CHRISM MASS AT THE CATHEDRAL

March 31, 2026 at 3:37 p.m.

Bishop Mark O’Connell, center, presides over the Chrism Mass on March 30 at the Cathedral of Immaculate Conception in Albany. (Cindy Schultz photo for The Evangelist) **(CINDY SCHULTZ)**

Bishop Mark O’Connell adds balsam to the Holy Chrism during the Chrism Mass on March 30 at the Cathedral of Immaculate Conception in Albany. (Cindy Schultz photo for The Evangelist) **(CINDY SCHULTZ)**

Nicholas DeSalvatore, 12, attends the Chrism Mass with his family on March 30 at the Cathedral of Immaculate Conception in Albany. (Cindy Schultz photo for The Evangelist) **(CINDY SCHULTZ)**

Bishop Mark O’Connell (c.) presides over the Chrism Mass on March 30 at the Cathedral of Immaculate Conception in Albany. (Cindy Schultz photo for The Evangelist) **(CINDY SCHULTZ)**

Andrea Freeman (c.) carries the oil and Millie Selby (r.) carries the balsam oil to the altar during the Chrism Mass on March 30 at the Cathedral of Immaculate Conception in Albany. (Cindy Schultz photo for The Evangelist) **(CINDY SCHULTZ)**

Deacons carry the urns to the front of the altar during the Chrism Mass on March 30 at the Cathedral of Immaculate Conception in Albany. (Cindy Schultz photo for The Evangelist) **(CINDY SCHULTZ)**

Oil bearer Kyle Bryan carries the Oil of the Catechumens to the altar during the Chrism Mass on March 30 at the Cathedral of Immaculate Conception in Albany. (Cindy Schultz photo for The Evangelist) **(CINDY SCHULTZ)**

Bishop Mark O’Connell presided over the Chrism Mass at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Albany on March 30. Bishop O’Connell blessed two oils, the Oil of the Catechumens and the Oil of the Sick, and consecrated the Holy Chrism, all of which will be used in the administration of the sacraments in parishes throughout the Diocese of Albany in the coming year. In addition, there was a Renewal of the Commitment to Service by all of the baptized, by the Order of Deacons, by the Order of Presbyters and by the Vicars Forane.