March 6, 2026 
The faithful of the Archdiocese of Hartford are invited to attend the Chrism Mass at the Cathedral of Saint Joseph on Tues, Mar. 31 at 11 a.m.
The Chrism Mass is a special celebration in the Archdiocese’s liturgical life. Archbishop Christopher Coyne will bless the 3 Holy Oils for the coming year. Additionally, priests of the Archdiocese concelebrate the Mass and renew the priestly promises that they made at their ordination, and those priests celebrating milestone anniversaries of their ordination this year are recognized at the Chrism Mass.
After Mass, the holy oils will be distributed to the parishes for use this year in the celebration of the sacraments. The Oil of the Sick is used in the Anointing of the Sick to bring the strengthening and healing power of Christ through the Holy Spirit. The Oil of Catechumens is used to strengthen and purify those preparing for baptism. The Sacred Chrism oil, a mixture of olive oil and fragrance, is used to anoint those baptized as “priest, prophet, and king”, to seal candidates with the Holy Spirit at Confirmation, to anoint the hands of priests and the heads of bishops at their ordinations, and to consecrate new altars and churches.
