"And miles to go" Bishop Nienstedt's Pastoral Letter (English and Español)

United States cardinals to gather in Twin Cities - public Mass and fundraiser set for April

Next phase of development of diocesan property planned

Diocesan Distinguished Service Awards- Balbachs and Kuesters named 2004 recipients; awards to be presented at upcoming Bishop Lucker Lecture

Major donations in 2003

will benefit diocese

Retired Saint Cloud Bishop George H. Speltz dies at age 91

A visit from Italy!

The Eucharist - taking a fresh look at the marvelous gift Jesus left us!

Appreciating the Eucharist for what it is and what it  does to those who receive it (part I in series on the Eucharist)

What's been happening in your parish?

- Holy Family, Silver Lake

- St Philip, Litchfield

- St. Anastasia, Hutchinson

Bishop Nienstedt presides at NUACS all-school Mass

DCCW Spring Gatherings happening this month!

Debate over embryonic stem cell research

Minnesota parish nurses making a difference

NUACS Snofest brings out the "fun" in their "fun"draising efforts!

Let your voice be heard! JRLC 2004 Day on the Hill scheduled for March 11

Dioceses partners with St. John's University to support parish ministries

Good News TV & Radio March

March Formation & Education Calendar

Bishop's March Calendar

The Mass of Chrism; the most significant liturgy of the year to be held March 30 at Sacred Heart, Murdock

The Chrism Mass is celebrated once a year in every diocese in the United States. The Diocese of New Ulm’s Chrism Mass will be held this year on Tuesday, March 30, 7:30 p.m. at the Church of the Sacred Heart in Murdock.

In years past this Mass was celebrated at the Holy Thursday liturgy at the Cathedral but in 1955 a separate Mass was added earlier in the day for that purpose. Today it is celebrated on a different day shortly before Holy Thursday to give special emphasis to the celebration and so that more people may attend.

If you have not celebrated in this liturgy, you are missing one of the most solemn and significant liturgies of our church. At the Chrism Mass, the bishop comes together with the whole diocese to celebrate, to worship, and to consecrate the holy oils used in all our churches each year, especially the Oil of Sacred Chrism, from which the Mass gets its name. The Sacred Chrism is used to anoint people in the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and Holy Orders. It is also used in the dedication and consecration of church buildings and altars. Chrism is a sign: by baptism Christians die, are buried, and rise with Christ; they are sharers in his royal and prophetic priesthood (Rite of Blessing Chrism, Intro). Thus, Chrism is a special sign of both the common priesthood of the faithful and the ministerial priesthood.

During the Chrism Mass, there are two other oils blessed; the Oil of the Sick, used for the blessing, strengthening, and healing of those who are sick or advanced in age, and the Oil of Catechumens, used to anoint Catechumens and infants about to be baptized.

The bishop is the only minister in the diocese who may consecrate chrism. This Mass highlights his ministry and our union with him. Although he is not able to baptize and confirm everyone in the parishes of the diocese, he will be symbolically present in the chrism which the priests and deacons will use.

Representatives from parishes throughout the diocese will receive the holy oils after the Mass for use in their parish.

Catechumens who will be baptized at the Easter Vigil, candidates who will be received into the church, godparents, sponsors, RCIA teams, and all the people of the diocese are invited to celebrate with Bishop John C. Nienstedt in this wonderful Mass.