BLACKWOOD – Days before the celebration of the Sacred Triduum and Eastertide, the Catholic Church of South Jersey celebrated the annual Chrism Mass on April 12 at Saint Agnes Church, Our Lady of Hope Parish.
In front of his brother priests, deacons, religious and faithful, Bishop Dennis Sullivan consecrated the oils to be used in the upcoming liturgical year: the Oil of the Sick, the Oil of Catechumens and the Sacred Chrism.
The Chrism Mass manifests the communion of the priests with the bishop, in the same priesthood and ministry of Jesus, which Bishop Sullivan reminded them in his homily.
“All people need to hear and witness your resolve,” the Bishop said to the priests. “For too long, our sick and sinful brothers have gotten too much attention – let the attention be on you, on your faithfulness as priests of Jesus Christ, on your selfless service to God’s people, on your dedication to the Church, and on your sincerity as servants of the people.”
As well, Bishop thanked all of God’s “very, very good people” who serve in the Diocese: priests, consecrated men and women, deacons, seminarians, Knights of Columbus, the Knights and Ladies of the Holy Sepulcher of Jerusalem, and the lay faithful.
To the lay faithful he said, “Through baptism, [you] have inherited the dignity of the royal priesthood of Jesus Christ, which you share with us who are ordained. But we exercise our priesthood in different ways. You exercise your priesthood through a variety of very impressive ministries. I never cease to be amazed at [your work]. Truly, missionary disciples are found in many of our parishes.”
He went on to thank the priests for their “active participation and support of parishes, and the sacramental and devotional ministries.”
Bishop Sullivan expressed excitement in welcoming transitional deacons “into our presbyterate” at the upcoming priest ordination May 14; these men who “bravely said yes to the priesthood” will offer “years of priestly service to God’s people. … May they be beneficial years for you and for the Church in Camden.”
To the gathered seminarians, the Bishop urged, “Be not afraid. … Stay focused as you continue formation [and] know of our prayers of support.”
He called the permanent deacons, “servants of the word, the altar and charity … bridges between the lay faithful and the ordained,” and expressed gratitude for them serving the Church and pastors in “countless ways,” while also thanking the deacons’ wives.
Bishop’s brother Knights of Columbus “you have encouraged us priests through the dark scandals of recent years … a heartfelt thanks,” he remarked, adding that their “defense of marriage and the sacredness of life are very needed in our society.”
In addition, the support of Knights and Ladies of the Holy Sepulchre in defense of the Holy Land, he said, “is so generous and desperately needed; I’m very proud to be a member of the order.”
The life of religious men and women and their “example of vowed life is so encouraging. … We need your example, the fidelity of your prayers, your presence, your example of living in community life. You are an inspiration to our people and to me,” he said.
Turning his attention to the parish pastors, he said, “I walk on your feet. You carry me in your ministries.” He reminded them of the current synodal journey that the universal Catholic Church is undertaking, that “a much-needed and new culture … is now on the horizon,” one of “collaboration and co-responsibility” to listen to those on the margins and those with opposite viewpoints.
The priests then renewed their priestly vows, pledging to “be more united with the Lord Jesus and more closely conformed to him [and be] faithful stewards of the mysteries of God … following Christ the Head and Shepherd, not seeking any gain, but moved only by zeal for souls.”
After the renewal, Bishop Sullivan called on the congregation and those participating via livestream video to “pray for your priests, that the Lord may pour out his gifts abundantly upon them, and keep them faithful as ministers of Christ … so that they may lead you to Him.”
After Mass, clergy reflected on the day, their priestly call and the support of South Jersey’s faithful.
“Everything was perfect; it was beautiful to feel the whole unity of the Diocese, singing and praying together,” said Father George Seiter, pastor at Holy Eucharist Parish, Cherry Hill.
For Father Steven Bertonazzi, parochial vicar at Mantua’s Parish of the Incarnation, it was his first time experiencing the Chrism Mass as a priest, having been ordained last year. He called it a powerful moment.
“The Church is all here together; it’s great to see the love the people have for their priests,” he said.
Holding the Mass program, which included his priestly promises, he vowed to “take this home, reflect on the promises, and continue to grow.”
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