On the evening of Wednesday, March 12, we gather in the Cathedral for the Chrism Mass, an Archdiocesan celebration during which the Archbishop blesses the holy oils to be used in sacramental celebrations throughout the coming year.


During the entrance procession, the Archbishop incenses the oil standards.


Father Robert Barron, priest of the Archdiocese of Chicago and professor at Mundelein Seminary, gives the homily.  Father Barron will return to Seattle in 2009 to preach the Tre Ore at St. James Cathedral!


Following the homily, we renew our commitment to service in God's Church--first the baptized, then religious and pastoral ministers, then deacons, and finally the priests and the bishops express their resolve to continue in faithful and loving service of God's holy people.


The Gospel procession.


The oils are carried to the Archbishop in solemn procession. From the trumpet galleries high above the east nave of the Cathedral, the Cathedral Brass, under the direction of Dr. James Savage, accompanied the procession with splendid music.


The oil for the sacred Chrism is carried by newly-ordained priest Father Gary Lazzeroni.  A young candidate for confirmation carries the sweet-scented balsam essence to be added to the Chrism oil.


The Archbishop prays the solemn prayer of consecration of the Sacred Chrism, which is used in the rites of Baptism, Confirmation, Ordination, as well as in the dedication of new altars and church buildings.


After communion, the deacons of the Archdiocese of Seattle, together with members of the Archdiocesan Liturgical Commission, pour the oil into smaller containers to be carried by the priests and pastoral ministers to every parish in the Archdiocese.


This Chrism oil, consecrated at the Cathedral tonight, will be used to anoint the more than 1,000 people who will be baptized or received into the full communion of the Catholic Church at the Easter Vigil next Saturday, March 22.