Chrism Mass 2023

As seen in the Chrism Mass 2023 Order of Service

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It is so good to be able to gather together for this Mass of Chrism.  It’s always heartening to welcome so many faithful into our Cathedral for this Mass, from throughout the Diocese, and through live-streaming from even further afield.  All are so very welcome to this Mass!

Today's Mass has three themes. The first is that all of us - Bishop, priests, religious and people form one diocese, one family. The Cathedral is the heart of the diocese and we have come here this morning to show that we are all one in Christ.

The second theme is the Priesthood - all the prayers of the Mass, the readings and preface tell us about the Priesthood, and all the priests here today will renew their dedication to the Priesthood in union with the Bishop.

The third theme of the Mass is the blessing of oils. First of all, the Bishop blesses the Oil of the Sick, used in the sacrament of Anointing of the Sick. Then he blesses the oil used to anoint those to be baptised. They are called Catechumens, so the oil is called Oil of Catechumens. Finally, the Bishop consecrates the oil called Chrism, a mixture of olive oil and perfume. This takes its name from Christ, and is used in the three sacraments that confer a character - Baptism, Confirmation and Holy Orders - as well as at the dedication of altars and churches.

‘This Mass, which the bishop concelebrates with his college of presbyters and at which he consecrates the holy chrism and blesses the other oils, manifests the communion of the presbyters with their bishop.

‘The holy chrism consecrated by the bishop is used to anoint the newly baptised, to seal the candidates for confirmation, and to anoint the hands of presbyters and the heads of bishops at their ordination, as well as in the rites of anointing pertaining to the dedication of churches and altars. The oil of catechumens is used in the preparation of the catechumens for their baptism. The oil of the sick is used to bring comfort and support to the sick in their infirmity.

    ‘Presbyters are brought together and concelebrate this Mass as witnesses and co-operators with their bishop in the consecration of the chrism because they share in the sacred office of the bishop in building up, sanctifying, and ruling the people of God. The Mass is therefore a clear expression of the unity of the priesthood and the sacrifice of Christ, which continue to be present in the Church.’

The Ceremonial of Bishops §274

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