Chrism Eucharists in the Diocese in Europe

Every year during Holy Week the oils that are used throughout the following year for ministry to the sick, for Christian initiation, and for ordination are solemnly blessed in an episcopal service. This is also the occasion at which the clergy and readers of the diocese are invited to reaffirm the promises and commitments they have made in their ministry, before the bishop.

As in recent years, in order to include more clergy and readers in this significant event, the Diocesan Bishop and the Suffragan Bishop will preside at Chrism Eucharists in different centres in the diocese.

BRUSSELS - Tuesday 30 March, 12.00
The Pro-Cathedral of the Holy Trinity, Brussels: Bishop Geoffrey presiding.

MADRID - Tuesday 30 March, 12.00 noon
St George’s Church, Madrid: Bishop David presiding. The preacher will be the Very Revd Dr John Paddock, the Dean of Gibraltar.

PARIS - Thursday 1 April, 12.00 noon
St George’s Church, Paris: Bishop David presiding. The preacher will be the Revd Philip Mounstephen chaplain of St Michael’s Paris.

A simple lunch will be provided after each service.

The laity are also invited to these services as they have a vital role in representing the whole body of the faithful of the diocese in praying for God’s gifts of faithfulness, zeal and commitment for all ministers, lay and ordained. We hope that those diocesan clergy and readers who, because of distance, are unable to be present at one of these services will associate themselves in prayer with these celebrations and take the opportunity, whether together or alone, to make an act of rededication in Holy Week.

Clergy and Readers attending the Eucharist in Brussels should inform the Chancellor, the Revd Canon Dr Robert Innes (chaplain@holytrinity.be). For directions to the Pro-Cathedral below.

Clergy and Readers attending the Eucharist in Madrid should inform the chaplain, the Revd Ian Hutchinson-Cervantes (chaplain@stgeorgesmadrid.com). For directions to St George’s, Madrid see below.

Clergy and Readers attending the Eucharist in Paris should inform the chaplain, the Revd Matthew Harrison (office@stgeorgesparis.com). For directions to St George’s, Paris see below.

Clergy should bring an alb (or cassock and surplice) and a white stole or preaching scarf, and readers a cassock and surplice or alb, and reader scarf and be at the church not less than 30 minutes before the service.

Oils will be available for distribution after the services. Clergy who cannot attend but who wish to receive supplies of newly-blessed oil for anointing the sick and candidates for baptism (the bishops bring Chrism oil with them for confirmations etc) should contact Mrs Bron Panter at the diocesan office before the end of March, on + 44 020 7898 1155 (or bron.panter@europe.c-of-e.org.uk), who will keep a list of requests.

+Geoffrey                                                                 +David
DIRECTIONS

Pro-Cathedral of the Holy Trinity, Brussels
Located at 29 Rue Capitaine Crespel, 1050 Brussels, Telephone: +32 (0) 2 512 4796 http://www.htbrussels.com/
Please be at the church not less than 30 minutes before the service which begins at 1200 noon.

St George’s, Madrid
Located at Nuñez de Balboa 43, 28001 Madrid. Telephone: +34 (0) 915 765 109 http://www.stgeorgemadrid.com/
Please be at the church not less than 30 minutes before the service which begins at 1200 noon.

St George’s, Paris
Located at 7 Rue Auguste-Vacquerie, 75116, Paris, Telephone: +33 (0) 1 47 20 22 51
http://www.stgeorgesparis.com/
Please be at the church not less than 30 minutes before the service which begins at 1200 noon.

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