Baccalaureate Mass (5/28)
Commencement Ceremony (5/30)
Dear Class of 2026 Students,
Your time has come! Congratulations on reaching this extraordinary milestone graduation from Mater Dei High School. This remarkable achievement is a testament to your dedication, perseverance, and growth over the past four years. You have worked tirelessly, and now you are ready to receive your diploma from your alma mater, fully prepared to embrace the opportunities that lie ahead in college, careers, and beyond.
We are incredibly proud of all that you have accomplished and of the exceptional leadership you have demonstrated during your time at Mater Dei. Through your lived commitment to Honor, Glory, Love you have left an indelible mark on our community. As you stand on the threshold of graduation, you carry with you the promise of many joys, adventures, and possibilities that await in the years to come.
May your final days and weeks as Monarchs be filled with celebration, cherished memories, and gratitude. As you and your families take part in the meaningful traditions of graduation, may your hearts overflow with pride, joy, and happiness.
As you step forward into the world, always remember the values that have guided you here May God bless you abundantly and hold you forever in the palm of His hand
With heartfelt congratulations,
Frances Clare Principal
GRADUATION CEREMONY & DIPLOMA ELIGIBILITY
All graduation requirements MUST be completed in order to walk in the graduation ceremony, receive a diploma, and be granted graduation status on the final transcript Below are reasons why a senior would not receive a diploma or would not be allowed to walk in the ceremony:
Permitted to walk in graduation ceremony but will not receive a diploma or graduation status on final transcript.
One or two F grade(s) on transcript
iPad (with accessories) not turned in
Discipline not served
Not permitted to walk in the graduation ceremony, receive a diploma or graduation status on final transcript:
Three or more F grades on transcript that have not been remediated Service hour requirement incomplete Financial obligations not paid in full
GRADUATION FEE & SENIOR TUITION ACCOUNTS
The graduation fee of $375 was added to all senior FACTS Tuition accounts in the fall of 2025 and must be paid in full no later than April 1. This fee includes the purchase of: graduation cap, gown, and tassel four graduation tickets rental of the graduation venue and all senior end of year activities and supplies Senior tuition accounts must be paid in full no later than May 1.
GRADUATION TICKETS
ALL GUESTS (ages 2+) entering the Bren Events Center are required to have a hard copy ticket Each student will receive four graduation tickets These will be in their Grad Grab Bags distributed on May 26 and May 27 during Senior Only Days (see Grad Grab section below) Beginning February 11 at 10 a m , the link to purchase up to eight additional tickets will go live via ParentSquare and materdei.org/graduation
The link to purchase additional tickets will close on March 22. Notification to purchase extra graduation tickets beyond the additional eight will begin on March 23
GRAD GRAB BAG PICK-UP: MAY 26 & MAY 27 ON SENIOR ONLY DAYS
The Grad Grab bag has everything your graduate needs for the graduation ceremony including: cap, gown, tassel graduation tickets graduation ceremony reminders and instructions
Grad Grab Bags can only be picked up by students who have: returned their iPads (including accessories) cleared tuition accounts of all financial obligations met all requirements to graduate
DRESS CODE: BACCALAUREATE MASS & GRADUATION CEREMONY
Graduates are to wear their graduation gown to the Baccalaureate Mass on May 28 (gown only, no cap, cords or stoles) AND Graduation Ceremony (cap, gown, Mater Dei issued cords and stoles) on May 30 over the following attire:
Female Students
Dresses, dress pants, pantsuits, or skirts with blouses or sweaters, and dress shoes. The length of dresses and skirts must be at mid-thigh length
Bare shoulders must be covered by a sweater.
Shirts and dresses must have a modest neckline.
Male Students
Dress slacks, dress shirt, tie, and dress socks.
Dress shoes or tennis shoes in good repair
Students must be clean shaven.
All student dress must be in accordance with Christian decency
GOWN CARE
Graduating seniors are highly encouraged to remove their gowns from the packaging in advance of the Baccalaureate Mass and Graduation Ceremony to ensure it is wrinkle-free. Please note that gowns should not be ironed as they can easily burn or melt
To remove wrinkles, please place the gown in the dryer on low heat
Decorated caps are not permitted.
CORDS AND STOLES
Cords and stoles are awarded to seniors through various programs at Senior Awards Night for both academic accomplishments and service
Only Mater Dei issued cords and stoles are permitted to be worn with the graduation gown at the Graduation Ceremony.
Flower leis and other celebratory attire may be worn after the ceremony to honor your graduate
Visit materdei.org/graduation for a full list of MD approved cords and stoles
BACCALAUREATE MASS
Mater Dei High School warmly invites the Class of 2026 graduates and their families to the Baccalaureate Mass. Together, we will give thanks for the blessings bestowed upon this class and pray for God’s continued grace as they embark on the next chapter of their lives. Tickets are not required for this event.
