WASHINGTON (CNS) — Many U.S. Catholic colleges were well prepared for the pope’s visit to the U.S. and have been gearing up for it with spiritual programs, discussions, service projects and social events.

The colleges located in the three cities where the pope is visiting – Washington, New York and Philadelphia – have been particularly pulling out the stops by donating parking spaces, rescheduling classes and sending students to volunteer at papal events.

Students from colleges in the Washington area also have been taking the Walk with Francis pledge, committing themselves to prayer, service or advocacy work advancing the pope’s mission.

Several colleges have been hosting viewing parties for papal events, including St. John’s University, Jamaica, which will be hosting a lock-in retreat Sept. 25. Participants will tune into the pope celebrating Mass at Madison Square Garden and then share dinner, discussions, opportunities for prayer and the sacrament of reconciliation.