Liturgical Life
One of the distinguishing characteristics of McQuaid Jesuit is its active liturgical life. For Catholics, the Eucharist is the source and summit of their Christian lives, and while Eucharist is central to the lives of Catholics, all students, regardless of religious affiliation, are active members of the liturgical life of McQuaid Jesuit.
Community Liturgies
As a Catholic school, McQuaid Jesuit proudly gathers to celebrate the Eucharist on four major occasions throughout the year. These student-led celebrations include the Mass of the Holy Spirit, Advent Liturgy, Feast of the Ascension, and Baccalaureate Mass.
Sacramental Preparation
Each year, McQuaid Jesuit offers sacramental preparation for students interested in celebrating Penance and receiving their First Holy Communion. The school proudly recognizes these students at the Easter Liturgy.
Companions Program
For students interested in becoming Catholic, McQuaid Jesuit’s Companions Program prepares young men for baptism, first communion, and/or confirmation in the Roman Catholic Church.
Sacrament of Reconciliation
Every student at McQuaid Jesuit is provided with an opportunity to celebrate the Sacrament of Reconciliation during the academic year. Grades 6-10 participate in penance services with their theology class, and juniors and seniors are afforded the opportunity during the Kairos Retreat.
Weekday Eucharistic Liturgies
Daily Mass is offered Monday-Friday at 7:30 a.m. in the Fr. Edward F. Salmon, S.J. Chapel and is open to the entire McQuaid Jesuit Community. There also are Masses during the Flex period for individual classes, holy days of obligation, etc.
Wednesday Examens
McQuaid Jesuit prays the Examen on Wednesdays before flex. Examens are led by upperclassmen and offer the community an experience of Ignatian reflection and spirituality.
Thanksgiving Interfaith Prayer Service
Because we are a Jesuit Catholic school, we welcome students of many faith traditions. To continue the work of the Second Vatican Council and its landmark document Nostra Aetate, our community gathers each November for our Interfaith Prayer Service. We follow the example of Pope Francis, saints from our Jesuit heritage, and many others who work to “create a culture of encounter.” As part of the celebration, we hear student reflections from various faith traditions. We also invite local religious leaders to preside at the service as a sign of our commitment to interfaith dialogue.