Chrism Mass, and the days that follow, bring newness to the Church

Priests across the archdiocese brought back to their parishes on Monday new oils for use in the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, Holy Orders and Sacrament of the Sick.

The oils aren’t the only new thing that Holy Week is ushering in.

“This Holy Week, as it always does, heralds a season of new life in the Church,” Archbishop George J. Lucas said in his homily at the Chrism Mass, where he blessed the three types of sacred oils.

In the Archdiocese of Omaha, the Chrism Mass is offered on Monday of Holy Week at St. Cecilia Cathedral in Omaha. In addition to the blessing of oils, the Mass provides an opportunity for archdiocesan priests, in union with the archbishop and in union with Jesus, to renew their priestly commitment.

 “All things, all peoples are being renewed these days in Christ our Lord,” Archbishop Lucas said.

Made new this week, he said, will be the Bread on the altar on Holy Thursday, the fire at the Easter Vigil that will light the Easter candle, the water that will be blessed that day and the hundreds of the elect who “will become new men and women in the waters of Baptism.”

The renewals will continue beyond Holy Week, Archbishop Lucas said.

“Soon we’ll have the ordination of new deacons, and not too long after that new priests. And while the Easter proclamation is still ringing in our ears, we’re going to get a new archbishop,” Archbishop-elect Michael G. McGovern, who will be installed May 7.

“All things are made new in the Risen Christ,” Archbishop Lucas said. “It’s so important to celebrate all this. It’s not just a novelty but a refreshing of the Church.”

“Sacramental oil flows freely and liberally from the Mass today to parishes across the archdiocese to heal and enliven,” he said.

“Jesus is alive, and He is at work here in northeast Nebraska.”