Oils for the ministry of the Church

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 One of the pieces of liturgy specific to cathedrals is the annual Chrism Mass (or Eucharist with renewal of ministerial vows and blessing of the oils for the ministry of the Church). It's a huge joy and a huge privilege, even though when it happens on the traditional Maundy Thursday, it is also a logistical nightmare.


The renewal of ministerial vows is relatively new; the blessing of oils for the three anointings of priestly ministry (oil of exorcism for baptism, oil of healing, oil of chrism for the invocation of the Holy Spirit) very old, and the symbolism of those oils being blessed on Maundy Thursday by the bishop in their cathedral and then taken to the people of the diocese by the clergy carries a lot of theological depth about the ministry of the church flowing from the self-giving love of Jesus and through those ordained to service.


There is one published hymn about the oils for ministry, and after several years as precentor I'd got quite tired of it. So I wrote another. Tune: Cross of Jesus (a nice predictable piece of Stainer which fits with the time of year). We sang it at this year's Chrism Mass and I realised it was about three verses too short for the time it needs to cover - I've added one more and may get to writing a couple of extra during the year!


God our Maker, God our Healer,

God of every time and place,

bless this oil we bring in worship

fruit of earth and sign of grace.


Bless us, Lord, in all our callings,

priests and deacons, bishops, lay;

all baptised into the Body

all united on the Way.

 

Bless, O Lord, those brought to baptism

set them free from all that's past;

shelter them with your protection

bring them to your home at last.

 

Bless, O Lord, those seeking healing

in your presence give them peace;

hands of skill and hands of comfort

suffering's end and pain's release.

 

Bless, O Lord, those called to service,

guide their steps upon the way.

Send them out to share your Gospel,

love your people, work and pray.

 

Bless these oils as signs of blessing:

freedom, healing, gladdened hearts;

bring by them your living Presence

blessing that your love imparts.

 

To the Father be the glory

to the Spirit and the Son;

may we sing our joyful praises

while eternal ages run.

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