Chrism Day Reflections and Mass

HENDERSON, NV (March 30, 2023) — The Diocese of Las Vegas celebrated Chrism Day with talks on the Eucharist by Fr. Michael Driscoll, Ph.D., STD, and concluded the day with the Chrism Mass celebrated by Bishop George Leo Thomas, Ph.D., at St. Thomas More in Henderson, NV. 

Fr. Michael Driscoll is a priest of the Diocese of Helena and professor emeritus in the theology department at the University of Notre Dame. He is the founding director of the Graduate Program in Sacred Music as well as the undergraduate interdisciplinary minor in Liturgical Music Ministry at the University of Notre Dame. His scholarly interests are in the area of liturgy and sacramental theology, coauthoring a book with Michael Joncas entitled, The Order of Mass: A Roman Missal Study Edition and Workbook. 

Fr. Driscoll spoke on the topic of "The Eucharist as the Embodiment of Love." In the past twenty-five years, the Eucharist has been a prominent theme in official Catholic documents, especially from the last three popes. The pair of talks attempted to find the connection between cult, creed, and code, to the extent that how we pray shapes what we believe and how we act as Christians living in the world. The first presentation made the link between our Eucharistic celebration and our faith, while the second talk connected how the Eucharistic celebration implicates us on how we live that faith.

Following the talks, Bishop Thomas, celebrated the Chrism Mass with Auxillary Bishop Gregory W. Gordon, with priests of the Diocese of Las Vegas concelebrating. Fr. Driscoll gave the homily. 

The Chrism Mass is a special Diocesan Mass when the Holy Oils are blessed by the Bishop to be used throughout the year, starting with the Easter Vigil Mass. The Holy Oil of The Sick(OI), Oil of the Catechumens (OS), and Sacred Chrism (SC) are blessed. 

The Oil of Catechumens is used during the Sacrament of Baptism to anoint the forehead of the person being baptized. The Holy Oil is meant to strengthen the person and prepare them for the spiritual journey they are about to embark on.

The Oil of the Sick is used during the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick. The oil is applied to the forehead and hands of the person who is sick or dying. The oil is meant to bring spiritual and physical healing, as well as strength and peace to the person in their time of need.

Sacred Chrism is used to anoint the person receiving the Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and Holy Orders. The oil signifies the presence of the Holy Spirit and the person's new role in the Church.

To view photos from the day, scroll through the slideshow below.