Chrism Mass

You are Invited

Please join the Most Reverend Peter A. Libasci, Bishop of Manchester and Most Reverend Francis J. Christian, Auxiliary Bishop, for the annual blessing of the oils at the Chrism Mass. These oils will be distributed among the parishes and institutions of the Diocese of Manchester for use during the next year. All priests are invited to this special Mass and will be given the opportunity to renew their promises during the Liturgy. General seating is available to those who would like to attend. RSVP by registering online.

When: Tuesday, April 3, 2012
Time: Mass begins at 6:00 p.m.
Where: Saint Joseph Cathedral, corner of Lowell and Pine Streets, Manchester, NH
RSVP: March 27, 2012

CLICK HERE to register online.

About the Chrism Mass

At the Chrism Mass -- which is usually the largest annual gathering of clergy and faithful most dioceses have -- the priests renew the commitments they made at their ordination. The Mass takes its name from the most eminent of the three holy oils which the bishop commissions for his local church's use over the following year.

While the Oil of the Sick, used for those who seek the anointing, and the Oil of the Catechumens, which is imposed on those preparing for baptism, are simply "blessed," the Sacred Chrism is "consecrated," and all the priests present participate in the latter moment by extending their hands toward the vessel containing it as the bishop says the prayer of consecration.

The Chrism is used at the ordination of priests and bishops, baptisms, confirmations, the consecration of altars and the blessing of churches, where the walls are smeared with it in the shape of the sign of the cross.

As part of the consecration of the Chrism, balsam is poured into the oil, which gives it a sweet smell intended to remind those who encounter it of the "odor of sanctity" to which those people and things who are marked with it, and by extension all of us, are called to strive for.

The Chrism Mass also provides an opportunity the faithful of the diocese to show support for their priests. Please consider submitting your name and attend the Chrism Mass.

Registration

General Registration - This is the registration form to use if you plan to attend the Chrism Mass. Priests, deacons, religious, and the Catholic faithful of New Hampshire are invited to attend the Chrism Mass. If you plan to attend the Chrism Mass, please select the general admission option. Anyone who wishes to attend, RSVP by March 27, 2012.

Registration for Oil Bearers - Each parish or institution that is to receive Holy Oils must register two representatives to receive the Holy Oils at the Chrism Mass. Use this form to designate your Oil Bearers. RSVP by March 27, 2012.

Instructions for Handling Holy Oils

Rite for receiving Holy Oils in Parish

From the Sacramentary Supplement, published by Catholic Book Publishing, Co., New York, 1994, p. 31.

It is appropriate that the oil of the sick, the oil of catechumes, and the holy chrism, which are blessed by the bishop during the Chrism Mass, be presented to and received by the local parish community.
The reception of the holy oils may take place at the Mass of the Lord’s Supper on Holy Thursday or on another suitable day after the celebration of the Chrism Mass.
The oils should be reserved in a suitable repository in the sanctuary or near the baptismal font.
The oils, in suitable vessels, are carried in the procession of the gifts, before the bread and wine, by members of the assembly.
The oils are received by the priest and are then placed on a suitable prepared table in the sanctuary or in the repository where they will be reserved.
As each of the oils is presented, the following or other words may be used to explain the significance of the particular oil.
The people's response may be sung.

Contact

Direct your questions about the Chrism Mass to:

Rev. Jason Y. Jalbert
Office for Worship
Diocese of Manchester
153 Ash Street - Box 310
Manchester, NH 03105-0310
(603) 663-0153
jchristopher@rcbm.org