Chrism Mass

From 9:00 am to 9:45 am and immediately following the Chrism Mass, priests of the Congregation of the Mission will be available to hear confessions for the priests attending the Chrism Mass.

Confessors:

Fr. Tom Esselman, C.M.

Fr. Dominic Ngangah, C.M.

Fr. Dan Thiess, C.M.

Fr. Rich Wehrmeyer, C.M.

Each parish will receive one set of Holy Oils, unless prior arrangements have been made with the Office of Sacred Worship.  Please email [email protected]  explaining your need for additional oils so we can ensure we have enough oil blessed for everyone.  If you have reached out in prior years for additional oils, there is no need to contact our office because we keep the records on file and you will receive the additional oils this year.        

Please avoid requesting additional oil for display in larger ambries. Displaying oil that will not be used is not the intent of Holy Oils and this is not considered a great need for additional Holy Oils.  If you have any remaining oils from last year: the old Holy Oils are traditionally burned, but may be poured into the sacrarium if burning them is not possible.  Please DO NOT return any remaining oils or bottles to the Cathedral Basilica for disposal.   

Holy Oil Distribution

Blessed Holy Oils will be available for pick-up on Holy Thursday from 12:00 - 2:00 pm. Oils will not be ready earlier as volunteers will need time after Mass to fill bottles. On arrival, drive under the portico of Boland Hall and a volunteer will bring the oils to your window.  If you are attending the lunch, we ask that you please pick-up your oils after the lunch and in the same manner. 

You may pick-up oils for multiple parishes. Once the oils are picked-up for a specific parish, we will not be able to provide additional sets of oils until all parishes have received their first set of oils. Please coordinate with other pastors and parishes to ensure only one person is picking up your oils.  After 2:00 pm all oils will need to be picked up by contacting the Cathedral Basilica rectory at 314-373-8202.  Should priests need to obtain Holy Oils after Easter, they will be available in the Cathedral Basilica sacristy by appointment. To make an appointment, please contact the parish office at 314-373-8208, Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Holy Oils are to be kept with care and in a fitting manner. Reverent and safe custody includes keeping them sealed so that they will not be corrupted by foreign objects, and keeping them in a locked place where they will not be profaned.

If you have questions, please contact us at [email protected].