Blackpool joins Blackburn in hosting annual Chrism Eucharists for county’s Anglican clergy

First up on Sunday, April 13, were members of The Society who made journeys from around the County for their Chrism Eucharist. It was held at St Christopher’s, Hawes Side in Blackpool and led by Rt Rev. Philip North, Bishop of Blackburn.

Then, on April 17, Bishop Philip led a further Chrism Eucharist at the Cathedral. A livestream recording of that service is available here.

Bishop Philip also features in a new video explainer available here and across our social channels about the significance of the service.

The services both form part of the preparation for clergy to lead congregations through the key events of Holy Week including Good Friday, marking the crucifixion and death of Jesus and Easter Day when Jesus’ resurrection is celebrated. Clergy reaffirm their original ordination promises in front of each other and supporters from their parishes.

At both services as well as inviting the clergy to renew their Ordination promises in the usual way, Bishop Philip also blessed the three oils that are used by many clergy in their ministry.

They are:

• The oil of Healing, which brings comfort to the sick.
• The oil of Baptism, which is used to make the sign of the cross on the heads of those to be baptised.
• The oil of Chrism, mixed with balsam, which is a sign of being set apart for service.

In the new explainer video Bishop Philip says: “The Chrism Eucharist is one of the highlights of my year and always has been. It's a service of real joy, but also of incredible power.

“And during it, two things happen. First of all, all the priests and the deacons renew the promises of their ordination. The promises they made when they became priests and deacons, they make afresh; committing their lives to serve their communities. The second thing that happens is they’re equipped with the oils for their ministry.

“It's a beautiful service, a real sign of the church's call to serve the whole of Lancashire.”