Also
known colloquially as the Mass for Priests, the Chrism Mass includes
archdiocesan priests vesting, processing into the Cathedral Basilica of
St. Louis and sitting at the front of the congregation. The Chrism Mass
is described in the Roman Missal: “This Mass, which the Bishop
concelebrates with his presbyterate, should be, as it were, a
manifestation of the Priests’ communion with their Bishop.”
The
priests renew their vow of obedience to the archbishop and their
commitment to serve God’s people, while the entire assembly is called to
renew their baptismal promises.
The renewal of priestly promises as found in the Missal:
Bishop: Beloved
sons, on the anniversary of that day when Christ our Lord conferred his
priesthood on his Apostles and on us, are you resolved to renew, in the
presence of your Bishop and God’s holy people, the promises you once
made?
Priests: I am.
Bishop:
Are you resolved to be more united with the Lord Jesus and more closely
conformed to him, denying yourselves and confirming those promises
about sacred duties towards Christ’s Church which, prompted by love of
him, you willingly and joyfully pledged on the day of your priestly
ordination?
Priests: I am.
Bishop: Are
you resolved to be faithful stewards of the mysteries of God in the
Holy Eucharist and the other liturgical rites and to discharge
faithfully the sacred office of teaching, following Christ the Head and
Shepherd, not seeking any gain, but moved only by zeal for souls?
Priests: I am.