SASKATOON — On March 31, a Chrism Mass for the renewal of vows and the blessing of oils was held in the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist, Saskatoon; the service was attended by both the diocesan clergy and various members of parishes in the diocese.
The service included readings from Isaiah 61:1-8, Psalm 8:19-29, James 5:13-16a and Luke 4:16-21. The 14th Bishop of the Diocese, the Right Rev. Chad McCharles conducted the service, presided at the Eucharist and provided the homily.
In addition to the Blessing of Oils, the renewal of vows included a renewal of lay readers’ promises, the renewal of deacons’ vows, the renewal of priests’ vows and the renewal of episcopal vows by the bishop.
In his homily, Bishop Chad provided some thoughts on the meaning of Holy Week and the historic and present structure of the various services that make up this memorial, as well as providing a meditation on clerical dress.
In short, that true apostleship involves getting down and dirty with the realities of daily life. That means being spotless in appearance should not be the objective, but rather, that garb should reflect the stains and the detritus of service to others.
Following the service, those present attended a light lunch and social time in the cathedral’s parish hall.
