On October 4, 2010, the Guild of Catholic Lawyers invites the public to attend its annual Red Mass in honor of St. Thomas More. The mass is free and will be at 6:00 p.m. at the Church of Our Saviour, 59 Park Avenue in New York City.

The “Red Mass” is a historical tradition of the Catholic Church dating back to the 13th century with the official opening of the term of the courts in Europe. Government officials, lawyers and judges would proceed into a church clothed in red vestments.

The 28th Annual Charles Carroll Award Reception, which honors Robert J. Reilly, assistant dean for Feerick Center for Social Justice at Fordham University Law School, will immediately follow the Red Mass. The reception will be at the Union League Club on Park Avenue and 37th Street.

Partner Bob Crotty is the president and partner Neil Merkl is the vice president of the Guild of Catholic Lawyers.

The Guild, established in 1928, is an organization of Catholic lawyers desirous of promoting the spiritual and professional welfare of its members. Its interests lie in the natural law; in the intellectual advancement of professional skills; in upholding the highest standards and best traditions of the legal profession; and in protecting and safeguarding civil, political and religious rights through appropriate legal measures.

Guild of Catholic Lawyers Holds Annual Red Mass and Charles Carroll Award Reception