On Tuesday, March 18, at 5 p.m., the Cathedral of Christ the King will host the priests of the Archdiocese of Atlanta for the traditional Chrism Mass, when Archbishop Wilton D. Gregory blesses the chrism, the mixture of olive oil and balsam, to be used throughout the coming liturgical year for the sacraments of baptism, holy orders and confirmation in the archdiocese. The oil of catechumens and the oil of the sick are blessed at this liturgy as well.

This annual liturgy also serves as an opportunity to express the unity of the archdiocese and the unity of the priests and their bishop, as well as to celebrate the institution of the priesthood.

Celebrated on Tuesday of Holy Week, the Chrism Mass has traditionally been celebrated at 10:30 a.m., but this year the Council of Priests voted to change the time to allow for a Lenten Day of Reflection for the priests on the same day, in consideration of the priests who serve in outlying areas of the archdiocese. The Chrism Mass will be held at 5 p.m. at the Cathedral. Following Mass the priests will attend a dinner.

The Cathedral of Christ the King is located at 2699 Peachtree Road, NE, Atlanta.