The Chrism Mass, celebrated each year during Holy Week, is so named because it is when the sacramental oils are prepared that churches will use over the coming year. The holy oils blessed at the Chrism Mass are used in the sacraments of baptism, confirmation and anointing of the sick, as well as for ordination of priests and consecration of churches and altars. The annual Chrism Mass also brings together hundreds of priests from the Diocese of Charlotte’s 92 parishes to renew their priestly promises to the Church and their bishop.

“The Chrism Mass is a public manifestation of the local Church,” notes Father John Putnam, the diocese’s judicial vicar. “When priests gather around their bishop and renew their priestly promises, and before the faithful, they recommit themselves to the work of Christ. It’s a joyous time to come together for fraternity, but also to celebrate all the good things God does through the sacraments of the Church.”