Reverend Joseph E. Kurtz, D.D. Bishop | Archdiocese of Louisville

Many Catholics are familiar with the significant religious events of Holy Week, which include Palm Sunday, Holy Thursday, Good Friday, the Easter Vigil, and Easter Sunday. However, the Chrism Mass is a less well-known part of Holy Week, as noted by Dr. Karen Shadle, who serves as the director of the Archdiocese of Louisville’s Office of Worship. Shadle highlighted that, while most Holy Week liturgies occur at individual parishes, the Chrism Mass is celebrated as a diocesan liturgy.

This year, the Chrism Mass within the Archdiocese of Louisville will be officiated by Archbishop Shelton J. Fabre. The service is scheduled for April 15 at 7 p.m., and will take place at the Cathedral of the Assumption located in downtown Louisville.

Dr. Shadle shared insights on what newcomers to the Chrism Mass might experience. According to Shadle, attending the event helps reinforce a sense of shared community and strength among attendees, dispelling feelings that the church might be dwindling. The sight of numerous priests during the opening procession emphasizes this point, as it demonstrates, “there are a lot of priests,” and that there is something “wonderfully abundant” about seeing them all together.

Highlighting a communal aspect, Shadle mentioned that some parishes and OCIA groups choose to enhance the experience by organizing an entire evening around the Mass, often including carpools and dining together before the service.