Community Events

New Student Orientation

The New Student Orientation Course is meant to integrate incoming students with the larger student body and help them become familiar with life at Mater Ecclesiae College.  Students are introduced to all aspects of campus life, from the academic program to their rights and responsibilities as students, as well as all student facilities and services, including academic, residential, social and spiritual.

International Days

As a way to celebrate the international diversity of our student body, special celebrations are held on the Patron Saint’s Day of each country that has at least one student representative attending the college.  Examples are October 19th for St. Jean de Brebeuf and St. Isaac Jogues, patrons of Canada; December 8th for the Immaculate Conception, patroness of the USA; and April 28th for St. Peter Chanel, patron of New Zealand.  These days start off with a Mass offered for the country and the Mater Ecclesiae students whose home country it is.  During the day there is more time for recreation as well as a special lunch featuring the cuisine of that country.

Excursions

At least twice a month, but more frequently during Freshman year and exam periods, excursions are organized for the entire student body to get out into the fresh air, enjoy nature and get some exercise while enjoying the company of their fellow students.

Any student interested in being on the committee to help organize these excursions can let their Dean of Students know.

Holy Days

The liturgical solemnities celebrated throughout the year are special days on campus.  The day begins with a High Mass in which all parts are sung.  Meals are prepared with special attention and slight changes in the schedule allow for more time of recreation.

A team or a small group of students or faculty may propose to make a presentation to the rest of the student body or the entire community as part of the celebration – perhaps a presentation on a current event; historical or cultural topic; recent fieldwork assignments or trips.

Commemorative Days

As with any family, anniversaries are important.  We celebrate the opening of a new school year and the anniversary of our foundationamong others.  These days are marked by a High Mass, special meals and more recreation time.

Special activities on these days include contact with other centers of Regnum Christi around the world, memorial videos, and expositions of Regnum Christi activities and spirituality.

Family Weekend  

Families are invited to visit Mater Ecclesiae College at the end of August, although other dates can be arranged.  The dates coincide with the celebration of the newly consecrated members joining Mater Ecclesiae College.  Events include a Family Mass, breakfast, entertainment by the choir and orchestra, tours of the campus, and a presentation on Consecrated Life in Regnum Christi and life on campus at Mater Ecclesiae College. 

Family Visits

Families are welcome to visit.  The best week for visits is at the end of August.  Each year, around this time, an open house is held.  There is a special family Mass and reception, and the Mater Ecclesiae College orchestra provides entertainment. There is also an informative presentation on Mater Ecclesiae College. Families who visit at this time benefit from the planned activities as well as being able to meet other families whose daughters have felt called to join consecrated life in Regnum Christ and to attend Mater Ecclesiae College.

To aid those families coming to visit their daughters, other useful information can be found on the network.

Christmas Open House

It has become a tradition for many friends and families to visit Mater Ecclesiae College for our Christmas Open house to share in the true meaning of Christmas and view the Nativity Scene prepared by Mater Ecclesiae College students.  Many students like to get involved in this community outreach activity.

Christmas Celebration

Christmas is a special time for everyone at Mater Ecclesiae College. When classes are dismissed for the Christmas break the preparation that already began when Advent started is intensified and the external preparations begin.  The house is decorated, the chapel prepared, meals and goodies are cooked and the art team puts the final touches on the Nativity Scene that will be unveiled after midnight Mass.  Finally, after a formal Christmas Eve Dinner, the time for the Solemn Christmas Mass comes.  Following the liturgical celebration, the college community proceeds to the auditorium for the unveiling of the Nativity Scene in the Christmas Room where the night is closed with Christmas Carols.

Easter Celebration

Holy Week, the days leading up to Easter, is a time of prayer for students and faculty.  The passion, death and resurrection of Christ is central to our faith as Christians.  As women who have consecrated their lives to Christ, we stop everything else we are doing in order to spend these holy days with him. After the forty days of Lenten preparation and the intense days of Holy Week, the excitement builds as the Solemn Easter Vigil approaches. Easter Sunday is spent together as a family and with the young women who have come to visit the college for Holy Week.  The day of Easter and the entire week that follows is dedicated to celebrating the Lord’s Resurrection.

Summer Vacation

Mater Ecclesiae College provides students with two weeks away on summer vacation in order to rest and get ready for the upcoming year.  It is a time of great camaraderie and an invaluable opportunity to mix with everyone.  The vacation includes staying together in cabins; spending the days hiking, swimming, and visiting State Parks; and praying together.