EASTER 2023: The Chrism Mass celebrates the Church’s unity This is the Church, and its foundation is firm Annual Chrism Mass brings together priests and faithful across Charlotte diocese

SPENCER K.M. BROWN skmbrown@charlottediocese.org

CHARLOTTE — Early on Tuesday, the sun streaming through the stained-glass windows of St. Patrick Cathedral, large jars of oil were placed on marble pedestals before the altar. At first nothing more than simple vessels of olive oil, they would soon become something sacred: holy oils to strengthen and unite the people of the Diocese of Charlotte.

The annual Chrism Mass – so named because it is when the sacramental oils are prepared that churches will use over the next year – also brings together hundreds of priests from across the diocese to renew their priestly promises to the Church and their bishop.

“The Chrism Mass is a public manifestation of the local Church,” said Father John Putnam, the diocese’s judicial vicar. “When priests gather around their bishop and renew their priestly promises, and before the faithful, they recommit themselves to the work of Christ. It’s a joyous time to come together for fraternity, but also to celebrate all the good things God does through the sacraments of the Church.”

Bishop Peter Jugis presided over the Mass April 4 at St. Patrick Cathedral, with nearly every priest from the diocese concelebrating in a moment of powerful prayer and unity.

“It is a joy to come together and gather to celebrate the Holy Eucharist and to renew our vows,” Bishop Peter Jugis told the priests during his homily. “But there is an added benefit to this celebration, as we strengthen the bond of our priestly brotherhood and strengthen the communion of the whole Body of the Church.

“Beyond uniting ourselves to the altar of Christ and to our daily sacrifice of our priestly mission, we are also uniting ourselves to the whole Body of the Church. This is a very special inspiration to the faithful of the diocese. They see their leaders, shepherds and pastors renew their promises to their vocation, and this serves to lift up and inspire them in their own vocations to Christ,” he continued.

Among those on the altar concelebrating the Chrism Mass were Monsignor Patrick Winslow, vicar general and chancellor; Father Putnam; Benedictine Abbot Placid Solari of Belmont Abbey; and Father Christopher Roux, rector and pastor of the cathedral.

The priests of the diocese renewed their promises as hundreds of people watched. Then, visibly demonstrating their unity with the bishop and the Church, the priests all stood during the blessing of the sacred chrism with their right hands extended – joining Bishop Jugis in the prayer of consecration.

The holy oils blessed at the Chrism Mass are used in the sacraments of baptism, confirmation and anointing of the sick, as well as for ordination of priests and consecration of churches and altars.

“It is a fortifying and strengthening of the whole Church, which is very important,” Bishop Jugis told his fellow priests. “Especially in these times when the faithful are so challenged by the secular culture and its values, which are often at odds with the Gospel. The presence of so many priests, gathered as one body, speaks to the whole Church of the strength and solidity of the Church.”

At the end of Mass, Bishop Jugis concluded by honoring priests celebrating milestone anniversaries of their ordinations. With the renewal of promises, Bishop Jugis concluded with an uplifting, powerful reminder to priests that “it tells the faithful and the whole Body of the Church, in a very strong way, that the Church is here. The Church is a firm foundation.”

Milestone anniversaries

Priests who are celebrating milestone anniversaries of their ordination this year include: n Father Richard R. Benonis, 65 years n Father Edward J. Sheridan, 60 years n Father Thomas P. Norris, O.S.F.S., 50 years n Father Dean E. Cesa, 25 years n Father Peter T. Pham, 25 years n Father Basile Sede Noujio, 25 years

Staff Accountant

The Diocese of Charlotte is seeking a full-time Staff Accountant for Parish Accounting Services. Areas of responsibilities include general bookkeeping and accounting for parishes, missions and parish schools: monthly close, financial statement preparation, general ledger maintenance and reconciliations, journal entries, accounts payable and cash receipts processing, payroll entries, budgeting, sales tax and year-end tax reporting.

REQUIREMENTS INCLUDE:

• Education with a focus in Accounting, Finance or related field.

• Experience in accounting or bookkeeping, preferably for a parish.

• Excellent computer skills - specifically with Excel.

• Experience with ParishSOFT software - a plus.

Please send resume and salary history/requirements by to: Human Resources, Diocese of Charlotte, 1123 South Church Street, Charlotte, NC 28203-4003, or email to Recruiting@rcdoc.org The Diocese of Charlotte is an Equal Opportunity Employer.