Chrism Mass calls diaconate candidates to Orders

The Chrism Mass is held during Holy Week in every Catholic (arch)diocese. Traditionally this Mass was celebrated on Holy Thursday, though for pastoral reasons in the United States it is often moved to Monday or Tuesday of Holy Week, and in some cases is even celebrated on a different day during Lent. In Trenton, it is traditionally held on the Monday of Holy Week. During this Mass, the priests, deacons and representatives of the entire archdiocesan community gather around the Archbishop, who blesses the Holy Oils for use in the coming year. At last night’s Chrism Mass, the faithful of the Diocese of Trenton were invited into the liturgy which feeds all of the Sacraments of the Church.
 
Watch the Diocesan Chrism Mass

Each year, the priests of the Diocese of Trenton are invited to the Chrism Mass during which they renew their commitment to priestly service. Renewing the promise they made with joy on the day of their priestly ordination, our presbyterate vows to unite themselves with Jesus, denying themselves each day. They further resolve to be faithful stewards of the mysteries of God in the Eucharist and other liturgical rites and to discharge faithfully the office of teaching, not seeking gain but motivated by zeal for souls. Additionally, the Bishop calls on the faithful present to pray for our Diocesan and Religious Priests as well as our Bishop. We are grateful for the gift of our priests here at St. Paul Parish. We pray for the vocations of those who have served and continue to serve our Catholic community of Princeton.

Following the Renewal of Committment to Priestly Service, the Bishop calls to Orders those who have petitioned him for admission to Holy Orders. At this time, Bishop O’Connell called to Orders two candidates for the Priesthood, one candidate for the Transitional Diaconate (who will be ordained a priest in 2025), and twelve candidates for the Permanent Diaconate, including our own John Italia. We rejoice with John in this final formal step toward his Ordination which is May 18, 2024.

During the procession of the gifts, the oils to be consecrated by the Bishop are presented. Holy Chrism, the Oil of the Sick, and the Oil of Catechumens are presented alongside the bread and wine all as work of human hands to be consecrated for the good of the faithful through the Church’s administration of the Sacraments. The Oil of the Sick was blessed following the Eucahrsitc prayer so it may now be utilized during the Anoining of the Sick. Following the Prayer after Communion, the Oil of the Catechumens was blessed by Bishop for use during Baptisms. Then, the Consecration of the Chrism took place for use during Baptism, Confirmation, and Holy Orders. During the consecration, balsam, a fragrant oil that smbolizes the sweet scent of virtue associated with Christ, is mixed with the oil, giving it the name “chrism.”

Another dimension to this Mass is how in the biblical narrative of Holy Week Jesus visits his friends at Bethany and Mary anoints him with precious oil, preparing him for his burial. In this way, the Chrism Mass recalls this episode and points to what will happen later in the week.

The Chrism Mass is a beautiful celebration of unity and is meant to strengthen ties with a diocese, uniting all parishes under the guidance of its local shepherd. If you haven’t had a chance to attend a Chrism Mass, mark your calendar (tentatively) for “Holy Monday” evening in 2025.