On Tuesday, March 26, 2024, Bishop James F. Checchio will celebrate the Chrism Mass with the priests of the Diocese. At this Mass, all priests will make a Renewal of Commitment to Priestly Service to the Bishop and the people of God. The Bishop will also bless and consecrate the Holy Oils, which each parish receives for the rites of anointing.
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.
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.
Each parish/institution is requested to register whether their priests will concelebrate at the Chrism Mass and/or attend the Chrism Dinner & Social. The Diocese requests each priest to submit their RSVP status to allow sufficient preparation time for the Diocesan & Cathedral Staff.
Each parish/institution that maintains Holy Oils at their location must submit a request for Holy Oil. For individual priests of the Diocese of Metuchen that would like to request Holy Oil for themselves, please submit your request on the form.