CHRISM MASS 2009
The annual Chrism Mass is one week from today at the Cathedral of St. Jude in St. Petersburg beginning at 11:30am. Held during Holy Week and in the days of my youth, long ago, held on Holy Thursday morning, this important moment in the life of the local Church should not be missed if you have the time. All the priests gather to concelebrate the liturgy with their bishop. They recommit themselves to their priesthood and receive the support of the people of God. The oils of the sick and catechumens are blessed during this Mass for use throughout the year and the Sacred Chrism is consecrated. Chrism is used for baptism, confirmation and ordination to the priesthood and to the episcopacy. It is a special day for me because I gather to celebrate Eucharist with almost all of our priests, active, retired, religious, diocesan, special ministries – you name it, they are almost all there. Day in and day out, it is the priests who carry the majority of the responsibility for leading, guiding, celebrating, teaching, evangelizing, and sharing the sacraments with God’s people. They are every bishop’s true gift of God and at the Chrism Mass we celebrate and give thanks for our common priesthood. I hope you will consider joining us for this liturgy.
+RNL