Chrism Mass

Every Lent, we gather as a Diocese and celebrate the Chrism Mass. This is where the bishop blesses the Holy Oils for the year to come and priests renew their ordination promises. 

Traditionally, this Mass would be held on the morning of Holy Thursday. But with the vastness of the Diocese of Cheyenne, it has to be held the week before so we can travel back to our parishes in time for the feast of the our Lord's Supper and the holy days that follow.

A good portion of our 45 or so active priests were gathered, along with several deacons of the diocese. The evening Mass was preceded by a day of reflection. 

The bishop blesses all three Holy Oils, the Oil of the Sick, the Oil of Catechumens, and the Sacred Chrism. But the Sacred Chrism, which is the oil used for anointing in Baptism, Confirmation, and ordination to the priesthood and episcopate, he also breaths into. Kind of cool. 

Each parish designates a family to receive the Oils from the Bishop and bring them home. Bonnie and Sean Belliveau with their family represented St. John the Baptist.

Good stuff. Liturgies like these are Catholic. Their significance is rich and it brings the entire Diocese together. It's also a beautiful day to renew our consecration to Christ as His brother priests. Each Chrism Mass I take time to thank Bishop Steven for ordaining me to the priesthood. Let's ranch!