Chrism Mass to be celebrated March 25

THIS YEAR, PRIESTS, DEACONS, RELIGIOUS AND LAY WOMEN AND MEN from Burlington, Mercer, Monmouth and Ocean counties are invited to join Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., who will celebrate the Mass on the Monday of Holy Week, March 25, at 7:30 p.m., in St. Robert Bellarmine Co-Cathedral, 61 Georgia Road, Freehold. The Chrism Mass will also be livestreamed on diocesan social media platforms and on YouTube in English and Spanish.

The Chrism Mass, traditionally celebrated around the world during Holy Week, provides a demonstration of the unity of the Catholic community around the Bishop. The pews in the Co-Cathedral are filled to its 1,100-seating capacity. There well over 100 priests in the front pews, all of whom concelebrate the Mass with the Bishop, Deacons from the Diocese are also in attendance as are religious and lay faithful from the four counties of Burlington, Mercer, Monmouth and Ocean. During the Mass, all witness the dramatic unfolding of ancient rituals, such as the consecration and blessing of the Holy Oils by the Bishop.
 
Also, a most poignant moment during the Mass is when all of the priests stand before the Bishop and renew their commitment to priestly ministry.

During the Mass, Bishop O’Connell will bless the Oil of the Sick and the Oil of the Catechumens and he will consecrate the Sacred Chrism to be used in parishes throughout the coming year.  Read more HERE.