Bishop Ricken expressed his gratitude for priests’ service in the diocese
By William Van de Planque | On Mission
Photography by Andy Bott | For On Mission
GREEN BAY, WI — Bishop David Ricken blessed the sacramental oils and Sacred Chrism, which will be used throughout the diocese in the coming year, and served as the principal celebrant at this year’s Chrism Mass on Tuesday, March 31, 2026.
Newly elected Abbot Bradley Vanden Branden of St. Norbert Abbey served as principal concelebrant.
During the Mass, the priests were invited to renew their commitment of service, supported by the prayers of the people of the diocese and represented by the faithful who had gathered for the Mass.
Bishop Ricken highlighted the tradition of the ministry of the priesthood in his homily.
“It’s wonderful to be here with the priests of our diocese, and with all of you, I want to express great gratitude for their service to the people of God sacramentally, pastorally, and in pastoral leadership through charity,” Bishop Ricken said. “Thank you, brothers.”
He also drew from themes in his recent pastoral invitation, “Sent On Mission: A Pastoral Invitation to Share Jesus with Others,” exhorting those gathered to continue to entrust themselves to the Holy Spirit and encouraging outreach in their communities.
“A single invitation, offered in love, can change a life,” he said.
Those gathered included the priests of the Diocese of Green Bay, members of the diaconate community, members of the Crozier Society, diocesan curia staff, parish staff and members of the parishes in the Northeast and Peninsula vicariates, and representatives and students from all the Catholic high schools throughout the diocese.
Representatives from a variety of diocesan-wide ministries and apostolates were also present, including Spiritus Ministries, Camp Tekakwitha, and the Catholic campus ministries of the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay, the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh, and St. Norbert College.
Sisters from different religious orders in the diocese were present, including those from the Missionaries of the Word, New Genesis, Franciscan Sisters of Christian Charity, Sisters of St. Francis of the Holy Cross, and Sisters of the Sorrowful Mother
See more photos here: onmiss.io/2026chrismmassphotos