The Archbishop has praised the clergy for their work and ministry, but once again reiterated that the archdiocese needs more of them to fulfill its ministry to the people.

“We need to work for vocations…It is the nature of the Church to be priestly, and we can’t be priestly if we don’t have priests,” Archbishop Edward Gilbert said in a straight-forward manner during his homily at last Monday’s annual Chrism Mass at the Cathedral of Immaculate Conception.

He was effusive in his appreciation for priests in the archdiocese, saying they have been “stretched thin” because of their support of the solidarity plan for the 197 churches, chapels and other places of worship across the country.

Parish representatives pray the Our Father at Monday’s Chrism Mass at the Cathedral Raymond Syms photos

Frs Vincent Esprit, FMI and Ron Mendes, CSSp distribute oils in front the vessels containing the holy oils.

He urged the congregation of parish representatives from all over the archdiocese to not only continue praying for vocations to the priesthood, but actively encourage anyone who is considering becoming a priest. Archbishop Gilbert stressed that the thinking should not be to pray for someone else’s son to join the priesthood, but to look at your own son or young men in your parish.

Earlier in the homily the archbishop described the liturgy as “one of the most significant liturgies” because the entire archdiocese - religious, laity, presbyterate – was represented. “What we do here will carry us through the rest of the year.”

He said the Church’s goal of ministry is to lift people up, offer freedom, teach truth and help people experience community.  “What we do in the parish through ministry is to give people hope and strength. …Ministry is celebrated by the people, and community is built by the people.”

Touching on the readings, he said there were three key words to consider - Spirit, anointed and lowly (being humble). He said the meaning and influence of each, after reflection, become a power for the Church.

Speaking of The Oil of Catechumen, The Oil of the Sick and the holy Chrism, he said each represents a ministry of the Church – faith-building, healing and consecration. He told parish representatives that as they return to their parishes with the oils, he hoped it encouraged the call to ministry and “give new energy and confidence”.

You will have “a fire in the system” to challenge those who have not yet contributed to the building of the Church, the archbishop said. “Change them by your witness, by your style of ministry, by your understanding of ministry”.

Archbishop Gilbert concluded saying the archdiocese had much to be thankful for. “We are a privileged people. Ask God to continue to bless us and to preserve us”.

After the homily, the archbishop blessed the oils separately in their vessels, placed on a low table near the altar; later, priests renewed their vows. The liturgy then continued as usual.

Before the final blessing, bottled oils were distributed to parishes by vicariate, then to other ecclesial communities. - RS