Chrism Mass 2006

Preparing for the Chrism Mass

Normand Blanchard prepared the students for the celebration by reviewing the music

Rehearsing the choir for the Chrism Mass

 

Jubilarians were the main concelebrants

From left to right: Most Reverend Robert Harris, Aux. Bishop; Reverend Ovila Bélanger, pastor of Ste-Anne-des-Pins; Reverend Brendan Doherty, C.PP.S., pastor of Our Lady of Lourdes, Manitouwadge; Bishop Plouffe; Reverend Peter Moher, pastor of St. Peter the Apostle, North Bay; Reverend James Ketzler, pastor of St. James the Greater, Blind River; Deacon Marcel Lefebvre

Smudging at the beginning of the celebration

Archie Corbière, from the M'Chigeeng First Nation (Manitoulin Island) purified the sanctuary, the priests and the participants using the ritual of smudging at the beginning of the celebration

Priests concelebrating the Mass of Chrism

Deacon Dennis O'Donnell proclaimed the gospel

The congregation sings the opening hymn

Three hundred students from 18 Catholic High Schools gathered for the celebration of the Chrism Mass

Bishop Plouffe welcoming the students

At the beginning of the Mass, Bishop Plouffe welcomed the students, religious, priests, deacons and members of the Diocesan Order of Service

Anishinabe rite of purification

Mr. Archie Corbiere preparing for the ritual of smudging, by which he purifies the sacred space in which we will pray, as well as all those who take part in this celebration

Bishop Plouffe delivering the homily

"Religion is not so much about pins and trinkets," the Bishop told students, "but about developing a personal relationship with Jesus"

Procession of the Oils

Three large containers of oil were brought in procession to be presented to the bishop

Witnessing about the Oil of the Sick

Christopher Gunville spoke about his experience of being anointed with the Oil of the Sick

Blessing the Oil of the Sick

 

Witnessing about the Oil of Catechumens

Dean and Chelsea Schneider, along with their child Owen spoke about the importance of the Oil of Catechumens, used during Owen's baptism. Owen stole the show!

Blessing the Oil of Catechumens

 

Witnessing about the Oil of Chrism

Vince Fiore, a seminarian for the Diocese spoke about the importance of the Oil of Chrism which will be used on the day of his Ordination, and Alexis Nizzero spoke of her Confirmation, another occasion when this oil is used

Adding perfume to the oil which will become Sacred Chrism

 

Consecrating the Sacred Chrism

 

Smudging the Oils

The newly-blessed and consecrated oils are smudged by Mr. Archie Corbière

The Eucharistic Prayer

Bishop Plouffe prays the Eucharistic Prayer surrounded by the Jubilarians (priests who are celebrating major anniversaries this year)

Bishop at prayer

 

Welcoming the child

Bishop Harris holds a child following the completion of the Mass

Greetings and thanks

Bishop Plouffe greets the members of the choir following the completion of the Mass

La réception, 1

Le Club Ste-Anne nous a préparé un petit gouté inclu les fruits

Réception, 2

 

L'équipe du Club Ste-Anne

Nous remercions le Club Ste-Anne qui a préparé la réception après la Messe chrismale

A moment of fraternity

Reverend Larry Rymes, Deacon Denis O'Donnell and Deacon Paul Labelle enjoy a moment of conversation after the Chrism Mass