Background to Holy Thursday:

Chrism Mass:

Holy Thursday begins with the celebration of the Chrism Mass.  This is usually celebrated in the Cathedral Church of each Diocese on the morning of Holy Thursday.  It is celebrated with the Bishop and his priests and during this Mass they renew their priestly commitment.  They renew again their “Yes” to God that was first made at their ordination.  This solemn Mass is a sign of unity and fraternity among the priests of a diocese.  During this Mass the holy oils are blessed – the Oil of the Sick and the Oil of Catechumens and the consecration of Chrism. These oils will be used during the coming year for the celebration of the sacraments of the sick, confirmation and ordination.

Mass of the Lord’s Supper:

The Mass of the Lord’s Supper celebrated in the evening,  marks the end of the Lenten season and the beginning of the Easter Tridium – Holy Thursday, Good Friday and Holy Saturday.  These three sacred days are the highlight of the Christian celebration of the most significant days in the life of Jesus.

In this Mass we celebrate the institution of the Eucharist – where Jesus, gathered with his disciples, offered up the bread and wine and they became his body and blood.