Chrism Masses 2026

St Peter & St Leonard Horbury

Wakefield

During this mass, the priests, deacons, and people gather around their Bishop, who blesses the Holy Oils for use in the coming year. These are: the Oil of the Sick, the Oil of Catechumens & the Oil of Chrism. These oils are used in Baptism, Confirmation and Ordination as well as for Anointing of the Sick. Whenever the Holy Oils are used over the year the ministry of the Bishop, who consecrated them, is symbolically present.

The Chrism Mass reminds us of our oneness in Christ through Baptism and holy anointing, made possible by the ministry of the Bishop and his priests. The Chrism Mass is also the unity of the Bishop with his priests and people with the wider Church. During the liturgy, deacons and priests renew their vow of obedience to their Bishop and their commitment to serve God’s people. At the end of the Chrism Mass, the Holy Oils are brought back to parishes of the See for use in the coming year.