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Monday, April 14, 2025, 6:00 PMLent is just beginning but it’s not too soon to prepare for Holy Week! While the faithful look forward to the poignant liturgies of the Triduum, many have never experienced the Chrism Mass and are unaware of its significance.
“The Chrism Mass is a beautiful celebration of unity and is meant to strengthen ties with a diocese, uniting all parishes under the guidance of its local shepherd. All lay people are encouraged to attend this liturgy and experience the beauty of the local church.” (Aleteia.org)
The fact that the Seat of our Bishop is currently vacant is all the more reason for the faithful of the diocese to come together with our priests this year and pray! Archbishop Henning will come from Boston to celebrate the Chrism Mass at the Cathedral of SS. Peter and Paul on Monday, April 14 at 6PM.
There are many ways a parish can encourage participation in the Chrism Mass:- Teach your parishioners about the holy oils in your church ambry. Emphasize that these oils are consecrated by the Bishop during the Chrism Mass and each parish receives its annual supply that night. The ceremonial reception of the holy oils in the parish takes place at the Holy Thursday Mass.
- Explain that a special moment of the Chrism Mass is when the priests renew their priestly vows, and what a beautiful opportunity this is for a parish to come out and pray for their priest and his vocation.
- Invite everyone, but extend a personal invitation to those in OCIA, families with teens preparing for Confirmation, liturgical ministers, catechists, or those who participate in other groups and ministries. Consider renting a bus and traveling together to make it easier and more fun for everyone!
May our Lenten prayers and sacrifices, offered in a spirit of hope, bear great fruit for the Diocese of Providence.
