The John Carroll Society

The John Carroll Society partners with Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Washington, D.C. to serve hot meals to homeless men and women through the dinner van program.

Members of the John Carroll Society volunteer certain evenings to serve food and beverages to about two hundred of the hungry in downtown D.C. outside of Catholic Charities.

The annual Top of the Town event is a great opportunity for Young Members to gather for food, fellowship and a lovely view of Washington.

Additionally, in support of the Archdiocese's "Walk with Francis" campaign, which calls on groups and individuals to perform corporal works of mercy for those less fortunate as part of the Holy Father's visit, we will be collecting socks for men, women and children which Catholic Charities will distribute in the community. Please bring a package of new socks to the event.

This event is free but registration is required.

The Red Mass is celebrated annually at the Cathedral of St. Matthew the Apostle, traditionally on the Sunday before the first Monday in October, which marks the opening of the Supreme Court's annual term. Its purpose is to invoke God's blessings on those responsible for the administration of justice as well as on all public officials.

Most Rev. Wilton D. Gregory
Archbishop of Washington
Principal Celebrant and Homilist


To learn more about the history of the Red Mass, please click here.

We will honor several individuals and law firms for the pro bono support of the Catholic Charities Legal Network at a brunch immediately following the Mass.

2019 Pro Bono Legal Services Awardees

The brunch is at the Capital Hilton (1001 16th St NW). Brunch tickets are $60 each or you may purchase of table of 10 for $700. Priority seating is given to table purchases.

Retreat Director: Fr. Dennis McManus, Associate Professor, Mount St. Mary's Seminary

Bus transportation to the retreat at Mount St. Mary's is available. If you are taking the bus, please meet at St. Ann's Church (4001 Yuma St., NW, Washington DC) at 8:00 am. Parking is available at St. Ann's. The bus will return to St. Ann's by 5:30 pm.

If you are driving on your own, please arrive at Mount St. Mary's (16300 Old Emmitsburg Rd., Emmitsburg, MD) by 9:30 am.

The cost of the retreat is $55 (includes light breakfast, buffet lunch, and round-trip bus).

The Feast of St. Nicholas is celebrated the first Sunday in December at the 5 pm Mass at the Church of the Little Flower in Bethesda, MD.

Immediately following Mass, there is a reception in the Parish Hall. Food and drinks are served and St. Nicholas makes a special appearance!

Unwrapped toys or gift cards for our annual toy drive are welcome.

The event is free and no registration is required.

The Mass is traditionally celebrated at St. Patrick Church, followed by a brunch (often referred to as the January Brunch) held at a nearby venue. The January Brunch traditionally focuses on members of the academic community, counting among its speakers many university presidents and professors. We especially welcome the attendance of alumni/ae of Catholic colleges and universities and new members of the John Carroll Society.

This year, the Mass celebrates the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord.

Following the Mass, brunch will be held at the Grand Hyatt Washington, with a guest speaker.

All are welcome!