College Traditions

Check out some of the traditions that bring our community together.

Some of our traditions are steeped in religion and reflection. Others give us a chance to celebrate our accomplishments. A few are just plain fun.

Explore Campus Traditions

  • Move-In Day

    First-year students arriving to move into their residence halls are greeted by hundreds of alumni, staff and student volunteers.

    Move-In Day

  • Orientations

    Events and activities support students as they transition to life at Holy Cross and in Worcester.

    Orientations

  • Mass of the Holy Spirit

    This signature Holy Cross tradition takes place on first-year student move-in day. During the Mass, faculty in academic regalia, administration and staff welcome the new students with blessings, and their parents and families wish them well as they begin their new journey.

    Mass of the Holy Spirit

  • Welcome Week

    Members of the first-year class are welcomed with a weeklong string of events starting from the moment they step on campus.

    Orientation

  • Fall Convocation

    First-year students, student leaders, faculty and administrators convene for this ceremony at the beginning of each academic year.

    Fall Convocation

  • Fall Homecoming

    Alumni return to campus each fall to celebrate the past, present and future of Holy Cross. The weekend features academic, social and athletic events.

    Homecoming

  • Family Weekend

    Parents, grandparents and other family come to campus each fall to visit their student and tour Holy Cross.

    Family Weekend

  • Cocurricular Extravaganza

    The Cocurricular Extravaganza is the annual clubs and activities fair, hosted by the Purple Key Society and the Office of Student Involvement. Held within the first few weeks of the fall semester, this event is a great way to meet student leaders and learn how to get involved outside of the classroom.

  • Advent Festival of Lessons and Carols

    During Advent in early December, a “Festival of Lessons and Carols” service is held in St. Joseph Memorial Chapel hosted by the Office of the College Chaplains and the College Choir.

    Advent Festival of Lessons and Carols

  • Christmas Tree Lighting

    The Purple Key Society invites the campus community to an annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony in early December. Student groups perform, Santa Claus stops by and attendees are offered free cookies, hot chocolate and cider.

    Christmas Tree Lighting

  • Midnight Breakfast

    At the end of each semester, students are invited to take a break from late-night study sessions and refuel at a midnight breakfast with dishes like Belgian waffles, scrambled eggs and bacon served up by Deans and administrators.

  • Multifaith Community Day of Prayer

    Celebrated in Mary Chapel on the first day that spring semester classes begin, the service provides a time to reflect on the rich faith traditions that are represented at Holy Cross.

    Multifaith Community Day of Prayer

  • Purple Pride Day

    Hosted by the Purple Key Society each Spring, Purple Pride Day is a one day celebration for all of campus to acknowledge our love of Holy Cross! Pop up events, giveaways and performances happen on campus throughout the day.

  • Winter Homecoming

    Alumni return to campus each winter to celebrate the past, present and future of Holy Cross. The weekend features academic, social and athletic events.

    Homecoming

  • Fashion Shows

    Hosted by our multicultural student organizations, like the BSU (Black Student Union), CASA (Caribbean African Student Assemblage) and DESI (Development and Educating South Asian Ideologies), annual fashion shows feature live music, dance, authentic cuisine and the opportunity to learn about new cultures through art and fashion.

  • 100 Days Ball

    In honor of celebrating 100 days until Commencement, the senior class is invited to join in celebrating their accomplishments at an off campus dance, sponsored by the Purple Key Society.

  • Sanctae Crucis Awards

    At the beginning of each academic year, these awards — the highest non-degree recognition bestowed by the College on a graduate — are presented to alumni who are leaders in business, professional or civic life, who live by the highest intellectual and ethical standards and who are committed to the service of faith and promotion of justice.

  • Spring Concert

    Hosted annually each Spring by the Campus Activities Board (CAB), our outdoor Spring Concert features the student band winner of Battle of the Bands and national headliners. Recent headliners include The Kid LAROI, Plain White T's, Natasha Bedingfield and Iyaz.

  • Spring Weekend

    Spring Weekend features a variety of events, including the Campus Activities Board's Spring Concert, the Food Truck Festival, HC Glowfest, ROOTS Dance Showcase, 88.1 WCHC's Mt. St. Jams Band Showcase, and the Springfest which brings rides, games and inflatables to campus!

    Spring on Campus

  • Senior Convocation

    Designed for and by seniors on the eve of their final semester, the annual event offers fourth-year students an opportunity to reflect on their journey and consider how to maximize their remaining time on campus to set them on a positive path forward.

    Senior Convocation

  • Senior Week

    Senior Week, celebrated the week before Commencement, is four full days of school-sponsored activities both on and off campus that have been carefully selected and booked by the SGA Senior Class Officers. Seniors can look back on their time at Holy Cross, make or cement friendships and enjoy their final days on The Hill.

  • Commencement

    Diplomas are awarded to graduating students during Commencement Exercises at Worcester's DCU Center in May. Honorary degrees are assigned to those who embrace the mission of Holy Cross in their daily lives.

    Commencement

  • Baccalaureate Mass

    This annual liturgy of celebration, blessing, and thanksgiving is open to all seniors, their families, and guests. During the Mass, administration, staff and faculty in academic regalia offer blessings to the graduating students and wish them well on their future endeavors.

    Baccalaureate Mass

  • Reunion

    Holy Cross invites alumni to return to campus for four days in early June to reconnect, reminisce and reflect on their Holy Cross experience. Reunion is a celebration for the classes falling on every five-year anniversary.

    Reunion

Experience Traditions Yourself