Chrism Mass 2026

This year’s Chrism Mass will take place at St Margaret’s, Newlands (353-355 Kilmarnock Road, Newlands, Glasgow G43 2DS) on Holy Monday 30 March at 11am, followed by lunch. We kindly ask those robing (white stole) to be ready by 10.45am. The service will also include an opportunity for clergy to reaffirm their ordination vows.

Diocesan clergy and church representatives are welcome to bring oil stocks to refill with the three holy oils after the service. If more is required, the consecrated oils would be available for collection from the Diocesan Centre at a later date.

All are welcome. For catering purposes, please let us know if you are attending by Tuesday 24 March by emailing the Diocesan Secretary.

During the Chrism Mass, three oils are consecrated.  They are the oil of catechumens which can be used with those preparing for baptism, the oil of the sick for anointing those who seek healing and wholeness and at the time of death, and the oil of chrism for post-baptismal anointing, confirmation, the ordination of priests and bishops, and the consecration of churches and altars. The three oils are basically olive oil, but to the chrism is added balsam or oil of flowers which perfumes the oil.  One early church writer described the perfume of chrism as “the Easter aroma, God’s grace incarnate through the sense of smell!”

So, in this special liturgy we celebrate and are drawn into Christ’s action to strengthen and protect, to heal and restore, and to set apart and seal for ministry. The Chrism Mass serves to open up these realities to all of us in the community of faith and to encourage those of us who are ordained to realise anew the wonder of our stewardship of these holy mysteries for God’s people and God’s world.