On Tuesday, April 12, priests, parish leaders and representatives from each parish community across the Diocese of Saginaw joined Bishop Robert Gruss for the annual Chrism Mass.
During the Chrism Mass, the holy oils used for the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, Holy Orders and Anointing of the Sick, as well as the Dedication of Churches and Consecration of Altars were blessed by Bishop Gruss.
The oils were then distributed to representatives of each of our 56 parish communities for use within the diocese. The priests of the diocese concelebrated the Mass with Bishop Gruss and made a renewal of their priestly promises.
"Brothers, I am deeply grateful for your presence here and for your ministry to the people of God entrusted to your care,” Bishop Gruss said. “I thank you for your dedication and commitment to your priestly ministry and for the sacrifices you make for the Church in this diocese. It is important that we come together to share in this moment and to reflect upon the gift of our priesthood.
Bearing witness to Christ’s Redemption in the world
Bearing witness to Christ’s Redemption in the world "Bearing witness to Christ’s Redemption in the world is at the heart of priestly ministry," Bishop Gruss shared. “In the battles of priestly ministry, it can sometimes be easy to think, ‘Does it really matter? Am I making any real difference? How can I get done all that I need to do or is asked of me?’ Yes, these can be some of the questions and concerns that come to our minds, myself included.
“But something we don’t often think about is this: You and I, all of us, were born for this time – this time in history. We are not alive in this moment by chance; we were born, placed in this world, and ordained for this moment.”
As we enter a post-pandemic Church, Bishop Gruss encouraged his brother priests— and indeed all of us— to learn from Jesus how to enter into his meekness and humility.
“These will help in our resolve to be more united with the Lord Jesus and more closely conformed to him,” Bishop Gruss said.
In addition to our priests, those gathered included deacons, seminarians, religious sisters, directors of parish life, lay ministers and parishioners. Approximately 350 people participated in-person at today’s Chrism Mass, which was also available via livestream. Bishop Gruss reminded all the Faithful of their priestly role.