Purpose and Events of the Society

The John Carroll Society is an association of Catholic laypersons united in their desire for an ever deepening and enriching knowledge of their faith and in service to the Archbishop of Washington. 

Annual Events

The Red Mass: This mass is celebrated at Saint Matthew's Cathedral on the Sunday before the opening of the Supreme Court's term in October. The homilist is traditionally a prominent member of the Catholic hierarchy and Supreme Court justices, cabinet officers and members of the local judiciary traditionally attend to invoke God's blessing upon the administration of justice. This year the Red Mass will be celebrated on October 3, 2004. At a brunch that follows the Mass the Society recognizes lawyers who have volunteered their time to represent indigents in the Archdiocesan Legal Network.

The Rose Mass: The Rose Mass invokes God's blessing upon doctors, nurse and all health care professionals. This year the Rose Mass will be held on March 6, 2005. As is true of the Red Mass, at a brunch that follows the Rose Mass, the Society honors doctors, nurses and health care professionals who have provided free medical care to the indigent and especially the homeless.

Pilgrimages and Retreats: Most years the Society sponsors summer pilgrimages to sites that have a profound meaning for Catholics, such as the Holy Land or Rome. In the summer of 2003, the society traveled to Ireland. Throughout the year, the Society will sponsor day trips to sites that have a particular significance for the history of American Catholicism. In the fall, there is a retreat on wheels, a one day spiritual retreat. In the spring, the Society begins Lent with a one day retreat at the Washington Retreat House in Northeast Washington

The Young Members Fellowship: The younger members of the Society join together throughout the year for religious and social occasions, including picnics, dances, talks by prominent members of the Society and sailing trips on the Chesapeake bay. The younger members also have a special project helping the teachers and children at a local, parochial school.

First Friday devotions: Every First Friday, except in July and August, the Society gathers for Mass at Saint Patrick's at 7:30 a.m.. Mass is followed by a talk by the Chaplain and then by a fellowship with coffee and breakfast. 

High School Scholarship Contest: Each year the Society sponsors a scholarship contest for Catholic high school students who write on a spiritual theme. The winner and runners up receive scholarships and the winning essay is published in the Catholic Standard, the diocesan newspaper. 

Other Masses and Brunches: Throughout the year, the Society sponsors Masses at Saint Patrick's followed by a brunch featuring a prominent speaker.

The Annual Dinner: The Society ends its year with its Annual Dinner at which it honors persons who have made unique contributions to American society and culture. In 2004, the Society honored Tim Russert, moderator of Meet the Press.

For more information, send an email to johncarrollsociety@hotmail.com

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