Holy Trinity Cathedral in New Ulm to host this year's Chrism Mass

The annual Chrism Mass will be held on Thursday, March 29 at 7:00 p.m. at the Cathedral of the Holy Trinity, New Ulm.

The Chrism Mass is held in a different region of the diocese every year. This year Region I will host the celebration at the Cathedral of the Holy Trinity in New Ulm. With Bishop John C. Nienstedt as the celebrant, the Cathedral Church expresses the unity of the local diocesan Church and connects the faithful to the universal Church.  

Historically, the Chrism Mass would be celebrated on Holy Thursday morning so that parishes would have new oils for the initiation sacraments at Easter. Since it is difficult for people to assemble on Holy Thursday morning, many dioceses celebrate this Mass at a more convenient time prior to the Sacred Triduum. 

Three oils are blessed at the Chrism Mass. The holy chrism is consecrated by the bishop and used to anoint the newly baptized, to seal the candidates for confirmation, and to anoint the hands of presbyters and the heads of bishops at their ordination, as well as in the rites of anointing pertaining to the dedication of churches and altars. 

The oil of catechumens is used in the preparation of the catechumens for their baptism. The oil of the sick is used to bring comfort and support to the sick in their infirmity. (Ceremonial of Bishops, 274).

Because of the intimate link between the oils in the sacramental life of the Church and the ministry of its priests, an essential part of the celebration is the renewal of commitment to priestly service by the presbytery of the diocese. The ordained, in the presence of the assembly, ask for God’s help to remain faithful to their consecrated mission to serve the people of God.

Every Catholic in the Diocese of New Ulm, but especially those who will be receiving initiation sacraments during the Easter season,  are encouraged to attend this celebration. 

Ann Przybilla is director of Worship for the Diocese of New Ulm.