The Feast Day of St. Francis of Assisi
Each year, the St. Lawrence Seminary community celebrates the feast of St. Francis with the “Transitus” Service on October 3rd. This service remembers the passing of St. Francis from this life to eternal life. On the Feast of St. Francis, October 4th, a special liturgy is held and a banquet follows with the entire student body, faculty and staff of the school.
St. Nicholas’ Day
During the night of 5-6 December, prior to St. Nicholas’ day, the Student Council prepares an individual treat for each student. Students leave their shoes by their beds in the hope of receiving a gift. By this time the Advent season is in full swing at the school. Optional evening masses every day, the Angel Tree Project, caroling in the local area and class parties also contribute to the tradition.
Our Lady of Guadalupe
On December 12 the school celebrates the Apparition of Our Lady of Guadalupe, patroness of the Americas. Hispanic parents from the Chicago-Indiana Parents Guild come to the seminary and make and serve the students a traditional Mexican feast. The mass is dedicated to Our Lady and is celebrated in English and Spanish.
Christmas Celebration
The night before Christmas Break, a celebration takes place that includes a table prayer and banquet. The celebration concludes with an evening band and choir Christmas Concert, a party in the refectory and special evening prayer.
TET Celebration
Asian Lunar New Year Celebration (Tét/Seollal): This is a celebration of the Vietnamese and Korean New Year. The celebration includes a Vietnamese and Korean meal and dragon dance.
Cultural Heritage Festival
This evening celebrates the richness of the cultural heritage of the students. Students prepare their favorite ethnic foods to share with other members of the St. Lawrence community.