Calendar of Religious Observances
2009-2010 Religious Observances
The major religious events are divided into three categories or levels of observance.
- Level 1 comprises observances during which major campus-wide events and academic requirements should be avoided as much as possible.
- Level 2 comprises observances that for some students would require some flexibility in class attendance or campus scheduling.
- Level 3, provided here as a matter of interest, comprises religious events that would not normally impact campus events given the flexibility in their official observance.
The Muslim, Jewish, Protestant and Catholic communities hold regular weekly services in the Sacred Space in the Student Center. The schedule for these services is as follows:
WEEKLY RELIGIOUS SERVICES IN THE SACRED SPACE
Wednesday, 12:45 p.m., Buddhist meditation
Friday Muslim Jumma Prayer (please consult with Muslim adviser)
Friday, 4:00 p.m., Shabbat service (4th Friday)
Sunday, 4:00 p.m., Protestant service
Sunday, 7:00 p.m., Catholic Mass
Please note:
Jewish observances begin at sundown on the day preceding the dates indicated below.
An Islamic month begins with a confirmed sighting of the crescent moon. Therefore, the calendar dates given for Muslim observances are estimates.
For further information, please contact the Spiritual Life Center at 781.891.2194.
Level 1
Highest level of observance: avoid scheduling conflicts if at all possible
| 2009 | ||
| September 19 |
Rosh Hashanah |
Two-day celebration marking the Jewish New Year. The celebration begins at sundown the previous day. |
| September 28 | Yom Kippur | Jewish day of atonement and fasting. The celebration begins at sundown on the previous day. |
| 2010 | ||
| February 17 |
Ash Wednesday | Beginning of Lent for Christians. Day of fast for Catholics. |
| March 28 | Palm Sunday | Beginning of Holy Week for Christians. |
| March 30 to April 5 | Passover |
Jewish holy days (Days 1 and 2 and 7 and 8 are the most solemn). The celebration begins at sundown on the previous day. |
| April 2 |
Good Friday |
Christian commemoration of the passion and death of Jesus. |
| April 4 |
Easter | Observed on this date in 2010 by all Christians. |
Level 2
| 2009 | ||
| August 22 to September 22 | Ramadan |
Month during which Muslims observe a strict fast from sunrise to sunset. |
| September 21 | Eid-al-Fitr |
End of Ramadan marked by prayers and festive family gatherings. |
| October 3 |
Succoth |
Eight-day Jewish commemoration of life under booths in the desert. Begins at sundown of the previous day. |
| November 1 |
All Saints |
Observant Catholics are expected to attend Mass. |
| December 8 | Immaculate Conception |
The obligation to attend Mass is suspended in the U.S. because this solemnity falls on a Monday. |
| December 12 to 20 |
Hannukah |
Eight-day Jewish feast celebrated in families. The celebration begins at sundown on the previous day. |
| December 25 | Christmas | Christian commemoration of the birth of Jesus. |
| 2010 | ||
| April 1 | Maundy Thursday |
Christian Observance of the Last Supper. |
| May 13 |
Ascension |
Catholics are expected to attend Mass. |
Level 3
| 2009 | ||
| August 15 | Assumption |
Observant Catholics are expected to attend Mass. |
| October 17 |
Diwali |
Hindu celebration of lights. |
| December 8 |
Bodhi Day |
Buddhist anniversary. |
