Every year around this time the diocesan Worship Office begins preparing the oils that Bishop Vásquez will bless at the Chrism Mass. I love to walk into their office and smell the balsam, which will be mixed with olive oil and then consecrated to become Sacred Chrism during the Chrism Mass, which this year is on March 26. The oils blessed at the Chrism Mass are then dispersed to each of the parishes to be used to administer the sacraments.

That smell of balsam always brings me back to when my kids were baptized. Their little heads smelled so good thanks to that Sacred Chrism! We may have skipped a few baths just to hold on to that smell for a few days.

The Chrism Mass is one of the highlights of the liturgical year for me. If you have never been to a Chrism Mass, I highly recommend attending or joining us online (www.austindiocese.org/watch) on March 26 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Vincent de Paul Parish in Austin. May the rest of your Lent be filled with grace and the rich fragrance of our faith in Jesus and the sacraments.

For more information about the Chrism Mass, visit www.austindiocese.org/chrism.