Last night I traveled to the parish of my first assignment, Sacred Heart Cathedral, for the Chrism Mass. The Chrism Mass gives us priests the opportunity each year to renew our promises to serve the people of God.
Here are the prayers for the renewal of priestly promises.
Beloved sons, on the anniversary of that day when Christ the Lord conferred his priesthood on his Apostles and on us, are you resolved to renew, in the presence of your Bishop and God’s holy people, the promises you once made?
I am.
Are you resolved to be more united with the Lord Jesus and more closely conformed to him, denying yourselves and confirming those promises about sacred duties towards Christ’s Church which, prompted by love of him, you willingly and joyfully pledged on the day of your priestly ordination?
I am.
Are you resolved to be faithful stewards of the mysteries of God in the Holy Eucharist and the other liturgical rites and to discharge faithfully the sacred office of teaching, following Christ the Head and Shepherd, not seeking any gain, but moved only by zeal for souls?
I am.
Then the bishop turns his attention to the people with these words.
As for you, dearest sons and daughters, pray for your Priests, that the Lord may pour out his gifts abundantly upon them, and keep them faithful as ministers of Christ, the High Priest, so that they may lead you to him, who is the source of salvation.
And pray also for me, that I may be faithful to the apostolic office entrusted to me in my lowliness and that in your midst I may be made day by day a living and more perfect image of Christ, the Priest, the Good Shepherd, the Teacher and Servant of all.
May the Lord keep us all in his charity and lead all of us, shepherds and flock, to eternal life. Amen.
One of our deacon aspirants, Scott Maentz, took quite a few pictures at the mass which you can view here. Here are two of my favorites.
Who is that smiling priest?
I hope you will continue to pray for my brother priests and I. We are in continual need of your prayers.
