Diocesan Chrism Eucharist

The Chrism service is a moving and poignant service as the bishops, priests and deacons gather together with a sizeable congregation of lay folk as well to share in their commitment to serve and renew their vows. All are reminded that there is no top or bottom, first or last, as Jesus says, “…The greatest among you must become like the youngest, and the leader like one who serves. I am among you as one who serves.”

During the service, the Bishop blesses the special oils that are used throughout ministry across the parishes of the Diocese. There is the Oil of the Sick, the Oil of the Catechumens, used for those preparing for and committing to Baptism, and the Oil of Chrism, an oil of anointing of the Holy Spirit. This is a particularly special oil, from which the service takes its name, and everyone is invited to receive an anointing with it as a sign of God’s abundant grace.

Reflection

It’s a service that is held dear in many hearts, not just because of the spectacle of seeing so many clergy gathering together to renew their vows, but because it comes just before Easter, echoing the Last Supper and all it meant for Jesus and His disciples. It is a poignant time to focus and align thoughts to the very essence of the Christian faith – that Christ lived, he died and he rose again.