Chrism Mass


The Chrism Mass is a gathering of the entire diocese: bishop, priests, deacons and lay faithful. It is special liturgy in which the bishop blesses the holy oils and when the priests and deacons renew their promises to serve GOD and his people. The celebration typically takes place at the Cathedral of the Diocese on Holy Thursday morning. In our Diocese, we celebrate this Mass on the Monday of Holy Week at a Parish in the Diocese – this year at the Church of the Resurrection!

On the first Holy Thursday, when Jesus celebrated the first Eucharist with his disciples…he ordained his first bishops and his first priests. On that day every year (or on another day during Holy Week), in every diocese throughout the world, the bishop and priests in that diocese gather to celebrate Mass together. This “Great Concelebration” is a unique event in the life of the Church because the priests renew their promises to serve the Lord in the various ministries that they have been given, but they also promise to serve the Lord through the conversion of their own lives constantly turning towards Him – the source of all life.

On this same occasion, the oils which are used for the celebration of the Sacraments throughout the Diocese are blessed and consecrated:

The Oil of Catechumens (oleum catechumenorum or oleum sanctorum) is used in connection with the sacrament of baptism. It is used following a prayer of exorcism and symbolizes the person’s need for the help and strength of GOD to live as a child of GOD.

The Oil of the Sick (oleum infirmorum) is used in the sacrament of the anointing of the sick. In this rite the priest anoints the forehead and the hands of the person seeking healing.

Holy Chrism (sacrum chrisma) is a mixture of olive oil and balsam, an aromatic resin. This oil is linked with the sanctification of individuals and is used in the Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and Holy Orders. It is also used in the dedication ceremony of a church when the bishop anoints the altar and the walls. The blessing of the Holy Chrism at the Chrism Mass is different from that of the other oils: here the bishop breathes over the vessel of chrism, a gesture which symbolizes both the Holy Spirit coming down to consecrate this oil, and the life-giving, sanctifying nature of the Sacraments for which it is used.

Volunteer Opportunities:

We need parishioners to help with this important event. Please consider lending a hand!

  • Servers for the Priests’ Dinner and after Mass Social, meet in the Fr. Zenk Hall at 4:00 pm.
  • Parking Attendants and Greeters, meet in the Gathering Space by the Sacristy door at 6:00 pm.
  • Dispense the blessed oils into smaller containers, in room C at 6:30 pm.

If you are able to help please contact Joann Reier.