April 1, 2023

April 4 annual chrism Mass at cathedral to be livestreamed

REGIONAL

By Sharon Roulier

 

SPRINGFIELD – The annual chrism Mass and Presentation of the Oils will be held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, April 4, in St. Michael’s Cathedral.

Springfield Bishop William D. Byrne will celebrate the liturgy and Catholic Communications will livestream the Mass with links available on iobserve.org and on diospringfield.org.

The chrism Mass is held during Holy Week throughout the world. During the Mass, the bishop consecrates the oil of chrism and blesses the oil of the sick and the oil of catechumens. The oils are used in the sacraments of baptism, confirmation, the anointing of the sick and holy orders in parishes all across the diocese throughout the year.

The chrism Mass is also a time to renew priestly vows. Nearly all of the diocese’s priests are expected to participate in the Mass.

“The chrism Mass is a tradition during which it gives the opportunity to all priests to gather together with their bishop and renew the priestly promises they made at their ordination,” said Father Piotr Calik, vicar general of the Diocese of Springfield.

“Also this year, it provides the great opportunity to have a social time during lunch for all the priests to rebuild our brotherhood based on the call from Jesus which comes from his resurrection,” added Father Calik.

Following the Mass, the oils will be poured into containers to be taken back to each parish in the diocese for use during the year.