Bishop Stephen Celebrates the Chrism Mass
Wednesday 1 April 2026
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Chrism Mass
On Wednesday of Holy Week, Bishop Stephen presided at the Chrism Mass in Saint Mary’s Cathedral in Newcastle. He was joined by a large number of priests and deacons and members of the laity.
The Bishop asked the people to pray for their priests and deacons as we recall at this special time how Jesus gave the perfect example of service.
Renewal of Priestly Commitment
After his homily, Bishop Stephen invited the priests to renew their promises and commitment to serve the people faithfully, to celebrate the Mass and the Sacraments with care and attention and by lives of prayer to draw ever closer to Christ. He again asked the congregation to pray for the priests and for him.
Bishop Stephen then prayed that the Lord would lead all of us, shepherds and flock, to everlasting life.
Blessing of the Oils
The oils to be used in the Sacraments were brought forward one by one so that the Bishop could bless them.
The Oil of the Sick
A priest accompanied by one of the Little Sisters of the Poor processed down the aisle with the Oil.
The priest presented the Oil to the Bishop and Sister prayed:
Father,
In this oil we see the sign of your healing power at work
in your people and in the Sacrament of the Sick.
Give strength and comfort to those who are ill
and bless those who work in the ministry of healing
Lord, in your mercy
Hear our prayer
Bishop Stephen then Blessed the Oil of the Sick
The Oil of Catechumens
A priest accompanied by an RCIA Catechist who works with adults preparing to become members of the Church brought the Oil. The priest presented it to the Bishop.
The Catechist prayed:
Father,
In this oil we see the sign of growth and new life in your Church
as you call men and women to journey in the Way of your Son
Give wisdom and understanding to the catechumens
who will be anointed with this oil
and give meaning to those who search for answers
Lord, in your mercy
Hear our prayer
Bishop Stephen blessed the Oil of Catechumens
The Oil of Chrism
The most important Oil was brought to the Bishop and the priest declared it to be ‘The Oil of Holy Chrism’. This Oil gives its name to the Mass and is the one that is used in the Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation and Holy Orders. A Baptism Catechist came forward in the procession on this occasion.
The Catechist prayed:
Father,
In this chrism we see the sign of Christ your Son
who breathes the Spirit upon us to make of us Priests, Prophets and Kings.
Pour out that Spirit on all those whom you call to receive the Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation and Holy Orders
Lord, in your mercy
Hear our prayer.
Bishop Stephen mixed in perfumed oil with the Oil of Chrism to give it a fragrant smell as it is used at the celebration of the Sacraments. We all stood and then the Bishop having invited us to pray breathed over the Oil as a sign of the Holy Spirit given in these great Sacraments.
Bishop Stephen said the Prayer of Consecration and the priests united themselves to him in this prayer by silently extending their hands.
The Holy Oils come to Billingham
These Oils are then portioned out to be shared with every Parish in the Diocese.
In recognition of this at the Wednesday Evening Mass in Holy Rosary here in Billingham small vessels containing some of the Holy Oils were brought forward at the end of the Offertory Procession.
After the Offertory Prayers said over the bread and wine, Father Adrian then prayed the following:
The Oil of the Sick
Blessed are you, Lord God of all creation,
through anointing with this Oil,
blessed by the Bishop,
may the sick experience the compassion of Christ
and his saving love, in body and soul.
Blessed be God for ever.
The Oil of Catechumens
Blessed are you Lord God of all creation,
through anointing with this Oil,
blessed by the Bishop
may Catechumens before receiving the saving waters of Baptism
be strengthened by Christ
to resist the power of Satan and reject evil in all its forms.
Blessed be God for ever.
The Holy Chrism
Blessed are you, Lord God of all creation
through anointing with this perfumed Chrism,
consecrated by the Bishop
may those who receive Baptism, Confirmation and Holy Orders
experience the outpouring of the Holy Spirit.
Blessed be God for ever.
We give thanks
The deep green you see throughout our website is a reminder of rebirth, hope, and new life. These are the exact graces poured out through the Sacraments. As we welcome the Oil of the Sick, the Oil of Catechumens, and the Holy Chrism to Billingham, we give thanks for the continuous spiritual renewal they bring to our parish family.
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