YOUNGSTOWN DIOCESE 116 parishes to unite for Mass of Holy Chrism
The Mass will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. Thursday by Bishop Thomas J. Tobin at St. Columba Cathedral.
YOUNGSTOWN -- Approximately 1,000 people representing the 116 parishes of the six-county Catholic Diocese of Youngstown will demonstrate church unity at St. Columba Cathedral in Youngstown during the traditional Mass of Holy Chrism at 10:30 a.m. Thursday. Bishop Thomas J. Tobin will preside.
Each parish may bring a banner depicting that parish to be carried in procession at the opening of the celebration. The banners will stand along the walls during the Mass.
One aspect of the Chrism Mass focuses on the annual renewal of the diocesan and religious priests in their commitment to priestly service.
The Holy Thursday service will include the Sacred Chrism and the blessing of the Oil of the Sick and the Oil of the Catechumens. At the close of Mass, each pastor will receive Sacred Chrism and the other Holy Oils for use in his parish.
The Ecumenical Television Network will air the Chrism Mass at 8 p.m. Thursday and at 10 a.m. Good Friday
Veneration: On Thursday, the Cathedral will be open for veneration of the Eucharist, and Catholics are welcome for personal veneration. Night prayer will be at 10 p.m., after which the cathedral doors will be closed. Security will be provided.
On Good Friday, Bishop Tobin will celebrate the Lord's Passion at 3 p.m. in St. Columba Cathedral.
During this service the annual collection for the Holy Land, which helps preserve the holy places of Christ's homeland and helps alleviate suffering of the poor of every faith in the Holy Land, takes place.
Easter Vigil: At 7 p.m. on Holy Saturday, the Easter Vigil will be celebrated by Monsignor Lawrence Fye, the cathedral rector.
On Easter, Masses are at 9:30 a.m., celebrated by Bishop Tobin, and noon, celebrated by the Rev. John Keehner, vice-rector.
The sacrament of Reconciliation will be available at 1 p.m. Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. A communal Reconciliation service will be at 7 p.m. Monday.