MADISON — Bishop Donald J. Hying of Madison is inviting everyone in the Diocese of Madison to the annual Chrism Mass.
It will take place on Holy Thursday, March 28, at 10 a.m., at St. Maria Goretti Church, 5313 Flad Ave., Madison.
Music will be provided by the Madison Diocesan Choir and Diocesan Schola under the direction of John Sittard, diocesan director of music.
The Chrism Mass is traditionally celebrated on the morning of Holy Thursday because of the strong connection it has to the Mass of the Lord’s Supper when Jesus instituted the Eucharist and the priesthood.
At the Chrism Mass, the priests of the diocese renew before the bishop their priestly promises: To be more closely conformed to the Lord Jesus, to be faithful stewards of the mysteries of God, and to discharge faithfully the sacred office of teaching.
Alongside the renewal of priestly promises is the blessing of the Oil of Catechumens and the Oil of the Sick, and the consecration of the Sacred Chrism, which then are distributed to all the parishes to be used by the priests in the sacraments for the rest of the year.
Representatives from the parishes are typically on hand to help receive the oils as well as parish priests.
The Chrism Mass celebrates Jesus Christ’s graces poured out through the ministerial priesthood and highlighted by the blessing of oils used in the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and ordination of priests and bishops.
The ministerial priesthood is at the service of the common priesthood, strengthening it through the grace of the sacraments to be bold witnesses of Jesus Christ in the world.
In return to the Father, during the celebration of the Mass, the priest receives and offers the prayers and works of the faithful to the Father in an exultant prayer of praise.