Oils blessed and priests renew promises at chrism Mass

While members of the congregation look on, Deacon Thomas Kovatch, a member of St. Andrew Parish in Richmond, presents Archbishop Daniel M. Buechlein with one of the three oils blessed during the annual chrism Mass, celebrated on April 3 at SS. Peter and Paul Cathedral in Indianapolis. Seminarian Aaron Jenkins, a member of St. Mary Parish in Rushville, assists the archbishop.

By Sean Gallagher

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In a liturgy befitting the solemnity of Holy Week, Catholics of all states of life from across the archdiocese filled SS. Peter and Paul Cathedral in Indianapolis on April 3 as they joined Archbishop Daniel M. Buechlein for the annual chrism Mass.

Representatives from most of the

archdiocese’s 150 parishes received holy oils blessed by the archbishop. They will be used in baptisms, confirmations and the anointing of the sick.

During his homily, Archbishop Buechlein told the representatives that “you will take the blessed oils to your parishes as the means of the Lord’s continued sacramental care.”

Rita Bott was present at the Mass to receive the oils for her parish, St. Anne in Jennings County.

Reflecting on the impact that they will make on the scores of people who will be touched by the oils in the sacraments, Bott said that her task was “overwhelming.”

“They’re very, very sacred and special,” Bott said. “It’s a privilege to be able to carry them home, an honor.”

The congregation of more than

800 people present for the Mass also

witnessed approximately 125 priests, who filled several rows of chairs behind, beside and in front of the altar, renew the promises they made at their ordination.

Moments before, Archbishop Buechlein addressed the priests, many of whose

formation he oversaw while he served as president-rector of Saint Meinrad School

of Theology from 1971-87 and others

he ordained since his episcopal ministry in Indianapolis began in 1992.

“Brother priests, to fully grasp the mystery of the priesthood requires that we follow the path of humility,” he said. “The late Pope John Paul once wrote, ‘I have decided to eliminate from my vocabulary the word “my.” How can I use the word when I know that everything is yours? I myself am more yours than mine. So, I’ve learned that I may not say “my” of that which is yours.’

“The late Holy Father’s words are a striking reminder that even the people we serve are not mine or ours. And so, sisters and brothers, we priests say to you, ‘We are for you because we are for Christ.’ ”

Father Scott Nobbe, who was ordained by Archbishop Buechlein less than a year ago, renewed his vows for the first time at the chrism Mass.

“Last year at this time, everything was so focused on me, being the only one to be ordained,” said the associate pastor of St. Monica Parish in Indianapolis.

“And now, after almost one year in the priesthood, it’s great because I can say it’s so much more about the people of God.”

Deacon Thomas Kovatch is in the place where Father Nobbe was last year.

Along with deacons Rick Nagel and Randall Summers, Deacon Kovatch will be ordained to the priesthood on June 2 at the cathedral. The chrism oil blessed at the chrism Mass will be used to anoint their hands on that day.

Deacon Kovatch sat next to the archbishop as the priests renewed their vows. It was a powerful moment for him.

“My emotions kind of welled up,” he said. “I felt something churning inside of me, and it was good.

“It was a really positive, peaceful feeling. None of us feel like we’re worthy to be ordained. But yet, I feel it’s right and it’s time, and I’m really excited about it.”

First-year college seminarian Daniel Bedel, a resident of Bishop Bruté College Seminary at Marian College in Indianapolis, is just starting out on his journey of discernment and formation.

Prior to the chrism Mass at which he was as an altar server, Bedel and many of the archdiocese’s 26 seminarians came together at the Archbishop O’Meara Catholic Center with many deacons and priests serving in parishes in central and southern Indiana for a supper hosted by the Knights of Columbus.

“It’s an interesting experience,” said Bedel, a member of St. John the Evangelist Parish in Enochsburg.

“I’ve been with my seminarian brothers this whole year, and I’ve gotten to know them very well. But I don’t know a lot of the priests very well. And so this is going to be a great opportunity for me to meet them.”

Among the seminarians, deacons, priests and lay Catholics at the Mass were many men and women religious.

Little Sister of the Poor Margaret Banar serves at the St. Augustine Home for the Aged in Indianapolis.

As she sat in the packed cathedral, her thoughts often turned toward the residents to whom she ministers since she brought them spiritually with her to the Mass.

“I’m not just saying it. I’m doing it,” said Sister Margaret. “We bring them with us to this Mass.”

Archbishop Buechlein used the solemn liturgy to proclaim the message that all the faithful in the archdiocese, both those at the Mass and those only present in spirit, are deeply loved by Christ, who poured that love in his death and resurrection.

“Sisters and brothers, the love of Jesus was so great for you and for me that it is almost too hard to fathom,” he said. “From the perspective of Christ, we are the pearl of great price. We are the buried treasure, the lost coin, the lost sheep, the prodigal son. We must mean a lot to him—even more than we can imagine.”†