147 Priests Concelebrate the Chrism Mass with Archbishop Sample

The annual Chrism Mass is a joyful liturgy in which the bishop gathers with clergy, religious, and lay faithful from across his local Church (a diocese). During the celebration, priests renew their promises of service, publicly reaffirming their commitment to Christ and His Church. The bishop also blesses sacred oils that will be used in the sacraments throughout the coming year.

This year, Archbishop Sample used the occasion to speak boldly about Mission Renewal in western Oregon. He called upon both clergy and laity to rededicate themselves to the mission entrusted to us by Jesus Christ, proclaiming, “Now is the time.”

He emphasized that in order to be renewed in our mission, we must be clear about two things: who we are and what our mission is. He exhorted the faithful to overcome isolation, urging us to “end our extreme parochialism” and live as one Church united in purpose and identity.

"We are one Church in Western Oregon. Our mission is to witness to the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Our mission is to make disciples for Jesus."

Archbishop Sample also laid out key pastoral priorities as part of this renewal:

He expressed his desire to renew and unite the presbyterate—the body of priests serving in western Oregon—as one in service to the Gospel. He also called for a renewal and reform of Catholic education, catechesis, and faith formation, so that the faithful—from the youngest to the oldest—are well-formed in the truth of the faith. “We need parishes that know how to share the Gospel,” he said, inviting the entire Church to recommit to forming missionary disciples in every corner of the Archdiocese.

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