Sixth Graders Travel Miles to Attend Chrism Mass, Hear Bishop’s Message on the Power of Words
A determined group of sixth graders from St. Paul School in Macomb made a long journey this Holy Week to attend the Chrism Mass, one of the most sacred and symbolic liturgies of the Catholic calendar.
Traveling from their small parish school more than 90 minutes away, the class had to split into two groups upon arriving at the packed Cathedral — some sat quietly in one of the back pews while the others had to climb up to the balcony, as the nave was filled with priests from across the diocese.
Sixth grade students from St. Paul, Macomb were split between balcony and back pew of Cathedral.
“The church is so big and beautiful,” said Gabe John, one of the students. “Being here makes me want to go to Mass more.”
For the sixth graders, it was a powerful reminder of the beauty and responsibility of faith — and a memorable lesson from a long pilgrimage during Holy Week.”
Despite the crowded space, the students listened attentively to Bishop Tylka’s homily, which centered on the power of words, beginning with a personal story about saying goodbye to his dying father and choosing the simple, powerful words: “Thank you” and “I love you.” He emphasized that words matter—especially in the life of the Church.
He connected this theme to the Chrism Mass, where the holy oils are blessed and priests renew their promises. Each sacrament that uses these oils—Baptism, Confirmation, Holy Orders, and Anointing of the Sick—is accompanied by sacred words that convey God’s grace, protection, healing, and love.
From the anointing of infants to the hands of priests, and the comfort offered to the sick, the bishop reminded the faithful that the Church’s words are not mere ritual—they are God’s message, spoken through us. In closing, he urged all to reflect deeply on the words they choose, because through them, we share Christ’s love with the world. Words matter.
Bishop has a Q & A with sixth graders from St. Paul, Macomb.
Teacher Jenny Bright said, “What a better way to celebrate Holy Week than to celebrate with the majority of your priests from your own diocese. Our students know several of the priests, they come to Totus Tuus, and we know some of the seminarians, so it’s been a good experience. I want them to experience all that Catholicism has to offer, including a Mass with the Bishop.”
For the sixth graders, it was a powerful reminder of the beauty and responsibility of faith — and a memorable lesson from a long pilgrimage during Holy Week.
