Today our Diocese is celebrating the Chrism Mass. This is the Mass at which the Bishop blesses the oils that will be used for administering sacraments throughout the Diocese: the Oil of Catechumens (used to strengthen those preparing for Baptism); the Oil of the Sick (used for the Anointing of the Sick) and the Sacred Chrism (a perfumed oil used in Confirmation, Holy Orders, and Baptism).

Traditionally, this was celebrated on Holy Thursday morning. But as dioceses became larger, the celebration of this Mass moved to an earlier day so priests throughout the Diocese could celebrate the Mass with their Bishop. One of the highlights for me has always been the renewal of priestly promises, when the Bishop asks us to renew the promises we made at our ordination.

The Diocese will live stream the Mass today at 4pm. You can tune in here (https://www.sdcatholic.org/) to watch.