SAN BERNARDINO—The priests of the Diocese welcome the Chrism Mass each year for the opportunity it provides them to renew their vocational promises.
That moment has been delayed by the COVID-19 pandemic but beginning July 22 the Bishops of the Diocese will gather with priests in each vicariate for a Mass that allows them to renew their priestly promises.
The Diocesan Chrism Mass has been rescheduled to Aug. 5, but with participation limited to 100 people it was decided to provide a series of liturgies this month to allow priests to renew their promises. Bishop Barnes said he consulted with the Presbyteral Council, the Episcopal Vicars and Vicar General in scheduling the Masses. He said they will also serve another important purpose.
“I wanted to have a gathering of priests, in person, to in some way bond or unite us, during these most difficult times,” Bishop Barnes said.
The six Masses will be held outdoors in accordance with current diocesan directives. Bishop Barnes celebrates with the priests of the West End Vicariate on July 22 at Sacred Heart Parish, Rancho Cucamonga, and with the priests of the Riverside Vicariate on July 28 at St. Catherine of Alexandria Parish in Riverside. Coadjutor Bishop Alberto Rojas will celebrate Mass with the priests of the Hemet Vicariate on July 23 at St. Catherine of Alexandria Parish in Temecula and with the priests of the Low Desert Vicariate on July 29. Auxiliary Bishop Emeritus Rutilio del Riego will celebrate Mass with the priests of the High Desert Vicariate on July 24 at Our Lady of the Desert Parish in Apple Valley and with the priests of the San Bernardino Vicariate on July 30 at St. Adelaide Parish in Highland.