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March 27, 2018

Chrism Mass helps Catholics experience unity with Christ and each other

REGIONAL
Story and photos by Carolee McGrath

 

 

SPRINGFIELD – More than 1,000 people gathered at St. Michael’s Cathedral, here for the annual Chrism Mass, held Monday, March 26 at 7 p.m.

At the Mass, holy oils used in the sacraments were blessed and distributed for every parish in the Diocese of Springfield. The Mass is traditionally held during Holy Week around the world.

“All of these oils represent the power of Christ at work in our world. All those anointed with these oils are called on to be Christ’s presence in the world,” said Springfield Bishop Mitchell T. Rozanski during his homily.

During the Mass, priests from throughout the diocese renewed their priestly vows.

Then came the Presentation of the Oils. Deacon Paul Federici from Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament Parish in Westfield carried the urn holding the oil of the sick. The oil of the sick, which symbolizes healing, is used to administer the sacrament of the anointing of the sick.

Next, Deacon Paul Brier, from St. Peter and St. Casimir Parish in Westfield carried the oil of the catechumens, which is a sign of strength to resist evil. The oil of catechumens is used to anoint infants, children and adults preparing for baptism.

Finally, Deacon Wendell Pennell, from Blessed Sacrament Parish in Holyoke, carried the urn with the oil of the holy chrism, which is a mixture of olive oil and balsam. The oil of chrism is used at baptisms, confirmation, ordinations and the consecration or dedication of churches. It also symbolizes strength.

“It’s one of the great liturgies of Holy Week. You have a great sense of church today when you see these oils blessed by the bishop are going to be used in every parish in the diocese,” said Gina Czerwinski, director of catechetics and youth formation for the Diocese of Springfield.

“The sacraments are tangible expressions of Christ. When we go to the sacraments, we are experiencing Christ. The oils today, through that connection, you see we’re all connected as one body of Christ.”

The pews were filled with teenagers preparing to make their confirmation. Margaret Farrell, a member of Our Lady of the Valley Parish in Easthampton, will make her confirmation Friday, May 5. The Pope Francis High School junior said Jesus is central to everything she does.

“I always look to him and say, ‘I hope you can fix this.’ Sometimes he shows his way through. People survive disasters and that’s definitely a sign of him being there.”

Those enrolled in the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) and the Rite of Christian Initiation of Children (RCIC) also attended the liturgy. Trish Aucoin, who was baptized Catholic, will be welcomed into full communion with the church at the Easter Vigil, Saturday, March 31 at St. Cecilia Parish in Wilbraham.

“I’m excited to learn everything that I’m learning. I’m learning all the time. I think when you grow up Catholic, it’s automatic. Everything is very new to me and I’m embracing it all,” she said.

Father Matthew Alcombright, pastor of Mary Mother of Hope Parish and the director of the diocesan Ministry with the Deaf, signed the Mass in American Sign Language for the deaf and hearing impaired.

Bishop Rozanski was to celebrate the Mass of the Presentation of the Oils, March 27 at 7 p.m. at St. Joseph Church in Pittsfield.

A video version of this story will be featured on an upcoming edition of “Real to Reel,” the Diocese of Springfield’s weekly TV news magazine that airs Saturday evenings at 7 on WWLP-22News.

 

 

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