An important event for seminarians in their first year of study for the Priesthood is the bestowal of cassocks to wear at liturgies on campus. This year, four first-year seminarians for the Diocese of Raleigh received cassocks. On Wednesday, October 12, 2011, Juan Carlos Garcia and Noe Ramirez de Paz were given their cassocks in a Mass and ceremony at Seminario Hispano de Santa Maria de Guadalupe in Mexico City. On Saturday, October 29, Saint Charles Borromeo Seminary in Philadelphia celebrated Cassock Day, and among the seminarians receiving cassocks were Evan George Waniewski and W. Christian Cook.

Seminarian Evan Waniewski, Rev. Joseph Bongard (Vice Rector of the seminary), Msgr. Gerald L. Lewis, Fr. Shaun Mahoney (Rector of the seminary) and seminarian Christian Cook on Cassock Day at St. Charles Borromeo Seminary in Philadelphia.

The black cassock worn by seminarians and priests is a long, close fitting, ankle-length robe and takes its origin from the tunic that was worn under the toga in classical antiquity.

The color of the cassock differs for Cardinals, Bishops, and Monsignors when serving at liturgies. When at non-liturgical functions, a Cardinal, Bishop or Monsignor may don a black cassock with colored buttons, trimmings and sash that represent their title. The Holy Father wears a white cassock.

Seminarians Noe Ramirez de Paz and Juan Carlos Garcia at Seminario Hispano de Santa Maria de Gaudalupe