| Chrism Mass
The Mass of Chrism comes once
a year to our cathedral. During
the mass, our bishop will bless the oil of catechumens, the oil of the
sick, and the oil of chrism. The
first is used for adult catechumens and infants, the second for
anointing the sick and the sacred oil of chrism for baptism,
confirmation, the ordination of priests and the consecration of altars.
All three are olive oils with chrism being scented with a
perfume, traditionally balsam.
Since the bishop is the only
minister in the diocese who may consecrate chrism, this Mass highlights
his ministry and our union with him.
While he will not baptize or confirm every person in the diocese,
he will be symbolically present in the chrism which the priests and
deacons will use. In recent
years, this mass has also acknowledged the ministry of priests, as they
renew their commitment of service, receiving the prayers and support of
the people.
The Chrism Mass gathers the
faithful of the diocese at their mother church with their shepherd to
prepare for celebrations of Christ in all our churches throughout the
year. |
