On Tuesday, March 31, the Chrism Mass was held at 11:00 a.m. at the Cathedral of St. Joseph in Burlington. At this annual Mass, the bishop blessed the three sacred oils that will be used for the year, and the priests renewed their the promises they made at their ordination. Most of the diocesan priests were in attendance, as well as extern priests and religious order priests serving in the diocese, and diocesan deacons.

Laity participating in the procession included the Knights of Columbus Honor Guard, knights and dames of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem, and members of the Vermont chapter of the Catholic Daughters of the Americas.

Catholic schools from across the state sent groups of students and teachers to attend the Mass. Many schools sent their 6th grade students who will be receiving the Sacrament of Confirmation after Easter using the very Chrism oil being blessed at this Mass.

The liturgy was elevated through the joint musical efforts of organist Dr. Kevin Parizo, members of the Cathedral Choir, members of the Diocesan Festival Choir, and the Choir of Rice Memorial High School, directed by Kevin Ginter.

In his homily, Bishop McDermott acknowledged that this is a particularly trying time for the diocese, the country and the world. He said that people have forgotten about God and His truth, and that people are living disconnected from God. He followed this with a message of hope, stating that  “this can be our finest hour — not because of our own abilities and strengths, but because of who we worship and what He calls us to do.”  He assured the congregation by stating “evidence of this confidence is what we are here to do today. The powers and dominions of the world falter before the Almighty Jesus Christ … with Christ all things are possible.”

The bishop challenged the laity into action by stating that “discipleship and evangelization are for all of us — not just for bishops and priests.” He addressed his brother priests specifically by telling them “it can be easy to lose sight of our vocation when we feel overwhelmed by things like broken boilers and bankruptcy… He will provide for us with all we need. We must keep our eyes fixed on Him.”

He ended his homily by saying, “we may have a lot of problems, but we have the one solution in Jesus Christ.”

After the Homily, the priests of the diocese stood before the bishop and renewed the promises they made at their ordination. They resolved to be “faithful stewards of the mysteries of God in the Holy Eucharist” and “discharge the sacred office of teaching … not seeking any gain, but moved only by zeal for souls.” The Renewal of Priestly Promises ends with the bishop asking the people to “pray for your priests, that the Lord may pour out his gifts abundantly upon them” and to “also pray for me, that I may be faithful to the apostolic office entrusted to me in my lowliness.”

During the Liturgy of the Eucharist, the sacred oils were blessed. A team of six “deacons of the oils” presented each of the three containers of oil to the bishop.

The first oil to be blessed was the Oil of the Sick. This oil is blessed during the Eucharistic Prayer, just before the doxology. Two deacons held the vessel of oil in front of the altar for this blessing. This oil was blessed for the healing of body, mind, and spirit.

After the distribution of Holy Communion, the second oil was blessed — the Oil of the Catechumins. This oil is used for anointing those preparing for baptism. Through this anointing, they are strengthened by Christ to resist the power of evil in all its forms.

The final oil to be blessed was the Oil of Chrism. First the bishop poured the balsam essential oil into the Chrism. Then after a short prayer, he breathed intentionally into the oil. Finally, he read the long prayer of consecration, with the priests assisting him midway through the prayer by silently extending their right hand. The Holy Chrism is used to anoint infants after baptism, those who are to be confirmed, and bishops and priests at their ordination. It is also used to anoint altars and churches at the time of their dedication.

After the Mass, priests or their delegates brought their empty vessels to the downstairs chapel where deacons filled them with the newly blessed oils. The Cathedral of St. Joseph Parish provided refreshments in the parish hall after the Mass.