Chrism Mass
April 3 @ 4:00 pm - 6:30 pm
Bishop Ronald Gainer breathes over the opening of the vessel of Sacred Chrism.
Bishop Ronald Gainer will celebrate the annual Chrism Mass for the Diocese of Harrisburg at 4 PM on Monday, April 3, in the Cathedral Parish of Saint Patrick, Harrisburg.
The Chrism Mass, celebrated on Monday of Holy Week, offers the faithful a solemn occasion to witness the blessing of the oils and the consecration of the Sacred Chrism that will be used in the celebration of the sacraments throughout the coming year. Also at this Mass, the priests of the diocese stand before the bishop and the congregation to renew the commitment to priestly service that they made on their day of their ordination.
The Oil of the Catechumens is extended to those preparing for Baptism. Candidates for baptism are strengthened by the anointing with this oil to renounce sin and the devil.
The Oil of the Sick offers a remedy for the illness of mind and body, so that persons may have strength to bear their suffering, resist evil and receive the forgiveness of sins.
Chrism takes its name from Christ, “the anointed one of the Lord.” The Sacred Chrism is used in the Sacrament of Confirmation, the anointing of priests in the Rite of Ordination, and in the dedicated of new altars.
