Louie Crew Clay Episcopal Café Sass and the Gospel
Nick Spencer Theos Looking down the well at the resurrection
Philip Jones Ecclesiastical Law The Easter Offering: Duty and Charity
Jenny Sinclair The Tablet Rebuilding the Broken Body
Kelvin Holdsworth Whither the Chrism Mass?
Anglican Memes Top novelist @fictionfox’s husband’s career change prompts Twitter gold
I went to my first ever Chrism Mass yesterday. I’ve always avoided them in the past, there is enough for us volunteers to do in Holy Week anyway. Of course in this diocese there is no need for a separate event to be held for those who fear the taint of women so it was something of an ecumenical gathering with clergy of all persuasions present. And indeed it was a good game trying to discern the churchmanship of the participants by the cut of their collar and other outward and visible signs. The Cathedral was full, so it could… Read more »
Thank God for @fictionfox and her wonderful sense of the ridiculousness of Anglicanism, all said with humour, joy and love. Such a pity the Anglican Memes article missed her two best tweets: the purple suede shoes, and the autocorrect of “rocket and chimera”.
@fictionfox sums it up neatly: Truly Anglican episcopacy should be ‘ Low in height’ but ‘sharp and straight’.
“Lastly there is no indication as to whether and how the Working Group will invite contributions from those who work in, volunteer or attend and support their Cathedrals. I hope this isn’t going to be another closed door exercise with its conclusions handed down from on high for the rest of us to like it or lump it.” “So it had something of the atmosphere of a private party at which the poor were allowed in to see the entertainment of the rich. I’m not sure that I will bother to attend again.” Clericalism is a big problem and Chrism… Read more »
As a cleric (full disclosure), I don’t believe Chrism Masses have to be “clericalism at its worst”. I’m sure they can be, of course, if they are not shaped and led sensitively. But in two dioceses I’ve worked in, they’ve felt like genuine celebrations of the diocesan family, ordained and lay, with signficant numbers of lay people coming and playing significant roles in the service, and opportunity for everyone to recommit themselves to following the example of Jesus in caring for and serving others.
‘Clericalism is a big problem’
Anti-clericalism is a big problem too, and as repellent as clericalism. Any ‘us and them’ thinking us a big problem.
Totally agree with Kelvin here. ‘Chrism Mass’ in this diocese is on Maundy Thursday morning – busiest week of the year for clergy – and takes two hours as it includes foot washing (bishop washing feet of every person present). I try to be organized but I’m never well enough organized for the weekend’s services to be able to punch that three hour (when travel time is taken into account) hole in my Holy Week preparations.
As one of the ‘private party’ at the same service Richard, it’s a pity you weren’t at one during tha last regime. The whole tone is much more ‘together’ than it used to be. In fact I used to stay away also after a couple of years
I agree with the Provost of Glasgow Cathedral on most things, but have to disagree with his remarks about the Chrism Mass. In the Diocese of Christchurch, New Zealand, we met of Holy Tuesday (for reasons of busy-ness on Maundy Thursday in most parishes) as laity, clergy and bishops to witness the Blessing of the oils of Chrism (Baptism , Ordination and Confirmation) and of Unction (Healing & Last Rites) by our diocesan, Bishop Victoria. We then, in our three orders, Lay, Clerical and Episcopal (there were 3 bishops present) renewed – separately – our Vows; of Baptism, of diaconate,… Read more »
Louie Crew Clay is awesome! Of course, we are all adopted by God. So the brouhaha’s about who’s in and who’s out really don’t make a lot of sense, ultimately.
“We then, in our three orders, Lay, Clerical and Episcopal (there were 3 bishops present) renewed – separately – our Vows” Why, in order to renew vows did the community need to divide into orders? Why did renewal of vows need to be done separately? That’s divisive. That’s clericalism. All three orders, all dressed casually so that there are no differences of raiment, should renew vows as a group in a simple acclamation, “We renew the vows we have made to the Lord.” Then some quiet while individually people reflect upon their vows. That’s a format which builds unity and… Read more »
The Diocese in which the Provost and I both serve, we have a separate service (at the opposite end of the year) where Lay ministries (both licenced and authorised) are celebrated and affirmed, but I do have the feeling that we should be doing this kind of thing together rather than apart.
When +Falkner Allison announced he would be bringing oils of chrism to the Confirmation at Horncburch (just before I served my curacy there in 1959), and saw the look on vicar Hayman Johnson’s face, he said reassuringly: “don’t worry, I shall only use little bottles”.
Having this morning shared in the Chrism Mass for the Diocese of Edinburgh, as I have for the last sixteen years; I have come away renewed by the family being together. The renewal of our Baptismal vows, followed by the renewal of our ordination vows made by both priests and bishop. The Blessing of the oils , integral to the whole Mass, done in a smooth, integrated wholesome manner. Our retiring Provost preached the sermon, and the feeling of wholeness evaded the Mass, a time of renewal and joy. Talking with my fellow priests about Kelvin’s words, it was felt… Read more »
Dear Kate; love yer lots, but really! I would have thought that, before commenting on this matter of the Chrism Mass you might have looked at the differences of commitment that are contained in the services of (a) Holy Baptism, (b) priestly ordination, and (3) episcopal ordination. They do happen to be 3 different types of commitment – even if for the same ends. Enjoy your Easter. I do hope your local clergy feel loved as they try to fulfil their specific voication to serve you. I want you to know that, in Christchurch, N.Z., under our Bishop, Victoria, we… Read more »