All share in the Priesthood of Christ

Dear friends in Christ, at the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass we celebrate the priesthood of Christ through the Church in which we all share. The Fathers who assemble around the altar participate in that priesthood in a ministerial sense. We all share in it by virtue of our baptism. Nevertheless, together we all work toward a common end—the salvation of souls, by carrying out our particular roles in accordance with the graces that Almighty God has endowed each one of us; the graces that come with our particular vocations.

The Chrism Mass, celebrated each Maundy Thursday, is particularly important for the perpetuation of the ministry of Jesus through the Church that he founded. First, we have the renewal of our commitment to priestly service. Secondly, we have the blessing of the Holy Oils of the Sick and the Oils of Catechumens and the Consecration of the oil of Chrism. With these, the sacraments instituted by Jesus Christ will be continued through the priestly ministry for the sanctification of God’s people.

To read the entire article click here.