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Religious Calendar (2012-2013)

Fall Term 2012

 September 4
Faculty Convocation
 September 9
Reception for all Faith Groups
 September 9
Roman Catholic Mass (as part of Orientation Schedule)
 September 9
Matriculation Ceremony (New Students Only)
 September 17-18
Rosh Hashanah (Jewish)
Begins sundown Sept 16, ends sundown Sept 18
This marks the beginning of the Jewish year and the beginning
of the High Holy Days
.
 September 26
Yom Kippur (Jewish)
Begins sundown Sept 25, ends sundown Sept 26
The “Day of Atonement”, marked by prayer, fasting, and
repentance.

   
 October 1-7
Sukkot (Jewish)
Begins sundown Sept 30, ends sundown Oct 7
The feast of the Tabernacles, commemorating the dwelling of Israelites in the wilderness
 October 6
Non Sibi Day
 October 9
Simchat Torah (Jewish)
Begins sundown Oct 8, ends sundown Oct 9
The “Rejoicing of the Torah” is the end of the Torah reading
cycle.
 October 24-29*
Hajj (Muslim)
Time designated for the obligatory pilgrimage to Mecca. *Based on lunar cycle
 October 26
Eid al Adha (Muslim)
“Festival of Sacrifice”, recalling Abraham’s devotion in offering his son as a sacrifice.
 October 26-27
Parents' Weekend
 October 28
Interfaith Worship Service (Parents’ Weekend)
 October 31
Reformation Day (Christian)
Protestant anniversary of their tradition and its emphasis
on the place of the Bible and religious freedom.
   
 November 1
All Saints Day (Christian)
Recognizes all those who have achieved beatification
 November 2
All Souls Day (Christian)
The day commemorating the faithful departed.
 November 11
Veteran's Day
 November 13
Divali Celebration (Hindu)
The “Festival of Lights” celebrates different sacred stories in the Hindu tradition.
 November 16-26
Thanksgiving Vacation
 November 22
Thanksgiving
   
 December 2
Children's Christmas Pageant
 December 2
Advent (Christian)
The season of preparation for the birth of Jesus.
 December 2
 Lessons and Carols
 December 8
Bodhi Day (Buddhist)
Marks the Buddha's attainment of Enlightenment
 December 7-Jan 2
Winter Vacation
 December 7
Messiah Sing
 December 9-16 Hanukkah (Jewish)
Begins sundown Dec 8, ends sundown Dec 16
The “Festival of Lights”, commemorating the victory of the
Maccabees and the rededication of the Temple
 December 21
Winter Solstice (Pagan/Wiccan)
The shortest day of the year.
 December 25
Christmas (Christian)
The celebration of the birth of Jesus in Bethlehem.
 December 26-Jan 1
Kwanza

An African-American celebration honoring African values and belief

Winter Term 2013

January 21
Martin Luther King Jr. Day
January 25-27 Jewish Cultural Weekend
   
February 10
Mahashivratri (Hindu)
A celebration for the devotees of Shiva.
February 15 Nirvana Day (Buddhist)
Celebrates the death of the Gautama when he reached total Nirvana
February 13 Ash Wednesday (Christian)
The start of Lent, the 40-day period (excluding Sundays)
of prayer and repentance that precedes Easter
 February 24
Purim (Jewish)
Begins sundown Feb 23
Marks the victory of the Jews over their tyrannical enemy.
   
March 10 Mahashivratri (Hindu)
A celebration for the devotees of Shiva.
March 13 L. Ron Hubbard’s Birthday
Scientology founder
March 14-April1 Spring Vacation
March 24 Palm Sunday (Christian)
The beginning of “Holy Week”.
March 26-April 2 Passover (Jewish)
Begins sundown March 25, ends sundown April 2
Commemorates the liberation of the Israelites from Egyptian bondage.
March 27
Holi (Hindu)
A festival that includes throwing colored water or powder
in celebration of episodes in the life of Krishna.
March 28 Maundy Thursday (Christian)
Marks the “Last Supper” of Jesus and his disciples
March 29 Good Friday (Christian)
Recalls the crucifixion of Jesus.
March 31 Easter (Christian)
Celebrates the resurrection of Jesus.

Spring Term 2013

April 20
Ramanavami (Hindu)
Nine-day festival in honor of Ram
April 22 Patriots Day
   
May 2 National Day of Prayer
May 11 Grandparents' Day
May 12
Roman Catholic Confirmation, Mother's Day
May 15-16 Shavuot (Jewish)
Begins sundown May 14, ends sundown May 16
The “Feast of Weeks”, celebrates the giving of the Torah at
Mount Sinai
May 19 Pentecost (Christian)
Marks the coming of the Holy Spirit to the disciples of Jesus.
Considered the founding of the Christian Church.
May 25 Visakha Puja (Buddhist)
Holiest of days in the Buddhist year, celebrates the birth of the Buddha.
May 27 Memorial Day
   
June 6 Senior Prom
June 7 Senior/Faculty Convocation
June 8 Baccalaureate Service
June 9 Commencement
June 14-16 Reunion Weekend
June 21 Summer Solstice (Pagan/Wiccan)
Longest day of the year.