Chrism Mass to be celebrated April 15 in Co-Cathedral
July 29, 2019 at 12:37 p.m.
Faithful from throughout the diocesan family can have the graced opportunity to come together and participate in one of the most solemn and significant liturgies in the Church year, the annual Chrism Mass.
This year, priests, deacons, religious and lay women and men from the four counties of Burlington, Mercer, Monmouth and Ocean, are welcome to join Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., on the Monday of Holy Week, April 15 at 7:30 p.m., in St. Robert Bellarmine Co-Cathedral, 61 Georgia Road, Freehold, for the Chrism Mass.
During the Mass, Bishop O’Connell will bless the Oil of the Sick and the Oil of the Catechumens and he will consecrate the Sacred Chrism that will be used in parishes throughout the coming year.
The Oil of the Sick is used to anoint the sick, bringing strength, comfort and forgiveness to those in need. The Oil of the Catechumens is blessed to strengthen those preparing for Baptism to avoid sin and grow in their faith. A catechumen is one who is preparing for Baptism in the Catholic Church. The Sacred Chrism is used for Baptism, Confirmation, ordination of priests and bishops and the consecration of altars and churches.
When Bishop O’Connell consecrates the Sacred Chrism, he will add a fragrant balsam to the oil and then blow over the vessel, signifying the presence of the Holy Spirit. The oils and Sacred Chrism will be distributed to parish representatives who will carry them back to their faith communities to be used in sacramental rites throughout the year.
The Mass of Chrism is also when all priests of the Diocese stand before the Bishop and renew their vows, recommitting themselves to their priestly service and vocation.
The tradition of the Mass of Chrism dates back centuries to the early Church and used to be part of the evening Mass celebrated on Holy Thursday. As part of his 1955 liturgical reforms, Pope Pius XII called for a separate Chrism Mass, apart from the Holy Thursday Mass of the Lord’s Supper. Now the Chrism Mass continues to be celebrated by bishops in cathedrals throughout the world during Holy Week. In the Trenton Diocese, the Chrism Mass is customarily celebrated on the Monday of Holy Week.
[[In-content Ad]]
Related Stories
Sunday, December 28, 2025
E-Editions
Events
Faithful from throughout the diocesan family can have the graced opportunity to come together and participate in one of the most solemn and significant liturgies in the Church year, the annual Chrism Mass.
This year, priests, deacons, religious and lay women and men from the four counties of Burlington, Mercer, Monmouth and Ocean, are welcome to join Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., on the Monday of Holy Week, April 15 at 7:30 p.m., in St. Robert Bellarmine Co-Cathedral, 61 Georgia Road, Freehold, for the Chrism Mass.
During the Mass, Bishop O’Connell will bless the Oil of the Sick and the Oil of the Catechumens and he will consecrate the Sacred Chrism that will be used in parishes throughout the coming year.
The Oil of the Sick is used to anoint the sick, bringing strength, comfort and forgiveness to those in need. The Oil of the Catechumens is blessed to strengthen those preparing for Baptism to avoid sin and grow in their faith. A catechumen is one who is preparing for Baptism in the Catholic Church. The Sacred Chrism is used for Baptism, Confirmation, ordination of priests and bishops and the consecration of altars and churches.
When Bishop O’Connell consecrates the Sacred Chrism, he will add a fragrant balsam to the oil and then blow over the vessel, signifying the presence of the Holy Spirit. The oils and Sacred Chrism will be distributed to parish representatives who will carry them back to their faith communities to be used in sacramental rites throughout the year.
The Mass of Chrism is also when all priests of the Diocese stand before the Bishop and renew their vows, recommitting themselves to their priestly service and vocation.
The tradition of the Mass of Chrism dates back centuries to the early Church and used to be part of the evening Mass celebrated on Holy Thursday. As part of his 1955 liturgical reforms, Pope Pius XII called for a separate Chrism Mass, apart from the Holy Thursday Mass of the Lord’s Supper. Now the Chrism Mass continues to be celebrated by bishops in cathedrals throughout the world during Holy Week. In the Trenton Diocese, the Chrism Mass is customarily celebrated on the Monday of Holy Week.
[[In-content Ad]]