The Mass of Chrism usually takes place on Holy Thursday, but since the Diocese of St. Petersburg is so large and the priests and other people have to travel so far, it is held on Tuesday in the Cathedral during Holy Week. The Mass will be live video streamed, which you may watch here, and also broadcast on Spirit FM 90.5 (online at http://www.spiritfm905.com/)

At this Mass, priests, in the presence of the bishop, renew their personal dedication to Jesus Christ, promise to unite themselves closer to Christ and renew their commitment to priestly service. The people promise to support their priests and the bishop asks everyone to pray for him.

During this calendar year 2015, twenty of our brother priests will celebrate a 25^th, 40^th, 50^th, and 60^th anniversary of ordination. As is our tradition, Bishop Lynch will honor them at this Mass.

During the Mass of Chrism, the Oil of Chrism is consecrated by the bishop. The bishop mixes olive oil and balsam in a large container before consecrating the Oil of Chrism. This oil is used in local churches during the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, in the Cathedral for the sacrament of Holy Orders, and in the blessing of new church altars.

Parish priests or deacons transport the Oil of Chrism to their local parishes and missions.

The bishop also blesses the Oil of Catechumens and the Oil of the Sick. The Oil of Catechumens is used in a ceremony with people who are preparing to enter the Catholic Church, before they are baptized. The Oil of the Sick is used in the sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick, when people who are seriously ill are blessed.

Two representatives from 74 parishes, the University of South Florida, Pastoral Center and 7 missions in the Diocese bring vessels of olive oil for the bishop to bless for the Oil of Catechumens and the Oil of the Sick. These blessed oils are brought back to their parishes and missions and solemnly presented during local Holy Thursday evening services.

25^th Anniversary

• Rev. Damian Amantia, T.O.R. (Pastor, St. Mary, Our Lady of Grace, St. Petersburg)
• Rev. David DeJulio (Pastor, St. Mark the Evangelist, Tampa)
• Rev. Joseph J. Kalarickal, M.S.T. (Parochial Vcar, Our Lady Queen of Peace, New Port Richey)
• Rev. George P. Varkey, M.S.T. (Parochial Vicar, St. Thomas Aquinas, NPR) 

40^th    Anniversary

• Rev. Dennis E. Hughes (Pastor, St. Peter the Apostle, Trinity)
• Rev. Augustine Mailadiyil (Parochial Vicar, Prince of Peace, Sun City Center)
• Rev. Msgr. Joseph F. McCahon (Retired)
• Rev. Jacob Monteleone (Pastor, Light of Christ, Clearwater)

50^th Anniversary

• Rev. Msgr. Algimantas A. Bartkus (Retired)
• Rev. Kenneth P. Bonadies (Retired)
• Rev. Thomas Burns, S.C.J. (Retired, Sacred Heart Residence)
• Rev. Msgr. J. Bernard Caverly (Pastor Emeritus, St. Raphael, St. Petersburg)
• Rev. Msgr. Colman M. Cooke (Retired)
• Rev. Kenneth Gerth, M.C.C.J. (Chaplain, St. Joseph Hospital)
• Rev. Msgr. Austin Mullen (Retired)

60^th Anniversary

• Rev. Roger L. Bisson, M.Afr. (Retired, Missionaries of Africa Residence)
• Rev. Clement F. Comesky, O.F.M. (Retired, St. Anthony Friary)
• Rev. Alexander A. Di Lella, O.F.M. (Retired, St. Anthony Friary)
• Rev. Jaime Diaz (Retired)
• Rev. Brendan Lawlor (Retired)