The Mass at Immaculate Conception Church in NW DC on Wednesday (Labor Invited To Join Mass & March For Pope’s Visit 9/17 UC) is one of a number of local Masses that morning (and the specific one that labor’s invited to), after which participants will be heading to the Ellipse, where the Pope will appear. He is NOT conducting the Mass at Immaculate; he will be conducting the Mass later that day at the shrine at CU, where tickets are required (the Metro Council does not have any). As reported last week, the Mass at Immaculate will be followed by a procession down New York Ave to the Ellipse to participate in a welcome ceremony for the Pope. The ceremony is open to the public, but there will be a special section reserved at the Ellipse for those attending the Immaculate Conception Mass (be sure to get your bracelet to ensure entry); the entrance to this section will be at Jefferson and 15th Streets. Attendees will also be able to watch the Pope’s address and Mass from jumbotrons near the intersection of 15th & Constitution. Travel on Metro is highly recommended, as many downtown streets will be closed; click here for latest info. Also, here’s a quick overview of the Pope’s DC itinerary. photo: a banner welcoming the Pope is installed Monday on AFL-CIO headquarters; photo courtesy AFL-CIO Twitter