Chrism Day includes talks, homily by Bishop Ricken 

The annual Mass of Chrism – at which sacred oils for the sick and catechumens are blessed and the sacred chrism is consecrated – seemed more special this year, said some people who attended it.
It was held April 2, the Monday of Holy Week, and included the Elect, who were baptized the next Saturday at the Easter Vigil, and Bishop David Ricken of Cheyenne, Wyo.
Bishop Ricken, who spoke to priests and permanent deacons of the Diocese of Helena that afternoon, gave the homily during the Chrism Mass at the Cathedral of St. Helena.
He spoke about programs that dioceses have sponsored that educate and help people in times of need. One program he cited was held after two priests in Colorado were killed by their housekeeper’s grandson. Sister Helen Prejean, who wrote the book “Dead Man Walking,” and Marietta Jaeger Lane of Three Forks, whose daughter was kidnapped and killed, talked to Wyoming people on the death penalty and forgiveness.
Christ works through the sacraments – the healing ministry of the Church – Bishop Ricken said. Everyone is part of it.
On healing and anointing, he asked all to pray for this particular church, this diocese, for healing and calling as we respond to God’s call. “Let this church be commissioned to go forth … so you will be prepared when God calls,” he concluded.
For the blessing and consecration of the oils, people came from St. Ann Parish, Bonner; Anaconda Catholic Community; Holy Rosary Parish, Bozeman, and Holy Family+Pope John XXIII Parish, Missoula. They carried the oils forward and poured them into large containers for Bishop George Leo Thomas to pray over and bless.
Bishop Thomas presided at the Mass. Concelebrants were Archbishop Raymond G. Hunthausen, retired archbishop of Seattle, and the priests of the Helena Diocese.

Published in The Montana Catholic, Vol. 23, No. 4, April 20, 2007.