You are all warmly invited to join us for the Chrism Mass. Come and celebrate the Mass of Priesthood during Holy Week.
At noon on Tuesday March 26, priests from throughout the diocese will gather with Bishop Terry to reaffirm their ministry and renew the promises made at their ordination. 
As well as the renewal of priestly promises, the Mass will include the blessing of the Oil of Chrism, Oil of the Sick and Oil of Catechumens. These oils are used in every parish throughout the year.
Ordained ministry and the sacraments go hand in hand. We can’t have one without the other. Of course, both are born in the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, the Son of God.
So, the Chrism Mass is central to the sacramental life of the whole diocese and is an ancient ceremony that takes place in cathedrals around the world at the beginning of Holy Week.
Please do come along to pray for your priests and for your parish communities. Just as gathering as a parish is important, so is gathering as a diocesan family. There are so few opportunities to do this, and the Chrism Mass is one of those. Gathering around the altar of God together is a perfect way to prepare for the Easter Triduum.
If you are travelling by bus in a parish group, please liaise with us about your arrival and pick up time. Send an email to parish@middlesbroughrccathedral.org
We look forward to seeing you!

Canon Paul Farrer