Chrism Mass 2011

                                              LOCAL PRIESTS REDEDICATE THEIR LIVES TO THE CHURCH

                               ARCHBISHOP ROBERT J. CARLSON BLESSES OILS USED FOR SACRAMENTS

WHAT:            Archbishop Robert J. Carlson will celebrate Mass with more than 150 local priests, who will

                         renew their vows to the priesthood

WHEN:             Thursday, April 21, 2011 at 10AM

WHERE:           Cathedral Basilica of St. Louis, 4431 Lindell in St. Louis

St. Louis, MO – As part of Holy Week Archbishop Robert J. Carlson, as well as more than 150 local priests, will celebrate the Chrism Mass at the Cathedral Basilica. The Chrism Mass derives its name from one of the three oils which are presented to the Archbishop to be blessed and consecrated for use at baptisms, confirmations, and ordinations throughout the year. During the Easter Season, more than 2,000 young men and women will be confirmed in the Catholic faith.

In addition, the priests will renew their commitment to their priestly ministry, helping them call to mind their vocation, and inspiring them to rededicate their lives to Christ.  Also, hundreds of local Catholic school students who will be confirmed during the Easter season will attend the Mass to witness the blessing of the oil of chrism, which will be used in their own Confirmations.                   

 Catholics around the world celebrate Holy Week, which opens with the celebration of Christ’s triumphal entry into Jerusalem. The week continues with the commemoration of the Last Supper, His passion, and His death, and culminates in the joy of His resurrection.