Chrism Mass Tuesday, April 15th

The public is invited to attend and take part in the annual Chrism Mass, set for Tuesday, April 15 at 7:00pm at St. Mary’s Cathedral, 1200 South Washington.

For those unable to attend, the Mass will be broadcast on St. Valentine Catholic Radio, 1360AM, KDJW, beginning at 6:50pm.

All Fourth Degree Knights of Columbus in the Diocese of Amarillo with regalia who can attend are asked to meet at 6:30pm, according to Knights of Columbus spokesman Don Bourgeois.

Bishop Patrick J. Zurek invites the faithful to attend the Chrism Mass and to show their support for the priests of the Diocese of Amarillo.

“If you support your parish priest, we encourage you to join us for the Chrism Mass in a show of support for all of our priests,” said Bishop Zurek.

During the Chrism Mass, the Oil of the Catechumen, the Oil of the Sick and the Chrism will be blessed. Priests of the diocese, who will concelebrate with Bishop Zurek, will renew their commitment to their ordained ministry and to the bishop. The Mass of Chrism is considered a celebration of ordained priesthood.

Chrism is a mixture of oil and balsam, or balm, used for liturgical anointings—Baptism, Confirmation, Holy Orders, the blessing of an altar and, in former days, the coronation of kings.

“The Chrism Mass is a celebration of the unity of the entire local church in its role as a priestly people,” said School Sister of Notre Dame Sister Janet M. Abbacchi, Coordinator of Faith Formation for the Diocese of Amarillo. “Gathered around one altar to pray with our Bishop in praise and thanksgiving, priests and lay people are brought to a new realization of our interdependence as we respond in our various ministries to Christ’s call to serve.”