PROSPECT HEIGHTS — In a tradition that is a familiar part of Holy Week, hundreds of Diocese of Brooklyn priests will gather with Bishop Robert Brennan at the Co-Cathedral of St. Joseph in Prospect Heights for the annual Chrism Mass on April 15.

During the Mass, scheduled for 4 p.m., Bishop Brennan will consecrate the chrism oil and bless the other sacred oils that are used in diocesan churches throughout the year for baptisms, confirmations, anointing of the sick, and other sacraments.

Bishop Brennan will breathe into the vessel holding the chrism oil — an action meant to remind all of the presence of the Holy Spirit. 

Following the Mass, the oils will be distributed to church pastors to take back to their home parishes to use throughout the year. 

The priests will also renew their vow of obedience to Bishop Brennan during the Mass. Priests originally take that vow when they are ordained and renew it every year.

Auxiliary bishops, deacons, women and men religious, and laypeople affiliated with the diocese are also expected to attend the Mass.

In addition to the consecration and blessing of the oils, the Mass is notable for another reason. In previous years, Bishop Brennan has used it as an occasion to deliver a special message to his priests — inspiring words they can carry with them throughout the year.

In his 2024 homily, he sounded a note of unity and brotherhood. 

“The oils that we bless this evening mark our unity with one another, our unity with Christ himself, and our unity in His mission,” Bishop Brennan said.