Chrism Mass renews the Church in its mission

Transitional Deacon Joseph Newton holds up the book of the Gospels during the annual archdiocesan chrism Mass celebrated on March 18 at SS. Peter and Paul Cathedral in Indianapolis. (Photo by Sean Gallagher)

By Sean Gallagher

Laity, religious, deacon candidates and seminarians, deacons and priests from all corners of the archdiocese filled SS. Peter and Paul Cathedral in Indianapolis to overflowing on March 18 for the annual celebration of the chrism Mass during Holy Week.

It was a liturgy marked by long processions of more than 110 priests, the renewal of their commitment to priestly service, the blessing of oils to be used in several sacraments and distribution of the oils to representatives of parishes from all 11 archdiocesan deaneries. (See a photo gallery)

But although it was a liturgy where the body of the local Church was represented by so many members, it was the head of the body, Archbishop Daniel M. Buechlein, who was conspicuous by his absence.

The archbishop’s continued chemotherapy treatment for Hodgkin’s lymphoma has greatly curtailed his public ministry.

Archbishop Thomas C. Kelly, archbishop emeritus of Louisville, was the liturgy’s primary celebrant.

At the start of the Mass, Msgr. Joseph F. Schaedel, vicar general, read a statement from Archbishop Buechlein.

“I deeply regret that I am unable to be with you, especially for the renewal of the commitment by our priests. Needless to say, I am with you in spirit and in prayer.”

Some of the parish representatives at the Mass appreciated seeing so many priests concelebrate and renew their commitments.

At least one man who attended is discerning if God may be calling him to be a priest.

“I have thought about a vocation to the priesthood. And I’ve been talking with Father Guy Roberts, who’s our parish ­administrator,” said Douglas Hunter, a member of St. Joan of Arc Parish in Indianapolis. “He’s introduced me to various aspects of the diocesan priesthood. He thought it would be a good idea for me to come down here.”

Others were excited by the chance to worship in the cathedral and being asked to take the holy oils back to their parishes.

“It’s the most thrilling thing,” said Marilyn Wilson, a member of Sacred Heart Parish in Clinton in the Terre Haute Deanery. “All the priests come. And I’ve always wanted to come to the cathedral.”

With so many people from across the archdiocese representing so many vocations, Archbishop Kelly exhorted those present to see the chrism Mass as a moment to renew their commitment to the Church’s mission of evangelization.

“Thanks to the faithful witness of Jesus, someday all nations will worship God,” he said. “Our vocation, as the baptized, is to join with him as witnesses, kings and priests ourselves.” †