All welcome to attend the April 6 diocesan Chrism Mass

Friday, Mar. 31, 2017

SALT LAKE CITY — Bishop Oscar A. Solis will celebrate the annual Chrism Mass in the Diocese of Salt Lake City on April 6, to which all Catholics are invited. 

Traditionally the Chrism Mass is celebrated on Holy Thursday, but because many priests and deacons in the diocese must travel long distances, In Utah the Mass is celebrated a week earlier so that the clergy will be at their parishes for the start of the Triduum.

The Chrism Mass is a “gathering of the people of God in unity, and a commitment to the mission of the Church,” Bishop Solis said. 

During the Mass, the presbyterate will renew their commitment to the bishop, and by extension with the Holy Father and with Christ, Bishop Solis said. The women religious in the diocese also will renew their vows, and the laypeople will repeat their baptismal promises, voicing their commitment of faith in God.

In addition,  during the Mass, Bishop Solis will conduct the traditional blessing of the oils that will be used in the sacraments during the coming year. The oils are symbols of the dignity of God’s chosen people, who “are sent by God to be bearers of compassion and healing,” Bishop Solis said.

Three oils will be blessed. The oil of the catechumens is used in the Sacrament of Baptism, the oil of the infirm is used to bless the sick, and the oil of the holy chrism is used in the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation and Holy Orders. 

The chrism oil is blessed in a unique way by the bishop, who breathes over the oil, just as Jesus breathed onto the Apostles after he appeared resurrected before them, saying, “Receive the Holy Spirit.” (Jn 20:22)

Holy Cross Sister Catherine Kamphaus, associate superintendent of Utah Catholic Schools, said that the Chrism Mass is important to the local Church in Utah as a way of strengthening unity among the priests, religious men and women, laity, the bishop and God.

The Chrism Mass is an opportunity for a renewal of faith, of vocations and of mission, said Bishop Solis as he invited members of the diocese to the celebration. 

The Chrism Mass will begin at 7 p.m. in the Cathedral of the Madeleine, 309 E. South Temple.