Baccalaureate Masses
University Mission and Ministry cordially invites the UIW family to gather in thanksgiving to celebrate the sacrifices and accomplishments of our soon-to-be graduates. We know that having the opportunity to see friends, family, and mentors who have impacted one's life is an important part of the celebration of this day. It is a time for our graduates and their families to gather in community before God and give thanks for all that has been and will be in the future. We celebrate with great joy and humility the work of God in our lives.
Friday, May 5, 2023
6:30 p.m. | Chapel of the Incarnate Word | Event will be Livestreamed
4503 Broadway, San Antonio, Texas 78209
Campus Map
6:45 p.m. | Our Lady’s Chapel
Administration Building, First Floor, 4301 Broadway, San Antonio, Texas 78209
Campus Map
A reception will be held following the Baccalaureate Mass in the Student Engagement Center (SEC) concourse on the first floor.
Watch the Livestream
FAQ
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 commence the next chapter of their lives.
Baccalaureate Mass will be celebrated in person. One ceremony will be in the Chapel of the Incarnate Word at 6:30 p.m. and a second ceremony will be held at Our Lady's Chapel (in the Administration Building) at 6:45 p.m. We will fill the Chapel of the Incarnate Word first and then Our Lady’s Chapel in order of arrival time.
We are blessed to have access to two beautiful chapels. The significant nature of this celebration calls for a sacred space which supports the integrity of the Mass and the prayerful participation of all gathered.
The Baccalaureate Mass will be livestreamed. View the livestream here.
Mass 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 received a link through their Cardinal email on April 19 to claim their tickets for Commencement and the Baccalaureate Mass. Please contact the Registrar’s Office if you have questions about obtaining the link.
Due to fire code and other restrictions, the Chapel of the Incarnate Word is limited to a total of 400 persons. Our Lady’s Chapel is limited to 250 persons. Graduates wishing to participate in the Mass in person may obtain up to three tickets – one for themselves and up to two guests. Tickets will be issued on a first come, first served basis. Register early as tickets are usually in high demand.
In-person Attendance
We will fill the Chapel of the Incarnate Word first and then fill Our Lady’s Chapel, in order of arrival time on the day of the Mass.
Instructions for checking in for the Baccalaureate Mass and other information will be communicated by email prior to the day of Mass. Only graduates who registered for Baccalaureate Mass tickets will receive this information. We strongly recommend you check your email regularly.
On the day of the Mass, only ticketed individuals will be seated. Non-ticketed individuals 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. To request disability accommodation for events, please complete the online form.
More questions?
If you have any questions that have not been addressed in these FAQs, please email pr@uiwtx.edu. For technical assistance, please contact the Help Desk at (210) 829-2721.