Masses and Celebrations

On July 15th, Bishop Cary and the clergy will celebrate the long-awaited Chrism Mass when almost all the priests of the Diocese travel to the Cathedral in Baker City to participate. Some have made many trips for this Mass over the years and for some this will be their first time in the Cathedral.

Each year the Chrism Mass beautifully expresses Christ’s gift of priesthood to his Church. As high priest of the flock he is appointed to shepherd, the Bishop gathers with his priests in the Cathedral to renew their priestly promises and to bless the Holy Oils they will use in conferring the sacraments after Easter.

During the Chrism Mass, after the homily, all the priests stand and renew their vows of priesthood. This ceremony, while simple and short, is of great importance. They once again commit themselves to service of the Church and to the Bishop. It also shows a solidarity of the priest to the Church, their Bishop, and to each other.  And it is at the Chrism Mass that certain priests are recognized for their years of service to the priesthood.

Bishop Cary invites you to attend the Chrism Mass via Live-Stream here on July 15 at 11:00 a.m. With social distancing and limited space, we can all enjoy the Chrism Mass from home and watch our priests renew their vows of priesthood.