On Holy Tuesday, Bishop Shane Mackinlay gathered with Bishop Tomlinson emeritus and priests and people of the Sandhurst Diocese to celebrate the Mass of the Holy Oils or ‘Chrism Mass’;a celebration of our entire Sandhurst Christian community and a manifestation of our unity through baptism.

Bishop Shane blessed the oil of catechumens, the oil of the sick, and consecrated the chrism, since these oils are used in every parish of our diocese, the Bishop is linked to the sacramental ministry of the priests in every parish.

Bishop Shane blessed the oil of catechumens, the oil of the sick, and consecrated the chrism. Since these oils are used in every parish of our diocese, the Bishop is symbolically linked to the sacramental ministry of the priests in every parish.

By blessing and consecrating the oils the unity of our Bishop with the priests of our Diocese in their ministry of service to the faithful, was manifested.

During the mass,Lay people renewed their resolve to, through their actions, reveal to others the life and resurrection of Christ; Priests and members of religious orders renewed their vows; and Plenary Council Members were commissioned.