Every year, in the week prior to Holy Week, the priests of the diocese come together with me for the Chrism Mass. During this solemn annual eucharistic liturgy, the priests renew their priestly promises and the oils for the sacraments are consecrated. Following the renewal of priestly promises, deacons carry in procession three large vessels of olive oil: one for the oil of the sick, one for the oil of the catechumenate, and one for the oil of sacred chrism. All the oil to be blessed and consecrated comes from local olive orchards belonging to the Mayer family. This gives a special significance to the occasion.

The oil is derived from the fields of Northern California and produced by the labor of our neighbors for the benefit of the Catholic faithful throughout the north state. These precious yields are consecrated by ancient rituals for the sacred purpose of giving glory to God and comfort to God’s people. The beautiful harmony of Genesis is restored by the coming together of humanity and creation. Created in God’s goodness, the gifts are sanctified by the saving sacrifice of Christ in the Eucharist.