At Chrism Mass, Bishop Kemme blesses and consecrates the holy oils used in the diocese throughout the year. After Mass, the Sacred Chrism, Oil of the Sick, and Oil of Catechumens are distributed to every parish. At St. Joseph, these are stored in the ambry that is located in St. Joseph’s altar behind the baptismal font. Chrism Mass is a great joy for us priests. Nearly every priest of our diocese is present, because we renew our priestly promises at Chrism Mass.
On Holy Thursday, the only Mass celebrated at parishes is the Mass of the Lord’s Supper. Beyond the remembrance of the Last Supper itself, we are called to meditate on the gift of the Eucharist and of the priesthood at this Mass. At the end of Mass, rather than returning the Eucharist to the tabernacle as usual, we process with the Eucharist to the Altar of Repose. This commemorates our Lord going to the Garden of Gethsemane, where he was later betrayed. It is tradition in our Church to keep vigil with our Lord until midnight at the Altar of Repose.
On Good Friday, we remember the Crucifixion of our Lord. The major liturgy of the day is the Commemoration of the Lord’s Passion. When we arrive, we find that the altar is stripped, the tabernacle is bare, and the church feels empty. We are asked by the Church to enter and depart in silence on Good Friday. I do not know of any other fitting response when we are confronted with what Jesus did to save us.
On Holy Saturday, we keep vigil at night in the Church. Following the most ancient traditions of our Church, we begin at the Easter Fire where light and fire are used to teach us about Christ’s presence in the world. We listen to scripture and hear the story of how God saved humanity. It is the greatest story ever told. We baptize and bring new members into our Church. We celebrate the Eucharist. I love everything about the Easter Vigil, and I encourage everyone to come at least once.
Fr. Matt