During the Diocese of Owensboro’s March 26 Chrism Mass, Bishop Medley incenses the altar and the gifts as Dcn. TJ Dennison looks on. ELIZABETH WONG BARNSTEAD | WKC
Chrism Mass 2024: Ready for mission
BY ELIZABETH WONG BARNSTEAD, THE WESTERN KENTUCKY CATHOLIC
In his homily during the March 26, 2024 Chrism Mass for the Diocese of Owensboro, held at the Owensboro Sportscenter, Bishop William F. Medley explained that “Chrism Mass reminds us that every one of us is anointed for mission.”
“The Church readies us for mission this night,” said the bishop.
During Chrism Mass, the priests renew their commitment to priestly service, the bishop blesses the Oil of the Sick and Oil of Catechumens, and consecrates the Sacred Chrism. The oils are distributed to parish representatives at the end of Mass, for use in their communities throughout the year.
“The Oil of Catechumens reminds us that the Church’s mission is for conversion,” said Bishop Medley, “in all areas of society and culture.”
He said the Oil of the Sick is used to “bring healing and always the lavish mercy of Christ,” he said.
And the Sacred Chrism – which is used during ordinations, the consecration of a new church, and in baptisms and confirmations – indicates an “ontological change,” which means that the identity of those or that being anointed is changed forever.
Members of the Congolese choir from Holy Spirit Parish in Bowling Green sing the Kyre in Swahili during the Diocese of Owensboro’s March 26, 2024 Chrism Mass, held at the Owensboro Sportscenter. ELIZABETH WONG BARNSTEAD | WKC
Fr. Martin Ma Na Ling (center) holds the Eucharist during the Diocese of Owensboro’s March 26, 2024, Chrism Mass. ELIZABETH WONG BARNSTEAD | WKC
Chrism Mass for the Diocese of Owensboro takes place on March 26, 2024, inside the Owensboro Sportscenter. Chrism Mass is traditionally held at the Sportscenter to have space for all the faithful who gathered from around western Kentucky. RACHEL HALL | WKC
Layson Brooks, a parishioner of Blessed Sacrament Chapel in Owensboro, proclaims the first reading during the Diocese of Owensboro’s March 26, 2024 Chrism Mass, held at the Owensboro Sportscenter. ELIZABETH WONG BARNSTEAD | WKC
Bishop William F. Medley breathes into the Sacred Chrism during the Diocese of Owensboro’s March 26, 2024 Chrism Mass at the Owensboro Sportscenter. RILEY GREIF | WKC
Bishop William F. Medley hands oils to parish representatives during Diocese of Owensboro’s March 26, 2024 Chrism Mass. ELIZABETH WONG BARNSTEAD | WKC
