Major Diocesan Liturgies

- Major Diocesan Liturgies
  
  These Major Diocesan Liturgies recur every year with the Bishop of Metuchen as the main celebrant.
  They span from the ancient and solemn celebration of the Chrism Mass to those that honor and celebrate varying aspects of our local Church like the Hispanic Heritage Mass.
  Each of the liturgies listed here are open to the public. We invite all the faithful and those of goodwill to join us in these solemn celebration.
- Rite of Election
  
  Date: Sunday, March 9, 2025 at 2:30pm
  This liturgical celebration is the last major milestone in the process of Christian Initiation where a catechumen is chosen (elected) by the Bishop to receive the Sacraments of Initiation at the following Easter Vigil.
  In this liturgy, the catechumens publicly express their desire for baptism to the Bishop and enroll their names into the Book of the Elect. This signifies that the unbaptized catechumens, together with their pastor and OCIA leaders who have worked with them, believe that they are ready to make the act of faith in committing themselves to Jesus and to be fully initiated into the Catholic Church through the reception of the sacraments during the Easter Vigil Liturgy on Holy Saturday.
  The Rite of Election is held on the First Sunday of Lent. The catechumens, their sponsors, and families gather at the Cathedral to celebrate the Rite of Election.
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- Chrism Mass
  
  Date: Tuesday, April 15, 2025 at 4:00pm
  
  This Mass is one of the most important liturgies in the life of the local Church. As described in The Order of Blessing the Oil of Catechumens and of the Sick and of Consecrating the Chrism, no. 1, "the Chrism Mass...is among the principal manifestations of the fullness of the Bishop's Priesthood and is considered to be a sign of the close bond of the priests with him. For it is with the sacred Chrism consecrated by the Bishop that the newly baptized are anointed and those to be confirmed are signed. It is with the Oil of Catechumens that catechumens are prepared and disposed for Baptism. Finally it is with the Oil of the Sick that those who are ill are comforted in their infirmity."
  The priests of the Diocese renew their Commitment to priestly service to the Bishop and the People of God. The Bishop also blesses and consecrates the Holy Oils, which each parish receives for the rites of anointing.
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- Diaconate Ordination
  
  Date: To Be Announced
  In this liturgy, men, who after a period of discernment and preparation, answer the call from the Lord to serve as deacons. In this celebration the Bishop confers, through the prayer of ordination and the laying on of hands, the Office of the Diaconate on them.
  As deacons, they will serve in assisting the Bishop and priests at liturgies, especially within the Mass. In settings outside of Mass, the deacon assists the priest in the administering of the sacraments and blessings. Outside of liturgical settings, they are called to serve others and perform charitable works.
  Men who are preparing for the Priesthood are ordained as Transitional Deacons as they continue their way along their path to the Order to the Priesthood. Men who are not preparing for the Priesthood are ordained as Permanent Deacon in which they will dedicate themselves to serving the Church as deacons.
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  DISCERNING THE PERMANENT DIACONATE
- Priesthood Ordination
  
  Date: To Be Announced
  After having answered the call from the Lord, and dedicated years in discernment and formation, these men are offered by the Church to be ordained as Priests of Jesus Christ for the Catholic Church. In this celebration the Bishop confers, through the prayer of ordination and the laying on of hands, the Office of the Priesthood on them.
  Upon becoming ordained priests, the man is tasked with proclaiming the Word of God and administering the Sacraments, especially through the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, whether it is at a Parish, School, Seminary, or in social or hospital work.
  The Church of Metuchen, in this moment, rejoices in God's providence as he provides for his Church in providing shepherds to help tend to his flock. Spiritual Fathers who can care for his (God's) children and help lead them towards reaching the Kingdom of Heaven and the promises of eternal life with him.
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  DISCERNING THE PRIESTHOOD
- Hispanic Heritage Mass
  
  Date: To Be Announced
  This Mass is an annual celebration of the Diocesan Hispanic Community during Hispanic Heritage Month. It is organized in collaboration with the Office of Hispanic Evangelization and Pastoral Ministry.
  It is an opportunity to celebrate the blessing of the presence of the Hispanic community in our diocese and also to encourage them in continuing to work together for our one Catholic Church.
  The faithful are invited to come and celebrate the vibrant cultural celebration and richness of the Universal Church together with our brothers and sisters of Hispanic-descent.
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- Silver & Gold
  Wedding Anniversary Vesper Services
  
  Date: Sunday, October 19, 2025 at 3:00pm
  The Church of Metuchen, organized in collaboration with the Office of Family Life, every year cordially invites couples in our diocese who are celebrating their 5th or 25th or 50th or 50+ wedding anniversaries of that year to attend Vespers (Evening Prayer) at the Cathedral of St. Francis of Assisi in Metuchen to renew their martial commitment to each other and receive a blessing of their marriages.
  Through this beautiful liturgy, the faithful are able to witness the sacredness of the daily prayer of the Church and the goodness of the Lord through the lives of these couples, who continue to live out the Sacrament of Matrimony.
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- Blue Mass
  
  Date: To Be Announced
  This liturgy, organized in collaboration with the Blue Mass Committee, is an annual celebration of local, county, state, and federal law enforcement officials of all faiths who live and work in the Diocese of Metuchen.
  We honor and pray for those law enforcement officials, who serve to protect our community, state, and nation in maintaining the peace. We also remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice to lay down their lives for their community.
  The faithful have an opportunity to come together to pray and give thanks to those who answered the call to protect their fellow Americans and help to maintain the peace.
  
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- More information about major diocesan liturgies is available by contacting: Office of Divine Worship