Liturgical Remarks
Since 2023, we have crafted this liturgy from The Book of Occasional Services 2022 (BOS) in which the Standing Commission on Liturgy and Music made considerable changes to “Consecration of Chrism Apart from Baptism” and “Reaffirmation of Ordination Vows.” Prior to this significant revision, it was not uncommon for bishops to consecrate three distinct oils: Chrism, Oil of the Sick, and Oil of Catechumens. The Standing Commission’s liturgical theology asserts that oil of the sick should be blessed by presbyters within a congregation, not by a bishop. Furthermore, the Commission does not envisage the Church setting aside a separate (third) oil for catechumens/confirmands. In keeping with the custom of the ancient Church, the oil to be blessed as Chrism is now brought forward at the Offertory, placed on the Altar alongside the bread and wine, and is consecrated by an additional prayer inserted into the Eucharistic Prayer.
The forms for “Renewal of Ordination Vows” in earlier editions of BOS were fairly brief. In recent years the Diocesan Liturgical Commission has deftly expanded our renewal of vows to include lay people; we use a form written by Klara Tammany (Trinity in Lewiston) that not only highlights the ministry of all the baptized, but also centers the role of lay persons to examine the bishop and to ask a concluding question to all the clergy.
Two specific items: First, we are singing the Nicene Creed on a day that’s neither a major feast nor a Sunday. When we sang it last year—on a major feast—it was unfamiliar to many; we hope more of us will learn this beautiful composition by the late Calvin Hampton; second, the Eucharistic Prayer for the Diocese of Maine, written and copyrighted by the Reverend Martin L. Smith, who spends time at All Saints Church Southport Island every summer, is making its debut today. You are welcome to use it judiciously on Sunday mornings; please acknowledge both that it’s authorized in the Diocese of Maine as well as the copyright.
We welcome, as always, our Lutheran sibling clergy.
Please join me in giving thanks for your siblings in Christ Jesus who have worked together to create and lead our worship: Canon Christian M. Clough, and the Reverend Dr. Victoria (Vicki) Sirota, who planned today’s music; the diocesan liturgical commission; the Interim Priest-in-Charge, Deacon, staff, and the congregation of St. Mary’s, including Mr. James Kennerly, Music Minister, who plays today, and members of the choir of St. Mary’s for their motet and leadership. Finally, to each of you who made a commitment to being here and for saying yet again, “Here I am. Send me!” to God’s high and holy calling to be a faithful church.
To God be the glory.
The Rt. Rev. Thomas J. Brown
Bishop of Maine
Lent 2025
**Listen to the Rev. Libby Catania’s sermon and read the “Beholding Practice” here.**