You’ve heard of a Red Mass for lawyers, and a Blue Mass for police officers.
Now, add another color:
A group of American Catholics have recently united to form the Society of Catholic Scientists. Their first event will be a Gold Mass for scientists, held at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s chapel on Nov. 15 at 5:15 p.m. Catholic scientists, including science educators and students, are encouraged to attend. The group is in the process of planning another Gold Mass in Providence, Rhode Island and hopes that the tradition will spread throughout the country and all over the world. The Mass follows in the tradition of special Masses for members of a particular profession. The oldest, the Red Mass for lawyers and lawmakers, was introduced in the 13th century. The first White Mass for healthcare professionals and Blue Mass for law enforcement were held in the 1930s.
The Society of Catholic Scientists web site describes their mission:
The Society of Catholic Scientists exists for the following purposes:
- To foster fellowship among Catholic scientists.
- To witness to the harmony between the vocation of scientist and the life of faith.
- To be a forum for reflection upon and discussion of questions concerning the relation of science and the Catholic faith.
- To act as a resource for Catholic educators, pastors, and lay people, and for journalists and members of the general public who have questions about the significance of scientific theories and discoveries and about the relation of science and faith.
The Society exists as a place where Catholic scientists can share their knowledge, perspectives, and intellectual and spiritual gifts with each other for their mutual enrichment, and with fellow Catholics and the wider community.
The Society also provides opportunities for Catholic undergraduates, graduate students, and postdoctoral researchers in the natural sciences to get to know and interact with more senior colleagues. In this way the Society hopes to provide role models and mentors for young Catholics who are on the way to possible careers in science.
The Society is open to all scientists who are practicing Catholics, but does not presume to represent or speak for all Catholic scientists. It does not take positions on scientific questions controverted among the relevant scientific experts. Nor does it engage in political advocacy or issue statements on public policy issues.
The Society adheres to the faith of the Catholic Church and will always operate with due regard to her magisterium.
And today we celebrate...