Chrism Mass

The Chrism Mass will be celebrated on Tuesday, April 15, 2025, at 10:30 a.m. in Saint Columba Cathedral. 

Parishioners from across the Diocese representing the parishes, missions and schools in the six county Catholic Diocese of Youngstown will demonstrate the unity of the diocesan Church as they gather at the Cathedral of Saint Columba in Youngstown for the Mass of Holy Chrism on Holy Tuesday, the last Tuesday before Easter.

The Most Reverend David J. Bonnar will be principal celebrant. Priests concelebrating in the sanctuary will include Diocesan Consultors and Deans. Included in the Chrism Mass is the annual renewal of the diocesan and religious priests of their commitment to priestly service.

An additional focus of this Liturgy will be the consecration of the Sacred Chrism and blessing of the Oil of the Sick and the Oil of Catechumens. At the close of Mass each pastor will receive Sacred Chrism and the other Holy Oils for use in their parish.

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CLERGY: All clergy are invited to concelebrate and parishes are welcomed to send delegations of 5-7 people.  After the Chrism Mass, parishes are invited to obtain the holy oils for use in their parish. Since there is a provision in the rite for priests to bless the oil of the sick and oil of catechumens, there is concern regarding the sacred chrism. It is recommended that an appropriate amount of sacred chrism be taken sufficient for parish needs. If a substantial amount of sacred oil is being disposed of each year, please adjust the amount taken. Oils will be distributed in Saint Columba Parish Hall after the Chrism Mass.

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MULTIMEDIA: Parishes and other Catholic entities are invited to sponsor the filming for our annual Chrism Mass. Sponsorships are due by March 31, 2025.

The Diocese of Youngstown Communications Department will live stream the Chrism Mass at https://catholicecho.org/live/ and it will be posted for future watching on our YouTube channel.

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MUSIC: Calling all parish music directors and respective choir members: Chrism Mass is just around the corner! You are invited to participate in singing for the Chrism Mass. Those who have joined in past years know how uplifting and powerful the music is. It is also extremely nice to sing with such a good group of musicians. Let’s get a choir of at least 50 this year! We will have two rehearsal dates outside of the Chrism Mass day, to adequately prepare. Let Ralph Holtzhauser know who is attending, and their voice part: rholtzhauser@youngstowndiocese.org