Holy Week, Easter events scheduled at St. Columba
The Chrism Mass will be aired on the Ecumenical Television Network.
YOUNGSTOWN -- The following Holy Week and Easter events are planned at St. Columba Cathedral, 154 W. Wood St.
Holy Thursday. About 1,000 people representing 115 parishes in the six-county Diocese of Youngstown will demonstrate the unity of the diocese when they gather for the Mass of Holy Chrism at 10:30 a.m. The Most Rev. Benedict C. Franzetta, retired auxiliary bishop of Youngstown, will preside, and Monsignor Robert J. Siffrin, diocesan administrator, will be the homilist. Priests concelebrating in the sanctuary will be diocesan consultors and deans.
The focus of the Holy Thursday service will be the consecration of the Sacred Chrism and blessing of the Oil of the Sick and other Holy Oils of Catechumens. Each pastor will receive Sacred Chrism and the other Holy Oils.
Each parish is invited to display a banner that will be carried in a procession at the opening of the event. An important aspect of the Chrism Mass is the renewal of commitment to priestly service.
Also on Holy Thursday, an evening Mass will be 8 p.m. with the Rev. John Keehner, cathedral administrator, as principal celebrant. The cathedral will remain open for the adoration of the Blessed Sacrament until 9.
The Ecumenical Television Network will air the Chrism Mass at 8 p.m. Holy Thursday and 9 a.m. Good Friday.
Good Friday. Bishop Franzetta will celebrate the Lord's Passion at 3 p.m. The annual collection for the Holy Land, which helps preserve the holy places of Christ's homeland and alleviate the suffering of the poor of every faith, will take place.
Holy Saturday. Father Keehner will celebrate the Easter vigil at 8 p.m.
Easter Sunday. Masses will be at 10:30 a.m. with Bishop Franzetta and 12:30 p.m. with Father Keehner when the Cathedral Choir will sing.
The sacrament of penance will be available from 1 to 1:30 p.m. Monday through Wednesday and there will be a communal penance service at 7 p.m. Monday.