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Ink drawing by Gloria Tuccio

Pastor's Corner Very Rev. Aaron M. Williams

Chrism Mass
Many dioceses celebrate the Chrism Mass on Tuesday, Wednesday, or the morning of Holy Thursday. In our diocese, we celebrate this Mass on Tuesday of Holy Week at 10:30 a.m. at the Cathedral in Jackson. Chrism refers to one of the oils used during different Sacraments. During the Chrism Mass, the Oil of the Sick (used during the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick), the Oil of Catechumens (used during the Sacrament of Baptism), and the Chrism oil are consecrated by the Bishop. Large vessels of oils are carried to the altar for the blessings and consecration of Chrism, which is a mixture of oil and balsam (a perfume). After Mass the oils are distributed to representatives of each parish. The oils are taken back to the parishes and used for the Sacraments throughout the year.

The priests of the diocese also renew their promises of ordination which is why traditionally every priest within a diocese attends this Mass. The Bishop also requests that the laity of the diocese pray for him and the priests of the diocese. When I was a teenager, I always looked forward to attending this Mass. It was a great aid to my discernment. Recently, the Bishop has started a tradition of inviting school aged children from the diocese to attend in hopes to inspire a similar culture of vocations.

– Father Aaron Williams

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St. Mary Basilica Coat of Arms