Last Thursday, I went to the Mass of Chrism at noon at Sacred Heart Cathedral. I never knew about this Mass until I worked at the Chancery, so this was only the second time I have attended. If you haven’t been to it, mark your calendar for next year! It’s the Thursday before Palm Sunday, so next year it will be on March 30, 2023. I hope to see many of you for this beautiful Mass.
The purpose of the Mass is to bless all the oils that will be used in the sacramental life of the diocese for the coming year, the Oil of Catechumen, the Oil of the Sick, and the Oil of Chrism. Almost every priest in our diocese comes to celebrate this Mass and receives their sacramental oils for the coming year. There must have been 60 or 70 men up at the altar, and there is a time during Mass when the Bishop asks them if they are resolved to renew the promises they made when they were ordained. Sixty voices call out “I am.” He asks them if they are resolved to be more united with Jesus and to be faithful stewards of our faith, and each time, those beautiful strong voices call out “I am.” This, while incense scents the air and a beautiful choir sings. Again, I am just telling you now, if you haven’t been, you really must come and experience this beautiful and spiritual Mass. I will look forward to hearing about your experience. If you did attend this year’s Chrism Mass please share with me your experience.
And I realize that I have a great privilege with my role at the Catholic Foundation. I get to see the big picture and the dreams for our diocese. I am blessed with having the perspective of a parishioner at a parish and the perspective of a voice at the diocesan level.
I’m embarrassed to admit this, but for a long time, I really didn’t even think about how to support the diocese! I was involved with my parish and involved with Catholic Charities, our Catholic schools, and just happy to be Catholic.
Since I’ve started my new job at the foundation, my Catholic world has expanded considerably! My Catholic family spans nearly 27,000 miles and includes each of you. Together our Catholic family is building a future for the next generation and we are making disciples through witnessing by faith, hope and love.
I am blessed to now have an inside look at the work of the diocese and my goal is to continue sharing it with you. One great resource I’ll share with you today is the 2022 special issue of faith magazine, which can be found here.
And finally, I am so grateful to all who have already made their gift to the Bishop’s Annual Appeal – Call to Share. Thank you for your love of our diocese. For those who haven’t given and would like to, you may do so by visiting join.salinadiocese.org.
