Opening of Supreme Court Term to be Marked with Red Mass October 6
Annual Event Asks God’s Guidance for Courts, Attorneys, Government and Diplomatic Officials
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Prayers for God’s guidance and blessings will be asked for those involved in the nation’s system of law and justice at the 72nd annual Red Mass, Sunday, October 6, 2024. The Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Washington and The John Carroll Society will host the liturgy the day before the opening of the Supreme Court’s term.
Cardinal Wilton Gregory of Washington will be principal celebrant. The homilist will be Deacon Darryl Kelley, an attorney and former Maryland legislator. The annual Mass invokes God’s guidance and blessing on justices, judges, diplomats, attorneys, and government officials.
72nd Annual Red Mass
Sunday, October 6, 2024
8:45 a.m. ET Pre-Mass Ceremony
9 a.m. ET
The Cathedral of St. Matthew the Apostle
1725 Rhode Island Avenue N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20036
(Limited seating for credentialed journalists will be available inside by contacting the archdiocese to RSVP. Journalists inside the cathedral will be permitted to take notes, but recording or photography of any kind will not be permitted. The livestream linked above may be used for reporting purposes.)
The Red Mass is a tradition that dates back many centuries. The name comes from the color of the liturgical vestments worn by the celebrants and the color of fire, a symbol of the Holy Spirit.
At a brunch at the Capitol Hilton following the Mass, The John Carroll Society will honor several legal professionals who provide pro bono support to the Catholic Charities legal network with the Pro Bono Legal Awards in recognition of volunteer service.
The Red Mass and Pro Bono Legal Awards are sponsored each year by The John Carroll Society, a Washington area organization that provides spiritual, intellectual, charitable and social opportunities for Catholic professionals in service to the Archbishop of Washington. Learn more about the John Carroll Society in The Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Washington at johncarrollsociety.org.
###
The Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Washington is home to more than 655,000 Catholics, 139 parishes and 90 Catholic schools, located in Washington, D.C., and five Maryland counties: Calvert, Charles, Montgomery, Prince George’s and St. Mary’s.