The faithfull of the Diocese of Paterson are all invited to attend the Chrism Mass.  The procession begins at 6:45PM for the 7PM Mass.



Presbyters are brought together and concelebrate this Mass as witnesses and cooperators with their bishop in the consecration of the chrism because they share in the sacred office of the bishop in building up, sanctifying, and ruling the people of God. This Mass is therefore a clear expression of the unity of the priesthood and sacrifice of Christ, which continue to be present in the Church (Ceremonial of Bishops, 274).
 
The Mass of Chrism will be celebrated on Monday, April 15, 2019 at the Cathedral of Saint John the Baptist, at 7:00 in the evening.

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Holy Thursday, The Mass of the Lord’s Supper:

April 18, 2019 - 7PM

This Mass is, first of all, the memorial of the institution of the Eucharist that is of the memorial of the Lord’s Passover, by which under sacramental signs he perpetuated among us the New Law. The Mass of the Lord’s Supper is also the memorial of the institution of the priesthood, by which Christ’s mission and sacrifice are perpetuated in the world. In addition, this Mass is the memorial of that love by which the Lord loved us even to death.

In contemplating the cross of its Lord and Bridegroom, the Church commemorates its own origin and its mission to extend to all peoples the blessed effects of Christ’s passion that it celebrates on this day in a spirit of thanksgiving for his marvelous gift (Ceremonial of Bishops, 312).

On this day, when ‘Christ our Passover was sacrificed’ the Church meditates on the Passion of her Lord and Spouse, venerates the Cross, commemorates her origin from the side of Christ on the Cross, and intercedes for the salvation of the whole world (Circular Letter on Holy Week, 58).