Bishop Patrick Neary and the priests, deacons and faithful of the diocese gathered at St Mary’s Cathedral in St. Cloud March 30 for the annual Chrism Mass. During the Mass, Bishop Neary blessed the holy oils that will be used in parishes for the coming year: the oil for the sick and oil for catechumens and consecrated the Sacred Chrism. At this Mass, priests renewed their priestly promises, and deacons renewed their commitments,
Father Robert Rolfes stands with other priests of the diocese during the Mass.
Bishop Patrick Neary insences the altar.
Bishop Neary gives the homily.
Margarita Pasqueda holds one of the oils, waiting to bring it forward for the blessing.
Bishop Neary prays over the oils.
Deacon Carlos Pasqueda Silva from St. Mary of Mount Carmel Parish in Long Prairie brings up one of the oils.
Bishop Neary adds the fragrance to the oil of the sacred chrism, the chief anointing oil.
The oils for the sacred chrism is stirred after the fragrance is added.
Bishop Neary breathes into the oil for the sacred chrism as a reminder of Christ breathing in the Apostles after his resurrection, telling them to, "receive the Holy Spirit."
Bishop Neary blesses the oils.
Confirmation students from Sacred Heart Parish in Freeport attended the Mass.
Father Mark Innocenti, pastor of St. Andrew parish in Elk River, prays during the Mass.
Father Matthew Langager, pastor of the Foley Area Catholic Community, prays during the Mass.
Bishop Neary walks with Sister Jeanne Wiest, director of the diocesan worship office.
Christine Pinto, associate director for faith formation for the Diocese of St. Cloud, carries one of the oils.
Confirmation students from Paynesville pose for photos with Bishop Neary.
