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April 10, 2023By Sr. Lois Paha
The Chrism Mass is traditionally scheduled on the morning of Holy Thursday as we enter the days of the Triduum in the final preparation for Easter. The Roman Missal states that “the blessing of the Oil of the Sick and Oil of Catechumens and the consecration of the Chrism are carried out by the Bishop usually on this day. If, however, it is difficult for the clergy and the people to gather with the Bishop on this day, the Chrism Mass may be anticipated on another day, near to Easter.”
In the Diocese of Tucson, we celebrate the Chrism Mass on Monday of Holy Week in the afternoon. Most of the priests of the diocese attend this Mass and receive the set of Holy Oils for their parishes. The introduction to this Mass also emphasizes its importance as a Mass of concelebration with the Bishop and the priests. It is a manifestation of the Priests’ communion with their Bishop. After the reading of the Gospel and Homily, the Bishop leads the priests in the Renewal of Priestly Promises echoing the promises they made at their ordination. This annual public renewal is also a welcome reminder to the people in attendance of the vocation of their pastors and priests of the diocese. The priests are asked to continue their personal spiritual commitment to Christ and to be faithful stewards of the prayer and sacraments of the Church. The Bishop continues these prayers of intercession inviting the people to pray for the priests and to pray for him in his apostolic office to be the Good Shepherd, Teacher, and Servant of the people of the diocese.
After the Renewal of the Priestly Promises, the vessels of olive oil are brought forth in procession for each of the Oils to be blessed and consecrated. The Permanent Deacons involved in the ministries of each oil bring the oil forward. The Oil of Catechumens is used during the Rite of Infant Baptism and to bless adult catechumens during the time of study and preparation for Baptism. The Oil of the Sick is used by priests during the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick to bring comfort and at times physical healing. The Chrism is used to anoint the newly baptized, to seal the candidates for Confirmation, to anoint the hands of priests at their ordination and to consecrate a new church or altar. The perfumed balsam is mixed with the olive oil to make the Chrism.
After the Mass, the Holy Oils are given to priests or parish representatives to take back to their parishes. They are instructed in the disposal of the unused blessed and consecrated oils from the previous year. The Holy Oils are stored in the sacristy of the Cathedral during the year for those who need additional oils for their ministries.