Chrism Mass
The Chrism Mass is traditionally celebrated on the morning of Maundy Thursday. Given the difficulty for the clergy and faithful of the Ordinariate to gather on this day, the Chrism Mass is anticipated in the evening on another day, usually in Passiontide.Proper: DWM 334
Gloria is said. No Creed. No Penitential Rite.
Renewal of Priestly Promises (DWM 336)
The prayers of blessing of Oil of the Sick and Oil of Catachumens and the consecration of the Chrism are found in the Roman Pontifical (PR)
For the presentation of the Oils, O Redemptor, sume carmen or another suitable hymn is sung
Preface of Chrism Mass (DWM 338) Note this is within the text of the Mass propers
Oils are carried out in procession immediately following the Cross, while O Redemptor, sume carmen or another suitable hymn is sung. (See detailed Ritual Notes)
Before mass
A table is placed in the center of the nave for the oils to be placed on.
Entrance
The Entrance Procession forms as follows:
Tunicled crucifer and Candle bearer
Choir
MCs to visiting clergy (two seminarians)
Visiting clergy
MC to concelebrants (transitional deacon)
Bishop and Deacon Chaplains
Knight of St Gregory
The procession begins as usual.
There is no hinge due to table in the center of the chancel
Visiting clergy file into the front pews in the nave, without going up to the altar.
Concelebrants kiss the altar and go directly to their places in the chancel pews.
The Introductory rites, readings and homily proceed as usual for a Pontifical Mass.
Renewal of Vows
After the homily Bishop comes to the chancel step flanked by Deacon of the Mass and Acolyte, facing the congregation.
Priests of the Ordinariate remain standing for the Renewal of Vows.
Blessing of Oils
Oils are processed in from the narthex one at a time.
Oils are presented to the Bishop, and then placed on the table behind the Bishop
Gifts are processed in and handed to the Bishop. The Bishop hands them to Deacon and Acolyte who take them to the credence table and then remain at the altar.
The Bishop moves to the altar step, facing the congregation and the table of oils (in front of him).
Concelebrating priests stand on either side, facing the table of oils. The Deacon and Acolyte remain standing at the altar, behind the Bishop, but facing the people.
The Bishop blesses the oils.
After the blessing of oils, the Bishop and concelebrating priests return to chancel pews.
Offertory and preparation of the altar
The Deacon of the Mass, Acolyte and MC to the Bishop prepare the altar.
Gates are NOT closed at this time.
The Bishop censes altar as usual.
Communion Rite
The Communion rite continues as usual for pontifical mass with concelebrating priests.
At the communion of the faithful, the Tunicled crucifer and MC close gates after visiting priests have entered the chancel to take communion.
Visiting priests exit through vestry and sacristy after receiving communion.
Ablutions and the the Post Communion proceed as usual.
The Acolyte and Deacon remain at the altar (facing altar) through the Post Communion.
Blessing and recessional
After the Post Communion the Acolyte and Deacon meet the Bishop at chancel step for blessing and dismissal.
The Sacred Ministers return to the altar step to assemble for the recessional.
The recessional is as usual, with concelebrants in front of the Acolyte and after the visiting priests.