Priests and worshippers from across the Diocese of Parramatta gathered at St Patrick’s Cathedral to celebrate the Chrism Mass – one of the largest annual gatherings of clergy and faithful throughout the year.
More than 120 priests were in attendance at the symbolically rich liturgy, which is designed to manifest the unity of the priests with their local shepherd and bishop, the Bishop of Parramatta, Vincent Long OFM Conv.
Bishop Vincent led the ceremony, consecrating the sacred oils (Chrism, Oil of Catechumens, and Oil of the Sick) to be used in the sacraments throughout the diocese in the year ahead.
“In this way, we enact God’s intent to heal, restore, strengthen and transform their lives,” Bishop Vincent said in his homily.
The gathered clergy also renewed their vow of obedience to the local bishop and their commitment to serve God’s people during the ceremony.
Bishop Vincent Long OFM Conv, Bishop of Parramatta during the Chrism Mass 2025. Image: Alphonsus Fok/ Diocese of Parramatta
Bishop Vincent invited them to commit to “be the Church that strengthens the weak, heals the broken-hearted, lifts up the fallen and invites all to the communion of love.”
“Only by caring for one another, for the most vulnerable and for all creation, can we harness the energy of love and embody the incarnate God,” he said.
“May we become God’s priestly and holy people, anointed to serve. May we learn to be once again the Church that accompanies all on the journey towards the fullness of life.”
Clergy from across the Diocese renewed their vow of obedience to the local bishop and their commitment to serve God’s people during the ceremony. Image: Alphonsus Fok/ Diocese of Parramatta
“In Jesus the Anointed One, God embraces, heals, restores, dignifies and honours the downtrodden. In Him, we are called to be an ecclesial community that is the sacrament of God’s compassion and care for the least and the last.” – Bishop Vincent Long OFM Conv
Following the Prayer after Communion, two representatives from each of the 47 parishes in the Diocese of Parramatta, together with their priest, were called forward to receive the oils on behalf of their community.
Each oil holds a special significance. The Oil of Catechumens marks those preparing for adult baptism, the Oil of the Sick brings comfort and strength to the ailing, while the Holy Chrism Oil is used in key sacraments like baptism, confirmation, and ordination.
St John XXIII Glenwood-Stanhope Gardens parishioner Ann-Marie Kutasi is pictured with her children: William, 12, Victoria, 10, Edward, 8, and James, 5. Image: Alphonsus Fok/ Diocese of Parramatta
Among the lay people involved in collecting the oils were: Mark and Yvette Ciappara (St John Vianney Doonside); Carol Teodori and Len Blahut (collecting for Our Lady of the Nativity Lawson); and Ann-Marie Kutasi (St John XXIII Glenwood-Stanhope Gardens).
Yvette and her husband Mark, who has served as an acolyte for over two decades, have gathered oils for their community on multiple occasions, yet each event still feels uniquely meaningful to them.
Though it was their first time collecting the oils, Carol and her husband Len were familiar faces to the bishop, who greeted them by name and embraced Carol in a warm hug. “It was lovely,” Carol said, reflecting on the Mass.
Ann-Marie described her participation in the event as a “thrill” and “real honour.”
A first-time Chrism Mass attendee, she was not alone in finding herself overcome with emotion.
Carol Teodori and Len Blahut collect oils on behalf of their community in the Blue Mountains. Image: Alphonsus Fok/ Diocese of Parramatta
Her 12-year-old son, William, marvelled at the majesty of the cathedral and the impressive choir performance, while her daughter Victoria, 10, was awestruck by the number of people who had turned out for the special Mass.
“I probably won’t experience this again,” William, an altar server in his own parish, said.
Bishop Vincent said it was pleasing to see so many people in attendance, especially from within the clergy.
“It’s very encouraging and uplifting and augurs well for the future of the diocese,” he said.
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