Bishop Michael Warfel celebrated three Chrism Masses in unity with priests from each of the local regions. He was assisted by deacons and other ministers. This was accomplished to prevent a large gathering of our priests and to meet other concerns caused by the Covid-19 pandemic. Attendance was limited but the Masses were live streamed to allow the faithful to observe. They were held at Sacred Heart Church in Glendive, St Patrick Co-Cathedral in Billings and St Ann’s Co-Cathedral in Great Falls. The sacred oils consecrated at the Chrism Mass are distributed to every parish, a visible and tangible sign of our unity in a gift of the Holy Spirit for the sacraments. “It is the bishop who in the course of the Chrism Mass, consecrates the sacred chrism for his whole diocese” (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1297) Sacred chrism is used during the liturgies for Baptism, Confirmation, Holy Orders, and during the consecration of a church. Anointing with perfumed oil (chrism) was added to the laying on of hands very early in Church history. This anointing highlights the name “Christian” which means ‘anointed,’ and derives from that of Christ himself whom God anointed with the Holy Spirit. It has continued ever since.
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