What: Annual Chrism Mass

When: Tuesday, March 31, 2026 11:00 am

Where: Cathedral of St. Jude the Apostle, 5815 5th Ave, St. Petersburg, FL  

Watch: www.dosp.org/livestream or www.facebook.com/DioStPete  

Listen: Spirit FM 90.5, listen on the radio or online here.

At the annual Chrism Mass on Tuesday, March 31, Bishop Parkes will consecrate Sacred Chrism, a mixture of oil and balsam, that will be used for anointing during thousands of Baptisms and Confirmations throughout the coming year in local parishes.

Bishop Parkes will also bless the Oil of Catechumens, reserved for adults preparing to be baptized at the Easter Vigil, and the Oil of the Sick, reserved for anointing those who are seriously ill.

After the Mass, leaders from local parishes and missions receive vessels of these Holy Oils to take back to their places of worship.

During the Chrism Mass, priests renew the promises they made at their ordinations and resolve to unite themselves closer to Christ. The presence of the clergy, gathered in union with their bishop, along with the participation of the laity, is a wonderful example of unity in the Diocese of Saint Petersburg. This is one of only a few Masses of the year when all the priests of the Diocese are encouraged to participate in union with the Bishop. The assembly also honors priests celebrating milestone anniversaries of their ordination.

In 2026, 25 priests will be honored. Our jubilarians are as follows:

25th Anniversary

Fr. Michael P. Jones, OFM

Fr. Stephen Kluge, OFM

Fr. Craig R. Morley

Fr. John W. Mullet  

Fr. Nelson Restrepo

Fr. Saji Thengumkudiyil

Fr. Garry A. Welsh

40th Anniversary

Fr. Eric J. Albertson  

Fr. Alberto Bueno, TOR

Fr. Sebastian Earthedath, MST

Fr. Vincent Morton  

Fr. Michael Suszynski      

50th Anniversary

Fr. Gregory Andrews    

Fr. Juan Diphe            

Fr. John Hannigan  

Fr. Dennis J. Kaelin  

Fr. John F. McEvoy  

Fr. Leon Olszamowski, SM

Fr. Gregory M. Speck, SCJ

60th Anniversary

Fr. William Curran, M.Afr.

Msgr. Desmond Daly    

Fr. Joseph M. Hertel, OFM

Fr. James L. Lambert, SJ

65th Anniversary

Fr. Luis Aineto, SDB

Fr. Msgr. Aiden Foynes