There are two liturgies during the Lenten season we celebrate as an archdiocesan community – the Rite of Election (first Sunday of Lent) and the Chrism Mass during Holy Week. The Rite of Election Mass is particularly for all catechumens and candidates entering the Church at Easter and their sponsors, and the Chrism Mass invites all clergy and parishioners of the diocese.

See the full details below:


Rite of Election Mass, February 18th, 1:00 pm
St. John the Baptist Cathedral, McLennan


All parishioners are invited to join His Grace Archbishop Pettipas to the Rite of Election Mass for catechumens preparing to be received into the Catholic Church this Easter through the sacraments of baptism, confirmation and the Eucharist. Archbishop Gerard Pettipas, CSsR will preside at this Mass to welcome catechumens as well as candidates asking to be received in full communion with the Church. The prayers and readings for the Mass are those of the first Sunday of Lent.


Chrism Mass, March 26th, 7:30 pm
St. John the Baptist Cathedral, McLennan

Parishioners from throughout the archdiocese are invited to join with His Excellency Archbishop Pettipas and clergy for the Chrism Mass, held at St. John the Baptist Cathedral on Tuesday, March 26th. At this special liturgy, the clergy will renew their commitment of service and ministry to the people of God in our diocese. Then the oils used in the Sacramental life of the church will be blessed – the Oil of Catechumens used in baptism; Oil of the Sick to strengthen, heal and console the sick and the dying; and the consecration of Chrism, used in the sacraments of baptism, confirmation and Holy Orders, and in the dedication and consecration of churches and altars.

Mass will begin at 7:30 pm, with food and fellowship in the cathedral hall afterwards. We encourage you to make it part of your Holy Week celebrations!