In his introduction to the Easter Events Calendar Bishop Declan Lang, the Bishop of Clifton writes, "Easter tells us that no matter how dark life may seem, there is hope. We can be renewed. And the reason why is because God did not give up on us even when his Son was totally rejected. The love of God overwhelms all things. If we trust in that love then we will come alive." The Easter celebration actually extends over three days. Starting on the evening of Maundy Thursday with the washing of feet and the Mass of the Lord's Supper, the celebration continues on Good Friday with the Passion of Jesus, which leads us onwards to celebrate Easter life as the Easter Candle is lit at the start of the Easter Vigil when the Mass of the Resurrection is celebrated. On Wednesday, the Mass of Chrism was celebrated. The Mass is a great gathering of the whole diocesan family, with people coming together from many Parishes.
 | | The Holy Oils are carried by deacons |
It is a feast of good liturgy and liturgical music, with combined choirs from various communities. During this Mass, Bishop Declan blessed the oil of catechumens, the oil of the sick, and the oil of Chrism. These oils form an important part of the sacramental life of the communities during the year. They are used for adult catechumens and infants in preparation for baptism, the oil of the sick for anointing those who seek healing and wholeness, and the sacred oil of Chrism for post-baptismal anointing, confirmation, the ordination of priests, and the consecration of altars. The three oils are basically olive oil, yet to the sacred Chrism is added balsam or oil of flowers which fills the air with the scent of sweet perfume. One early church writer described the perfume of Chrism as "the Easter aroma, God's grace incarnate through the sense of smell." Only the Bishop may consecrate the Sacred Chrism, therefore in a very special way the Chrism Mass highlights his ministry and the diocese's union with him. The Bishop is not able to baptise and confirm everyone in the parishes of the diocese, but his ministry is symbolically present in the chrism which the priests and deacons will use. Also in recent years, this Mass has also acknowledged the ministry of priests and deacons. It invites them to renew their commitment of service and to receive the prayers and support of the people.
 | | The Cross Bearer leads the procession |
The Mass of Chrism gathers the faithful of the diocese at their mother church with their shepherd to prepare for celebrations of Christ in all the Roman Catholic churches throughout the year. The holy oils are then solemnly received into the Parishes during the Mass of the Lord’s Supper or at another suitable time. The oils are placed in noble and dignified containers and stored near to the baptismal font in an ambry - a wall safe, often with a glazed door so that they are a visible to the community. Through the liturgy of the Church, we learn that Christ acts to strengthen and protect, to heal and restore, to set apart and seal for ministry. The Chrism Mass serves to open up these realities to the community of faith. Copies of the Easter Events Calendar are available from the Cathedral on Pembroke Road to personal callers or can be requested by telephoning 0117 973 8411. To download copies please visit www.cliftondiocese.com. The main celebrations are listed below. PALM SUNDAY 20th March 8.00 am Mass 9.30 am Family Mass celebrated with Bishop Declan 11.00 am Solemn Mass 6.00 pm Mass MONDAY 21st March 7.30 am Mass 7.00 pm Penitential Service during which the Sacrament of Reconciliation will be celebrated WEDNESDAY 23rd March 11.00 am Mass of Chrism, a great Diocesan celebration attended by clergy and people from throughout the Clifton Diocese MAUNDY THURSDAY 24th March 11-12 am Confessions 8.00 pm Mass of the Lord’s Supper Vigil at the Altar of Repose until midnight “… wait here and stay awake with me” 11.45 pm Night Prayer GOOD FRIDAY 25th March 10.00 am Office of Readings & Morning Prayer 12.00 noon Stations of the Cross: in the Cathedral & (for children) in the Apostle Room 3.00 pm Liturgy of the Lord’s Passion HOLY SATURDAY 26th March 10.00 am Office of Readings & Morning Prayer 10.00 pm The Great Vigil of Easter EASTER SUNDAY 27th March 8.00 am Mass 9.30 am Family Mass 11.00 am Solemn Mass celebrated with Bishop Declan 6.00 pm Mass | 
