Join us for a Parish Penitence Service at the church on Wednesday, April 9, 2025 @ 6:30 PM! Embrace this special opportunity to reflect, seek forgiveness, and renew your spirit. Come as you are.
Service. There will be a few priests available to hear your confession. All are welcome! Please Note: Confession is also 1 hour before masses.
The Chrism Mass is a profound and lesser-known liturgical event in the Catholic Church, rich with symbolism and spiritual significance. Celebrated annually, typically during Holy Week or shortly before, this Mass serves as a moment of unity for a diocese, bringing together priests, deacons, and the faithful under the leadership of their bishop. As of April 06, 2025, with Easter Sunday approaching on April 20th, many dioceses worldwide are preparing for this sacred rite, making it an ideal time to explore its meaning and traditions.
The Chrism Mass has its roots in early Christian practices, evolving into a distinct celebration by the Middle Ages. Its primary purpose is the blessing of holy oils—known as chrism, the oil of catechumens, and the oil of the sick—which are used in sacraments throughout the year. These oils are consecrated by the bishop, who presides over the Mass, symbolizing his role as the chief shepherd of the diocese and the unity of the local Church.
The term "chrism" comes from the Greek *chrisma*, meaning "anointing," reflecting its connection to Christ, the "Anointed One." This Mass underscores the sacramental life of the Church, linking the bishop’s ministry to the priests who serve parishes and the faithful who receive these sacred rites.
The Chrism Mass is typically held in the cathedral of a diocese, though the date can vary, often on Holy Thursday morning or earlier in Holy Week to accommodate schedules. In our Diocese of Calgary, the Chrism Mass will be held on 14 April at 7:00 pm at St. Mary's Cathedral in Calgary. The liturgy is marked by several key moments:
The Chrism Mass is steeped in symbolism. The fragrance of balsam in the chrism evokes the "sweet aroma of Christ," a call for the faithful to spread the Gospel. The oils themselves represent healing, strength, and consecration, mirroring the Church’s mission to nurture and sanctify its people. For priests, the renewal of vows is both a personal recommitment and a public witness, reinforcing their bond with the bishop and one another.
For the laity, attending the Chrism Mass offers a rare glimpse into the broader life of the Church. It’s a chance to see the diocese as a living, breathing entity united in faith and purpose. In an era of individualism, this celebration stands as a counterpoint, emphasizing community and shared responsibility.
As Holy Week 2025 approaches, dioceses worldwide are gearing up for this event. In some regions, it may be livestreamed to reach those unable to attend in person, reflecting the Church’s adaptation to modern technology. The oils blessed this year will anoint the newly baptized at Easter, confirm young adults in the months ahead, and comfort the sick, carrying the prayers of the Chrism Mass into everyday life.
The Chrism Mass, though not as widely recognized as Christmas or Easter, holds a quiet beauty. It invites Catholics—and all who are curious—to reflect on the sacred rhythms of faith, the power of anointing, and the strength found in unity. As the oils are prepared and promises renewed, the Church looks both backward to its ancient roots and forward to its ongoing mission.
So, as April unfolds and Easter draws near, we are learning more about our local Chrism Mass. It’s a hidden gem of the liturgical year, offering a moment of grace and connection in the heart of the Church.
Gracious and loving God, We stand before You today as a nation at a crossroads, ready to choose our leaders for the journey ahead. We seek Your wisdom, peace, and guidance as Canada approaches this crucial election.
Through the intercession of St. Joseph, patron of Canada, protector of families, and model of humble service, we ask for Your blessing upon our land. Guide us with the strength, faithfulness, and devotion he provided to the Holy Family. With Mary, our Mother, Queen of Heaven, we seek Your grace to keep us in her care. Wrap this nation in her mantle of love, leading us closer to Your Son, our Savior.
Bless the hearts and minds of all who vote, granting them clarity and integrity. Instill in them the courage to pursue justice, the compassion to care for the vulnerable, and the humility to listen to one another.
Guide those who step forward as leaders. May they be servants of the common good, rooted in truth, and dedicated to the flourishing of all—across cities, towns, forests, and coastlines of this vast land. Protect them from pride and division, inspiring them to create a future that embodies Your love, righteousness, and the Christian values upon which this country stands.
Lord, You understand the challenges we face—economic uncertainties and the urgent call for unity in our families and country. Pour out Your Spirit upon this nation, that we may rise above fear and selfishness to embrace hope, responsibility, and the strength of the Christian values integral to our identity.
St. Joseph, guardian of this country, and with the Blessed Virgin Mary, we ask for your prayers as we strive to honor God’s will in our choices. Let this election become a moment of renewal, where every voice is heard, each ballot cast in faith, and every outcome entrusted to Your hands. May Canada emerge stronger, kinder, and more just—a beacon of peace in a troubled world.
We entrust this time to You, trusting in Your unfailing care.
Amen.
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With the election set for April 28, Bishop McGrattan is encouraging Christians to participate actively in the electoral process. "“Faith is not a political position, but faith provides values that we need to be reflecting in our discussions and in making decisions regarding the future of a country and a society.”In an interview with Quinton Amundson from The Catholic Register, he recalls a piece of advice his father once gave him before heading to the polls—advice you wouldn’t want to miss! |
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Reminders
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The question seems to dig into something personal and introspective—whether you carry traits of the Prodigal Son or even the older son from the parable. Let’s unpack that.
The Prodigal Son in you might show up if you’ve ever felt like you’ve wandered off course—chasing something (a dream, a thrill, a distraction) that left you emptier than you expected. Maybe you’ve taken risks or made choices that pulled you away from what matters most to you, only to feel later that tug to return—to a better version of yourself, to people who care, or to a sense of purpose. It’s that part of you that’s restless, maybe a little reckless, but capable of recognizing when it’s time to come home, wherever “home” is for you.
The older son, though? That could be in you if you’ve ever felt overlooked or resentful—sticking to the rules, doing the “right” thing, yet watching others get grace or attention you think they don’t deserve. It’s that quiet frustration when loyalty seems unrewarded or when you catch yourself judging instead of celebrating someone else’s comeback. If you’ve ever wrestled with fairness—why them and not me?—that’s him whispering.
Most of us have a bit of both. The Prodigal’s hunger for freedom and the older son’s hunger for recognition aren’t opposites—they’re human. Lent is a chance to look at both: where you’ve strayed and need forgiveness and where you’ve clung too tight and need to let go. So, is there a son in you? Probably. The real question is which one’s louder right now—and what you’ll do about it.
Fr. Marius
