The annual Chrism Eucharist traditionally takes place on Maundy Thursday in Holy Week. In our diocese, the service will take place on Monday because Bishop John, as Lord High Almoner to HM The Queen, has duties at the Maundy Service, helping to distribute Maundy Money.
During the Chrism Eucharist,three specific oils will be prepared and blessed, ready for use in the yearahead. Using the oils of the sick, of baptism and the perfumed oil of chrism isan ancient practice in the life of the Church. The oils are used in many ways,often for the setting apart of people and things for a special place in churchlife. In addition to the preparation of the oils, during the service thoseinvolved in ministry will rededicate themselves, renewing their ministerialvows as deacons, priests and bishops.
The use of oils has biblicalroots. When Peter acknowledged Jesus as the Christ, he recognised him as theAnointed One of God. Jesus was anointed by the outpouring of the Holy Spiritat his baptism in the river Jordan; through baptism, his true identity wasrevealed. Nowadays, on certain occasions, the sign of the cross is traced onpeople in oil, to signify union with Christ.
