Chrism Mass

Chrism Mass 
Tuesday, April 12, 2022

On Tuesday, April 12, 2022, Bishop James F. Checchio will celebrate the Chrism Mass with the priests of the Diocese. At this Mass, the Bishop will bless and consecrate the Holy Oils, which each parish receives for the rites of anointing.

Saint Ambrose [340-397] began this custom – which we now call the Chrism Mass – in his Cathedral in Milan.  These Holy Oils, which are used to sanctify the faithful, have been channels of holiness for centuries! 

The Oil of Catechumens is used to anoint infants and adults before their Baptism; the Oil of the Sick is used on the forehead and hands of the infirm in the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick; and Sacred Chrism is used to anoint the head of the newly baptized, the foreheads of confirmandi, the hands of a priest at his ordination, the head of a bishop at his ordination, and the altar and walls of new churches.

At the Mass, all priests make a Renewal of Commitment to Priestly Service.

All are strongly encouraged to join in-person or via Livestream in the ancient, grace-filled Chrism Mass at the Cathedral of St. Francis of Assisi in Metuchen at 4:00 PM.