BRIDGEPORT—Bishop Frank J. Caggiano will celebrate the Chrism Mass on Holy Thursday, March 28, at 10 am at St. Augustine Cathedral in Bridgeport. All are invited to attend.
More than 300 priests and deacons will process into the cathedral for the yearly Chrism Mass, in which priests renew their priestly promises and the bishop blesses the sacramental oils that are used throughout the year in parishes.
At last year’s Chrism Mass, the bishop urged the clergy gathered to “rise to the challenge of our times and to seek to live radical, fearless, courageous lives of holiness.”
The Chrism Mass traditionally manifests the unity of priests with their bishops and includes a homily in which the bishop directly addresses his brother priests in attendance.
Bishop Caggiano reflected on the fraternity of the priesthood and diaconate at last year’s Mass, saying, “I am deeply grateful to you, my brother priests, for all of your sacrifice, your generosity, your hard work, which oftentimes goes unnoticed and un-thanked. I am privileged to walk in your midst as your spiritual father and as your bishop, for I know you now after all these years and I’m proud of every single one of you.”
During the service, the bishop blesses the Oil of the Catechumens, the Oil of the Infirm and the Holy Chrism (a mixture of olive oil and balsam used in ordinations and Confirmation.)
After Mass, the holy oils that were consecrated on the altar are distributed to priests who will use them in their parishes when blessing the sick and in the sacraments of Baptism and Confirmation.
Chrism Masses are traditionally celebrated during Holy Week or on the morning of Holy Thursday. It is a beautiful liturgy that celebrates the communion of the Church.
Bishop Caggiano’s Holy Week Schedule
Sunday, March 24 at 10AM – Palm Sunday Mass at St. Augustine Cathedral
Monday, March 25 at 3PM to 9PM – Reconciliation Monday
Thursday, March 28 at 10 AM – Chrism Mass at St. Augustine Cathedral
Thursday, March 28 at 7PM – Mass of the Lord’s Supper
Good Friday, March 29 at 10AM – Bridgeport Procession (St. Mary)
Good Friday, March 29 at 3PM – Good Friday of the Lord’s Passion (Notre Dame of Easton)
Saturday, March 30 at 8PM – Easter Vigil Mass at St. Augustine Cathedral
Sunday, March 31 at 10AM – Easter Sunday Mass at St. Augustine Cathedral
Masses at St. Augustine Cathdral will be livestreamed here.
