Dear Parents and Guardians of the Class of 2023,
As we draw closer graduation, I have some very important information to share with you to ensure that the process is as smooth as possible for you and our students.
The Baccalaureate Mass and Commencement Exercises for the Class of 2023 will take place at the Cathedral-Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul on Friday, June 9, 2023 at 2:00 PM. The procession of graduates will begin at 1:40 PM.
The following information provides an overview of policies and procedures generally associated with graduation. It is meant as a point of reference. If you have any questions, please contact the appropriate office. The Office of Student Affairs releases the graduation materials to students who have been cleared in terms of conduct, academics, and finances. The Office of Student Services handles all conduct issues. The Office of Academic Affairs handles academic issues. The Financial Affairs Office handles financial issues. The Guidance Office handles the Graduation program in regards to senior post-secondary decisions and scholarship offers.
In order to be cleared for graduation, the following conditions must be met:
- all tuition and fees must be paid-in-full
- there may be no academic failures
- a student must have a passing conduct grade for the year
- there may be no excessive absences or latenesses
- all textbooks must be returned
- all athletic obligations (fees paid, uniforms returned, etc.) must be met.
Caps/Gowns/Ticket Distribution
Caps, gowns, and tickets will be distributed on Thursday, June 8, 2023 to those students who are eligible to receive them.
Tickets/Seating
Each student will receive 2 Reserved and 2 General Admission tickets. Please contact Mr. Bob Rowan at 215-627-1270 (ext. 108) for special needs access to the Cathedral. You will be directed to the side entrance of the Cathedral. Brothers who currently attend Roman may volunteer as ushers or altar servers (and would not need a ticket). Sign-up sheets will be available in the Office of Student Affairs.
Baccalaureate Mass
Family members and close family friends who are clergy are welcome to concelebrate the Baccalaureate Mass. In addition, you may wish to include the graduate's deceased parents or siblings in the Prayer of the Faithful. Please email Mr. Jeffery Shields, our Director of Campus Ministry, at jshields@romancatholichs.com by May 22, 2023.
Practices
Two MANDATORY graduation practices will be held. Students must attend both graduation practices. The first practice will be held here at the Cathedral on Wednesday, June 7, 2023 beginning at 10 AM. Students should be dismissed at approximately 11:30 AM. The second practice will be held at the Cathedral on Thursday, June 8, 2023 beginning at 10AM. Students should report directly to the Cathedral where roll will be taken. Dismissal should be at approximately 11:30 AM. The administration reserves the right to delay dismissal from either or both graduation practices if the situation warrants. Seniors are invited to a pizza party at school following graduation practice on Thursday. Yearbooks will be distributed at this time. Remember: All Seniors will receive a yearbook if tuition is paid.
Graduation Protocol
Students must report to the Chapel of the Cathedral at 1:00 PM on Friday, June 9, 2023. Students should enter through the Chapel doors rather than the main doors of the Cathedral. Students must wear their school tie, white shirt, and black dress pants under their cap and gown. No sandals, sneakers, or earrings are permitted. Students must be clean shaven. Please do not bring hangers or plastic bags into the Chapel. Parents are not permitted in the Chapel.
The Cathedral doors will open at 1:00 PM. Parents and guests are not permitted in the Cathedral before that time. In order to avoid confusion and awkward circumstances for the faculty and student ushers, we ask that families arrive together. Saving seats is not permitted. Balloons are not permitted in the Cathedral out of respect for the sanctity of the ceremony and our environment. No food or drink is permitted. All cell phones must be turned off. Faculty ushers, student ambassadors, and Mr. Conroy will be available in the Cathedral to address these and any other issues. We ask that guests remain quiet, holding applause during the ceremony, so that all parents can hear their son's name called.
We are looking forward to celebrating your son's achievement as he graduates high school! Please feel free to reach out to rrowan@romancatholichs.com with any questions.
Sincerely,
Mr. Bob Rowan '13
Assistant Principal for Student Affairs
