Mass and are the seniors required to attend it?

Baccalaureate Mass is the closing liturgy for the Class of 2023, sending graduates forth in gratitude and prayer. Graduation is a ceremony sending forth graduates into the world.  Attendance at Baccalaureate Mass is required for all graduates.

What do graduates need to wear?

Baccalaureate Mass

• Students should be clean-shaven, wearing dress socks and shoes, dress pants, a collared shirt, and tie
• Graduation gown (free of wrinkles) over dress attire 
• Only Kairos crosses/pins and NHS, CSF cords—no other decorations
• No cap for Baccalaureate Mass

Commencement/Graduation

• Students should be clean-shaven, wearing dress socks and shoes, dress pants, a collared shirt, and tie
• Graduation gown (free of wrinkles) over dress attire
• Only Kairos crosses/pins and NHS, CSF cords—no other decorations
• Cap (tassels on caps to be worn on the right side)

Why should I only steam my gown? Will the iron really melt it?

All students will receive their cap and gown package at the mandatory Graduation rehearsal on May 18. If your gown is wrinkled, it is not a good idea to iron it as it can damage the fabric. Please only steam your gown – either with a hand steamer or by hanging it up in the bathroom with a hot shower running. Or check your clothes dryer to see if it has a wrinkle-ridding function.

What time can we arrive?

Baccalaureate Mass – Thursday, May 18, 2023 (Jesuit Gymnasium)

Graduates should arrive by 5:45 pm and check in at the Freshman Quad. Doors open for seating of family and friends at 5:45 pm

Graduation Ceremony – Saturday, May 20, 2023 (Memorial Auditorium)

Graduates should arrive by 8:30 am in order to be checked in at the front doors of Memorial Auditorium in a separate line for students. Doors at Memorial Auditorium will open at 8:30 am for guest seating. 

Where do we park for Baccalaureate Mass (Jesuit Gymnasium)?

Rideshare Drop-off – Jacob Lane (GPS – 1200 Jacob Lane, Carmichael)

• Rideshare services such as Uber or Lyft are encouraged and will have a designated drop-off zone off circle on Jacob Lane. Please help us be good neighbors, stay school side for traffic flow.

Handicap Parking & Accessible Family Drop-off – please drop in circle by Harris Center

• For family members who need a more accessible/close entrance to the event, drop-off in the circle by the Harris Center. Plan to bring at least one family member to help attend. 
• Handicap parking is available in marked spaces near the Student Athletic Center side of the building

General Parking – students and families, please ride together!

• Enter campus from our main entrance off O’Donnell and Fair Oaks. Please help us be good neighbors and do not park on streets. Volunteers will be on site to help direct traffic. Thank you for your patience and cooperation.

Where are the seats?

All seating in the Jesuit Gym and at Memorial Auditorium is open seating.

Be mindful of any reserved seating signs that may be in place, but IGNORE specific seating assignments on Ticketmaster’s Graduation tickets for Memorial Auditorium. 

Wheelchair and limited mobility seating is located on the main floor and will be clearly marked. 

Additional Memorial Auditorium Policies

• Masks: Following California state guidelines, masks are not required at this time. Any updates to the policy will be communicated. Visit their website for further details.
• Bags: All bags must be smaller than 8″x6″x1″ or clear. Clear bags, including diaper bags, must be smaller than 12″x12″x6″.
• Balloons: Not allowed in the building as they cannot go through the metal detectors.
• Flowers: Allowed in.
• Food and Drink: With exception to unopened bottled water, food and drink is not permitted inside the venue.
• Metal Detectors: All attendees required to go through a metal detector. All students should be directed to the front of the building for this.
• Tickets: Every attendee, regardless of age, requires a ticket for entry.   

Where can family and friends watch the live stream?

For quick reference, simply share www.JesuitHighSchool.org/Graduation with family and friends. We will then have the broadcast linked at the top of the page. 

These Live broadcasts of the events will be publicly accessible with no registration or login needed. A variety of platforms will be available, including YouTube and Facebook.

When will I receive proofs for photos? What if they don’t arrive?

Proofs typically arrive by USPS 2-3 weeks after graduation. Bill Smith Photography will email individual families directly with photos and ordering information.

How do I order professional photos?

Bill Smith Photography will email/text individual families directly with photos and ordering information.

Or go to billsmithphoto.com

• Select View/Order Sports & Event Photos from the “View My Images” dropdown menu
• Select the event you are looking for (such as JESUIT GRADUATION 5-20-23)
• If prompted, enter code and email that was sent to you and your student (personalized links will be emailed and also sent via text)
• Select your package

Call (916)749-1026 and select Option 1 or email services@billsmithphoto.com

Watch for more FAQs to be added shortly