Celebrating the Chrism Mass

By Sr. Lois Paha, O.P., D. Min.

The Chrism Mass celebrated during Holy Week is a beautiful and joyful liturgy. Every parish across the Diocese of Tucson is represented, as they collect the three oils that are used for Catholic Sacraments throughout the year, which are blessed by Bishop Edward Weisenburger at the Chrism Mass.

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. Bishop Weisenburger blesses the Oil of the Sick which is used by priests during the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick to bring comfort and, at times, physical healing. He then consecrates the Chrism, which 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 Sacred Chrism.

At the Chrism Mass, the priests serving in our diocese also will renew their priestly promises to serve God’s people, seeking their prayers and support. For their renewal of priestly promise, the Bishop invites the priests in these words: “Beloved sons, on the anniversary of that day when Christ our Lord conferred his priesthood on his Apostles and on us, are you resolved to renew, in the presence of your Bishop and God’s holy people, the promises you once made?” They respond, “I am.”

The priests renew two more commitments: “Are you resolved to be more united with the Lord Jesus and more closely conformed to him, denying yourselves and confirming those promises about sacred duties towards Christ’s Church which, prompted by love of him, you willingly and joyfully pledged on the day of your priestly ordination?” and “Are you resolved to be faithful stewards of the mysteries of God in the Holy Eucharist and the other liturgical rites and to discharge faithfully the sacred office of teaching, following Christ the Head and Shepherd, not seeking any gain, but moved only by zeal for souls?” Each time, the priests respond, “I am.”

The Bishop then invites the people to pray for the priests and for him, that they may be faithful as ministers of Christ in service to the People of God.

The Mass is open to all the parishioners of the diocese. This year, some parishes brought their candidates who are coming into the Church at Easter time. As we celebrate the Chrism Mass each year, we anticipate the beginning of the special time of the Triduum, the three days, Holy Thursday, Good Friday and Holy Saturday, as we prepare for the joyful celebration of the fifty days of Easter time.