Date and time: Thursday, May 28 at 6 p.m.
Location: Grotto
Attire for Seniors: Graduation gown (no cap) over the appropriate dress as outlined on Class of 2026 website at materdei.org/graduation. Honor cords and stoles are reserved for the graduation ceremony only on May 30.
Recommended attire for guests: Business casual
GRADUATION CEREMONY
The Graduation Ceremony for the Class of 2026 will be held on Saturday, May 30 at 9:30 a.m.
Location: University of California, Irvine (UCI) - Bren Events Center
Address: 100 Mesa Drive, Irvine, CA 92612
Recommended attire for guests: Business casual
GRADUATION PHOTOS & LIVESTREAMING
Photos: Lauren Studios will be taking pictures at the graduation ceremony Visit www.laurenstudios.com to view proofs and place your order.
Livestream: The link for the livestream will be emailed to seniors and their parents the week of graduation day.
To access the livestream, please visit materdei.org/graduation. A link will also be available on the MD homepage
DIPLOMA PICK UP
Mater Dei will offer a drive thru diploma pick up on the Mater Dei Campus: Tuesday, June 2 and Wednesday, June 3 from 2-4 p.m.
More information will be sent in advance of this event via ParentSquare
GRADUATIONDAY:ARRIVAL,PARKING,SEATING,ANDBAGCHECKS
Arrival
Graduatesmustarriveby8a.m.andreporttothetenniscourtstocheckin.
TheBrenEventsCenterwillopenforguestsbetween8:15and8:30a.m.
Westronglyencouragefamiliesandgueststoallowampletimeforparkingandsecurity bagscreening
Parking
ComplimentaryparkingisavailableintheparkingstructureadjacenttotheBrenEvents
Allguestsmustregistertheirvehicleinadvanceofthegraduationceremony.Thisgreatly helpswiththeflowofarrivingtrafficongraduationmorning.
Theparkingregistrationlinkwillbeprovidedtheweekpriortograduationat materdei.org/graduation
Seating
Graduationisasold-outevent.Seatingisavailableonafirst-come,first-servedbasiswhen guestsarriveintheBrenEventsCenter.
Itishighlyencouragedthatyourentirepartyarrivetogetherfortheeventwithticketsfor allguestsages2+
Allguestsmustbringaprintedhardcopyoftheirtickettoenterthegraduationceremony
Guestswillnotbeallowedtosaveseatsformembersoftheirpartywhohavenotyet arrived.Weaskgueststofillinallseatsinthearena.
Guestswillnotbepermittedtostandinseatingareasduringthegraduationceremony. ADAseatingisalsoavailableonafirst-come,first-servedbasis.
Bag-Check
The safety of our Monarch Community is always the highest priority. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation in advance. ALL guest bags are searched prior to admission to the Bren Events Center The following items are not permitted in the Bren Events Center: food or drinks noise makers (cow bells, air horns, etc.) confetti
large signs or balloons that could obstruct vision bubbles
DEPARTURE & EXIT
Families and guests will meet graduating seniors outside of the Bren Events Center at the conclusion of the graduation ceremony.
Graduates will be escorted to the outside area after their exit processional.
Families will be allowed to take pictures outside of the Bren Events Center after the ceremony The inside of the Bren Events Center will not be available for photos Security personnel will direct traffic toward the appropriate exit.
GRADUATION CEREMONY FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Q: Can students bring their cell phones into the ceremony?
A: No Students are not allowed to bring cell phones or other electronic devices with them into the ceremony. Students are asked to leave these items in their cars or with their parents. We recommend setting a meeting spot with your graduate to take photos
Q: How long is the graduation ceremony?
A: The ceremony is approximately 90 minutes long and begins promptly at 9:30 a m
Q: What time should we schedule brunch/lunch/party after the graduation ceremony?
A: To allow time for photos and exiting the UCI campus, we recommend scheduling your celebrations around 1 p.m. or after.
Q: Can I bring balloons, signs, or noisemakers to the ceremony?
A: No To prevent anyone’s view from being obstructed or the ceremony being interrupted, we ask that you not bring balloons, signs, or noisemakers to the ceremony.
Q: Are food or beverages allowed?
A: No outside food or drinks are allowed into the Bren Events Center Food and water will be available for purchase
Q: Will restrooms be available during the ceremony?
A: Yes. Restrooms are available inside of the Bren Events Center once the doors open.
Q: Does the Bren Center provide ADA seating?
A: Yes The Bren Center provides ADA seating on a first-come, first-served basis
Q: Does UCI offer a shuttle service?
A: No. UCI does not offer a shuttle service.
Q: Can family members take photos or videos during the ceremony?
A: Lauren Studios will capture each graduate as they receive their diploma Families can purchase at www.laurenstudios.com Families may take photos from their seats but may not block aisles, enter the graduation floor, or disrupt the ceremony.
