Sacred Oils
The
jars of Sacred Oils are kept in an ambry, just in front of the
ambo. The oils are blessed by the Bishop on Maundy Thursday
and retained in the church throughout the year for use in the
sacraments of baptism, confirmation, holy orders and the sacrament
of the sick. They remind us of the sacramental system which
supports us in our pilgrimage through life.
Sacred Oil is important to Christians. "Christ" (or "Messiah") means "anointed one". Jesus was recognised by his followers as the "anointed one", anointed with oil. The followers of Jesus, therefore, are anointed with oil at key moments in their journey.
