Most Reverend Jerome E. Listecki
Archbishop of Milwaukee
 

There’s an old joke that once while serving as pope, someone asked St. John XXIII how many people “work” at the Vatican, and his response was “about half.” 

This evening, representatives will come from all across the Archdiocese of Milwaukee to attend the Mass of Chrism at the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist, Milwaukee. Priests, deacons, religious and lay faithful will join Bishop Sklba and me in renewing their dedication to priestly, diaconal and lay ministry. They all work for the Church, serving their parishes and communities. Renewing their statement of commitment is truly a moving part of the ceremony. I encourage everyone – who is able – to participate in the Holy Week ceremonies.

As I look into the congregation of our jam-packed cathedral, I see the Church alive and well, with people offering themselves as a gift to Christ and the Church. Service is at the heart of living one’s faith. We would be a completely different Church if the multitude of faith-filled Catholics who donate their time to charities, liturgy committees, pastoral councils, finance councils and ministries, failed to do so. It gives me pause, to thank the Holy Spirit for inspiring these individuals.

Many will take the oils and chrism back to their parishes, which will then be used in the administration of the sacraments. Two oils are blessed: the oil of the sick and the oil of the Catechumens. Chrism is consecrated, which emphasizes its sacred sacramental sign. This blessing and consecration takes place at the liturgy.

Oil is a sign of strengthening, healing and preparation. The oil of the sick strengthens the person who faces the difficulty of illness and if it be in God’s will, to heal them. However, it prepares them also to accept God’s will, be it healing or readiness to embrace His kingdom. The oil of catechumens is used to bless individuals prior to baptism or mark them for acceptance as disciples in the faith preparing for baptism.

Chrism is scented oil used to mark the crown of the head of an infant in baptism and used again in confirmation to seal what began at baptism. A bishop will also use chrism in Holy Orders, anointing the hands of the newly ordained priest. In addition, chrism is used to consecrate an altar or a sacred space.

These oils and chrism get us ready to exercise service in our Church, uniting us to Christ (the anointed) who came not to be served, but to serve. We do so, because we LOVE ONE ANOTHER.

Note: This blog originally appeared as the March 31, 2015 "Love One Another" email sent to Catholics throughout the Archdiocese of Milwaukee by Archbishop Jerome E. Listecki. If you are interested in signing up for these email messages, please click here.