Commencement 2026
Baccalaureate Evensong & Blessing of Chalices & Patens
Join us at 6:00 p.m. (new time and location) at St. Peter’s Chelsea (346 West 20th Street) for the Baccalaureate service marking our 203rd Commencement and the 195th anniversary of the founding of St. Peter’s by General Seminary faculty. The service will conclude with a procession to the Chapel of the Good Shepherd and the Blessing of Chalices and Patens. A reception with heavy hors d’oeuvres and drinks will follow. All are welcome!
Commencement 2026
Join us at 5:30 p.m. at the Chapel of the Good Shepherd for our 203rd Commencement Exercises. Graduates and those participating in the procession should plan to arrive at Hoffman Hall no later than 5:15 p.m., vested and ready to line up. A light reception will follow
COMMENCEMENT FAQs
IS THERE A REHEARSAL FOR COMMENCEMENT?
Graduates are required to attend a MANDATORY rehearsal on Monday, May 25th, 2026 at 4pm.
HOW MANY PEOPLE CAN I INVITE TO THESE EVENTS? IS there an invite?
Sunday’s service and Monday’s ceremony are not ticketed. However, Sunday’s dinner requires an RSVP and graduates may invite up to 3 guests (see above). There is no official invitation but please feel free to use this PDF as a template.
What should I wear?
There is no dress code, but many people wear their “Sunday’s best” to commencement. Some people wear their collars. Come knowing that it is the beginning of the summer in an unairconditioned chapel and you will be wearing a robe.
When will I receive my cap & Gown?
Graduation garb will be placed by the Chapel Vesting Room in time for the rehearsal at 4pm on Monday, May 25th, 2026. Honorary doctorates and doctoral students will be hooded during the ceremony. GTS graduation attire, except DMin students, does not include a cap. Graduates must return their rented gowns (and hoods if they would like to return them) before they leave the Close at the end of the ceremony.