SAGINAW— The Most Rev. Joseph R. Cistone, Bishop of Saginaw, celebrated the Chrism Mass on Tuesday, March 22 at the Cathedral of Mary of the Assumption in Saginaw. Bishop Cistone was joined by priests, deacons, religious sisters and parishioners from across the 11-county diocese, representing each of the 56 parishes.

At the Chrism Mass, the holy oils— which will be 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 Cistone and distributed to representatives of the parish communities within the Diocese of Saginaw. The priests of the diocese concelebrated the Mass with Bishop Cistone and made a renewal of their priestly vows.

For the first time in the diocese's history, the Chrism Mass was aired live on WNEM TV-5, wnem.com and saginaw.org.

“As a Church, we are continuing to look for ways to reach out and share the Good News of Jesus Christ, not only with our Catholic population, but also with the community at large,” said Bishop Cistone. “Sharing our Chrism Mass is one way in which we can invite people to experience the loving and merciful heart of Jesus.”

Bishop Cistone used this opportunity to teach about the Mass, which was being viewed by Catholic school students and many others. He explained the historical and Biblical significance of holy oils, as well as the different parts of the Mass.

A replay of the Chrism Mass will be available on WNEM TV-5 on Saturday, March 26, following the 11 p.m. news and on ENEM MY5 on Friday, March 25 at 3 p.m.