Resources for Faculty
Holy Dates
Saint Mary’s University recognizes and respects the diversity of its community, including the diversity of religious faiths. Below are the most commonly observed dates of religious significance. The university community is encouraged to consider these days when scheduling events.
This list is not comprehensive. Students can submit additional documentation to demonstrate other religious commitments not listed.
| Religious Observance | Date(s) |
|---|---|
| Rosh Hashanah (Jewish) | Begins at sunset on Oct. 2, 2024 and ends at nightfall on Oct. 4, 2024. |
| Yom Kippur (Jewish) | Begins at sunset on Oct. 11, 2024 and ends at nightfall on Oct. 12, 2024. |
| First Two Days of Sukkot (Jewish) | Begins at sunset on Oct. 16, 2024 and the second day ends at nightfall on Oct. 18, 2024. |
| Dussehra (Hindu)* | Oct. 12, 2024 |
| Shemini Atzeret (Jewish) | Begins at sunset on Oct. 23, 2024 and ends at nightfall on Oct. 24, 2024. |
| Simchat Torah (Jewish) | Begins at sunset on Oct. 24, 2024 and ends at nightfall on Oct. 25, 2024. |
| Birth of the Báb (Bahá'í) | Oct. 26, 2024 |
| Birth of Bahá'u'lláh (Bahá'í) | Oct. 27, 2024 |
| Diwali (Hindu-Jain-Sikh) | Nov. 1, 2024 |
| Bandi Chhor Divas (Sikh) | Nov. 1, 2024 |
| Birth of Guru Nanak Dev Ji (Sikh)* | Nov. 15, 2024 |
| Hanukkah (Jewish) | Begins at sunset on Dec. 25, 2024 and ends at nightfall on Jan. 2, 2025. |
| Christmas Eve (Christian) | Dec. 24, 2024 |
| Christmas (Christian) | Dec. 25, 2024 |
| Epiphany (Christian) | Jan. 6, 2025 |
| Feast of the Nativity (Orthodox Christian) | Jan. 7, 2025 |
| Makar Sankranti (Hindu) | Jan. 14, 2025 |
| Lunar New Year | Jan. 29, 2025 |
| Māgha Pūjā Day (Buddhist)* | Feb. 12, 2025 |
| Ash Wednesday (Christian) | March 5, 2025 |
| Ramadan (Muslim)* | Begins at sunset March 1, 2025 and ends at nightfall on March 30, 2025. Muslims may fast from dawn to dusk, abstaining from food and drink. Examinations scheduled in the evening may pose a special burden. |
| Purim (Jewish) | Begins at sunset on March 13, 2025 and ends at nightfall on March 14, 2025. |
| Nowruz New Year | March 21, 2025 |
| Eid-al-Fitr (Muslim)* | Begins at sunset on March 30, 2025 and ends the evening of March 31, 2025. |
| Passover - Pesach (Jewish) | Begins at sunset on April 12, 2025 and ends at nightfall on April 20, 2025. The first and last two days are no work, no class days. |
| Vaisakhi (Sikh)* | April 14, 2025 |
| Good Friday (Christian) | April 18, 2025 |
| Easter Sunday (Christian) | April 20, 2025 |
| Ridván Festival (Bahá'í) | Begins at sunset on April 20, 2025 and ends on May 2, 2025. The first day (April 20), ninth day (April 28) and twelfth day (May 1) are considered particularly significant. |
| Holy Friday (Orthodox Christian) | May 3, 2025 |
| Easter (Orthodox Christian) | May 5, 2025 |
| Vesak / Wesak (Buddhist)* | May 5, 2025 |
| Declaration of the Báb (Bahá'í) | May 23, 2025 |
| Ascension of the Bahá'u'lláh (Bahá'í) | May 28, 2025 |
| Shavuot (Jewish) | Begins at sunset on June 1, 2025 and ends at nightfall on June 3, 2025. |
| Hajj Pilgrimage (Muslim)* | From June 4, 2025 to June 9, 2025 for students participating in the pilgrimage to Makkah. |
| Eid-al-Adha (Muslim)* | Begins at sunset on June 6, 2025 and ends June 10, 2025. |
| Ashura (Muslim)* | July 5, 2025 to July 6, 2025 |
| Martyrdom of the Báb (Bahá'í) | July 9, 2025 |
| Tisha B'av (Jewish) | Begins on Aug. 2, 2025 and ends at nightfall on Aug. 3, 2025. |