Bishop Nickless blesses oils at April 10 Chrism Mass

By RENEE WEBB, Globe editor
April 13, 2006

Oils to be used in parishes throughout the Diocese of Sioux City for sacraments and sacred ceremonies were blessed by Bishop R. Walker Nickless at the Chrism Mass held April 10 at Cathedral of the Epiphany in Sioux City. The Mass was also used as a time for priests to renew their commitment to faithfully serve Christ.

In opening comments, the bishop said that he would consecrate the sacred oil of chrism and bless the oil of the sick and oil of catechumens.

"The chrism is used to anoint the newly baptized, to seal the candidates for confirmation, and to anoint the hands of presbyters and the heads of bishops at their ordinations," explained Bishop Nickless. "The oil of the sick is used to give comfort and healing to the infirm. And the oil of catechumens is used in the preparation of catechumens for their baptism."

The bishop was homilist for the occasion. He started his sermon on a light note, mentioning that later the people would be asked to pray for him. He said maybe the prayers should start right away so that he would have the strength to hold the crozier (the shepherd staff), which was very ornate and also very heavy.

Bishop Nickless then referred to the Responsorial Psalm: "Forever I will sing the goodness of the Lord."

"The goodness of the Lord surrounds us in so many ways," he said. "For me, the call and selection to be your bishop is a gift that still fills me with a sense of unworthiness and humility. What gives me strength and hope is that I am not alone."

He mentioned that his brother priests were his closest collaborators in the work of the Lord.

"Today's Mass focuses on two things - the gift of the priesthood and the blessing of the holy oils, especially the consecration of sacred chrism," said Bishop Nickless, who added that they were both vital to the ministry of a bishop.

He told those gathered that all people anointed at baptism and confirmation were called to share in the ministry of Christ.

To the priests, the bishop said, "It is through brother's love that our Lord has chosen you and me to share in his ministry. Let us never forget the love of our brother who has chosen us and forever seek the goodness of the Lord."

Bishop Nickless, addressing the priests, said that he would soon ask them to renew their dedication to Christ.

"I will ask you to go back to the memory of that wonderful day - your ordination as priests. A day of joy and gladness," he said.

He acknowledged the fact that many responsibilities and demands were placed upon the priests and that the ministry was filled with experiences of sorrow as well as joy.

The bishop thanked the priests for their love of the Lord and service.

"The oils that are blessed and consecrated today are signs of our unity...and help all people grow in holiness," he said.

During the homily, the bishop also extended gratitude to the clergy, the diocesan staff, those who helped to plan the celebration and all of the parish representatives in attendance.

"I thank all of you for your welcome, your prayers and your love," said Bishop Nickless. "May God continue to be praised in all that we do together."

The Renewal of Commitment to Priestly Service followed the homily.

The bishop asked the people to pray for the priests.

"Ask the Lord to bless them with the fullness of his love, to help them be faithful ministers of Christ the High Priest, so that they will be able to lead you to him, the fountain of salvation," said Bishop Nickless, who also asked that people pray for him.

Deacons served as gift bearers for the liturgy. Along with gifts of bread and wine, deacons carried vessels with the oils to be blessed and consecrated.

The oil of the sick was blessed by the bishop during the Eucharistic prayer. He blessed the oil of catechumens and consecrated the sacred chrism following Communion.

After blessing the oil of catechumens, the bishop poured the balsam into the chrism and breathed into the vessel, asking God to fill it with the power of the Holy Spirit.

As the bishop prayed over the chrism, all priests extended their right hands in prayer. Bishop Nickless prayed, "Make this chrism a sign of life and salvation for those who are to be born again in the waters of baptism. Wash away the evil they have inherited from sinful Adam, and when they are anointed with this holy oil make them temples of your glory, radiant with the goodness of life that has its source in you."

Members of the chancery staff helped to distribute the oils to parish representatives following the Mass.