Chrism Mass

April 11, 2025 5:00 PM
Location: St. Patrick Catholic Church, 4 Valley View Dr, Council Bluffs, IA 51503

Large glass containers of Sacred Chrism oil and the Oil

All are invited to the annual Chrism Mass, at which Bishop William Joensen will bless and consecrate the oils that will be used in sacraments throughout the Diocese in the coming year. This year's Chrism Mass will be celebrated at St. Patrick's Church in Council Bluffs on April 11th at 5 PM.

The Chrism Mass, which [the Bishop] concelebrates with Priests from various regions of the diocese and during which he consecrates the sacred Chrism and blesses the other oils, is among the principal manifestations of the fullness of the Bishop's Priesthood and is considered to be a sign of the close bond of the Priests with him. For it is with the sacred Chrism consecrated by the Bishop that the newly baptized are anointed and those to be confirmed are signed. It is with the Oil of Catechumens that catechumens are prepared and disposed for Baptism. Finally it is with the Oil of the Sick that those who are ill are comforted in their infirmity.

— The Order of Blessing the Oil of Catechumens and of the Sick and of Consecrating the Chrism (OBO), no. 1

Note: In the March edition of The Catholic Mirror the Chrism Mass was incorrectly promoted as taking place on April 4th. This was an error and the Chrism Mass will be held on April 11th.