For most students, the weekends are a time to stay away from all school related activities. But for seniors, Sunday will be the start of their final week in high school as they take part in the Baccalaureate ceremony at 3 p.m. at Cottonwood Creek Baptist Church.

The baccalaureate is a tradition that dates back to the 15th century in England when bachelors were required to deliver a sermon in Latin as part of their academic exercise. Since many American schools were founded to teach ministers, the tradition evolved and remained.

“It is the opportunity for a celebration separate from the commencement ceremony and to have a time of reflection before beginning a new chapter of life,” event organizer Terri Weichel said. “The significance of the event is to maintain tradition and provide a sense of community.”

The tradition had to evolve again as the separation between church and state became law.

“Baccalaureate is a non-denominational ceremony that is held a few days before graduation,” according to the Lovejoy ISD website. “This ceremony offers a quiet, more intimate opportunity to pause and reflect on this rite of passage, and hear faculty members offer advice to the graduating class.”

Although offering a final hurrah for the senior class before graduation, many seniors have decided not to attend for different reasons.

“I kind of just was going to pick and choose whether I was going to go to the senior brunch or baccalaureate,” senior Alexa Mapes said. “And because it’s kinda pricey for either one I decided to just one, and I chose the senior brunch as opposed to baccalaureate because I feel like more students will be at the senior brunch because baccalaureate has a religious affiliation.”

The event can be a great opportunity for students to reflect on their years in school.

““It is one last opportunity for the senior class to gather in a more quiet environment and have a time of reflection before they begin the business of graduation week,” Weichel said.