Fairfield University hosts diocesan Red Mass for members of the legal profession | Press Releases

9 a.m., September 28, 2014, at Egan Chapel of St. Ignatius of Loyola

Bishop Frank J. Caggiano will be the principal celebrant and homilist

Image: Campus Ministry Attorneys, judges, paralegals and others in the practice of law are invited to the biennial diocesan Red Mass celebration at 9 a.m. on Sunday, September 28, 2014 , in the Egan Chapel of St. Ignatius of Loyola at Fairfield University.

The Red Mass offers Catholic legal practitioners an opportunity to reflect on the responsibilities and challenges they face in their daily lives. It continues a centuries old tradition allowing all those who pursue justice an opportunity to ask the Holy Spirit for inspired guidance in their service.

Bishop Frank J. Caggiano will be the principal celebrant and homilist. Following the Red Mass, a breakfast reception in the Oak Room of Fairfield University's Kelly Center will feature attorney Noel J. Francisco in a talk entitled "Religious Liberty After the Hobby Lobby Decision." Mr. Francisco, Jones Day partner and head of the Government Regulations Practice Group, has been working most recently as part of the team of litigators at Jones Day who have been providing pro bono support for those entities claiming that the HHS contraceptive mandate presents a violation of the religious freedom. He has testified before the House Committee on the Judiciary, Subcommittee on Commercial and Administrative Law on separation of powers, and administration law reform issues. He also provides commentary to the major media on a wide range of legal issues. He was recently named one of "The 100 Most Influential Lawyers in America" by the National Law Journal.

Both events are being hosted by the Rev. Jeffrey von Arx, S.J., president of Fairfield University. Members of the St. Robert Bellarmine Pre-Law Society at Fairfield University, open to all undergraduate students interested in a law career, are also encouraged to attend.

The cost of the breakfast is $35 per person. For reservations, visit www.bridgeportdiocese.com/rsvp , or contact Deb Tietjen (by Sept. 21), at dtietjen@diobpt.org , (203) 416-1358.