April 11, 2009
Clergy, religious, laity join in Chrism Mass at Cathedral
By Herald staff
Bishop Soto prepares to consecrate the sacred chrism, used for baptism, confirmation, ordination of priests and bishops, and dedication of churches and altars. Paul Gaviglio/Herald photo
Several hundred clergy, religious and laity gathered April 2 in the Cathedral
of the Blessed Sacrament in Sacramento for the annual Chrism Mass.
Bishop Jaime Soto presided at the Mass, with Bishop Emeritus William K. Weigand, Bishop Emeritus Francis A. Quinn, Bishop Joseph J. Madera and Abbot Paul Mark Schwan of the Abbey of New Clairvaux in Vina as concelebrants. They were joined by the priests of the diocese to pray for God’s continued blessings on the local church of Sacramento.
Bishop Soto in his homily told those gathered that “though there may be few who notice what we do here, we should not ignore or dismiss the potential for good that is to be generated here this evening. We are involved in the development of an alternative source of energy, a vital option of hope and an inexhaustible pool of life.”
Bishop Soto blessed the holy oils which will be used in sacramental celebrations in all parishes of the diocese throughout the coming year.
He consecrated the oil of chrism, with which women and men are anointed as God’s priestly people at baptism and confirmation, and men are anointed in their ordination to the priesthood.
He also blessed the oil used for anointing those in need of healing in the sacrament of the sick, and the oil of catechumens.
During the liturgy, the bishop asked the priests in service in the diocese to renew their commitment to Christ, his people and the church. The bishop then asked the assembly, as representatives of the whole church of Sacramento, to pray for their priests.
“Our priestly calling is most truly expressed when we together, priests and people, allow the sacred anointing of Christ to charge and invigorate our lives,” he said.
The bishop also asked the permanent deacons in service to the diocese to renew their commitment to the service of the Gospel and the church.
As a recognition of pastoral ministries, the bishop acknowledged those who support the mission of the local church, including religious women and men, deacons’ wives, seminarians, teachers and catechists, those who minister to the sick, and all who assist in the preparation and celebration of the liturgy.
