Chrism Eucharist 2025

Chrism Eucharist 11am Monday 14th April
Everyone is invited!
Congregations, lay chairs, readers and all those from our community families are most welcome to join us.
From an early date, it became customary to trace the sign of the cross in oil on the heads of candidates for baptism, and to anoint them again after baptism with the perfumed oil of chrism - a sign of incorporation into the prophetic, priestly and royal life of Jesus Christ.
These biblical roots of the ancient custom of using oils in the life of the Church, and of the three particular oils - of catechumens, of the sick, and of chrism - that are prepared in the Chrism Eucharist. Everyone is welcome to celebrate this joyous occasion with the clergy of the diocese as they receive these oils and renew their commitment to ministry.
Clergy are invited to robe and process. Clergy should bring an alb. Concelebrating priests will be provided with a white concelebration chasuble and stole. Deacons should wear a white deacon's stole. Readers in a blue scarf. There will be space for clergy and readers to robe in Upper Prebendal House.
The Service will start at 11am, please arrive in plenty of time.
Everyone is welcome to stay for lunch after the Chrism Eucharist when we will be delighted to be welcoming Canon Dr Jane Williams who will be talking to us about prayer.

Jane has taught in both university and Theological College settings as well as inspiring, teaching and encouraging people of all ages and backgrounds in local churches and communities.

She has travelled extensively within the Anglican Communion, and is an acclaimed speaker, preacher and author. We are so grateful that Jane is coming to help us reflect upon our own experiences of trying to be faithful in prayer. This will be a wonderful opportunity to learn together with others in the Diocesan family. Please do consider coming to the Cathedral and being part of this event.
The Bishop will be pleased to provide a light lunch for all those who sign up below. (If you are bringing your own lunch, you do not need to sign up.) In keeping with the Church’s mission to become more sustainable, please bring your own reusable waterbottle.
The lunch offered will be either vegetarian, vegan, or gluten free.
For catering purposes, please sign up by Friday the 4th April so that numbers can be confirmed.
Please contact the Bishop's Chaplain, Rev'd Emma Ackland, with any queries.