Chrism Mass

On Thursday, the priests and people of the Diocese of Salina, Kansas gathered at Sacred Heart Cathedral to celebrate the Chrism Mass. The Chrism Mass can take place on the morning of the Thursday of Holy Week (Holy Thursday). Since priests and people have to travel a great distance, the Chrism Mass can be scheduled at another time. The Diocese of Salina has offered the Chrism Mass the Thursday before Holy Week. The focus of the Chrism Mass is the priesthood and the blessing of the oils- Sick, Catechumen, Sacred Chrism. My first experience of the Chrism Mass was when I was in the high school seminary in Kansas City, Kansas. The Archdiocese would hold the Chrism Mass in the seminary chapel. I always thought the Chrism Mass was a beautiful celebration because you would see all the priests gathered and witness the blessing of the oils that would be used throughout the parishes for the coming year. One year, I had the opportunity, along with some other classmates to fill the oil stocks after the Mass. It was a rewarding time and a great learning experience but it could get a little messy if you were not careful. My first Chrism Mass as a priest was in 1998 since I was ordained after the Chrism Mass took place in 1997. I had the great opportunity to carry the Chrism oil in procession being the newly ordained for the diocese. Now, almost 15 years later, I look back with great fondness to those wonderful memories and I thank God for the gift of the priesthood and for being able to serve the people of God. One of the highlights of the Chrism Mass is the "Renewal of Priestly Commitment" by the priests. Lent is for new beginnings and this renewal is a new beginning for all of us as priests so that we can live our faith and ministry to the fullest. Let us pray for our priests and pray God that you will send more laborers into the vineyard because the harvest is ready! Have a blessed day!!!