A Celebration of Unity, Sacraments, and Mission
Each year, the Diocese of Rapid City celebrates the Chrism Mass, a special liturgy where the bishop gathers with priests from across the diocese to bless the holy oils used in the sacraments throughout the year. These include the Oil of Catechumens for baptisms, the Oil of the Sick for anointing the ill, and the Sacred Chrism for baptisms, confirmations, ordinations, and church dedications.
This Mass is also a profound moment for the priests of the diocese, who come together to renew their priestly promises before the Bishop. Surrounded by their brother priests and the faithful they serve, this renewal is a powerful sign of unity and a recommitment to their vocation of serving Christ and His Church.
This year, the Chrism Mass will be held at 5:30 PM on Monday, March 30, 2026, at the Cathedral of Our Lady of Perpetual Help, home of Bishop Scott Bullock in Rapid City. A reception sponsored by the Western South Dakota Catholic Foundation will follow the Mass and is open to the public.
The timing of this Mass is especially meaningful as the Easter Vigil approaches. On Holy Saturday, April 4, 2026, the Elect, who are preparing for baptism, and Candidates, who are becoming fully initiated into the Church, will receive the sacraments at the Cathedral, with Bishop Scott Bullock presiding. The holy oils blessed at the Chrism Mass will be used in these sacramental celebrations, linking the entire community to the joyful welcome of new members into the Church.
For seminarians, the Chrism Mass highlights the importance of the sacraments they are preparing to celebrate in the future. Gifts to the Western South Dakota Catholic Foundation help support their education and formation, ensuring that these sacraments continue to be celebrated faithfully across the diocese.
Moments like the Chrism Mass and the Easter Vigil show the living mission of the Church in action and how the generosity of donors helps sustain it. To see more about the journey of the Elect preparing for Easter Vigil, read our earlier article on the Rite of Election.
