The Rites of Maundy Thursday

At The Chrism Mass

Renewal of Vows

The Bishop addresses the people in these words

Dear friends, the ministry we share is none other than the sacrificial ministry of Christ, who gave himself up to death on the cross for the salvation of the world.  By his glorious resurrection he has opened for us the way of everlasting life. By the gift of the Holy Spirit he shares with us the riches of his grace.

We are called to proclaim his death and resurrection, to administer the Sacraments of the New Covenant which he sealed with his blood on the cross, and to care for his people in the power of the Spirit.

Do you here, in the presence of Christ and his Church, renew your commitment to your ministry, under the pastoral direction of your bishop?

etc ....

Following the postcommunion prayer, the Bishop says

Dear Friends in Christ: In the beginning, the Spirit of God hovered over the creation; and, throughout history, God, by the gift of the Holy Spirit, has empowered his people to serve him.  As a sign of that gift, the priests and kings of Israel were anointed with oil; and our Lord Jesus Christ was himself anointed with the Holy Spirit at his Baptism as the Christ, God's own Messiah.  At Baptism, Christians are likewise anointed by that same Spirit to empower them for God's service.  Let us now set apart this oil to be the sign of that anointing.

Let us pray. (Silence)

Eternal Father, whose blessed Son was anointed by the Holy Spirit to be the Savior and servant of all, we pray, you to consecrate this oil, that those who are sealed with it may share in the royal priesthood of Jesus Christ; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, for ever and ever.  Amen.

At The Eucharist (in the evening):

Fellow servants of our Lord Jesus Christ: On the night before his death, Jesus set an example for his disciples by washing their feet, an act of humble service. He taught that strength and growth in the life of the Kingdom of God come not by power, authority, or even miracle, but by such lowly service.  We all need to remember his example, but none stand more in need of this reminder than those whom the Lord has called to the ordained ministry.

Therefore, I invite you [who have been appointed as representatives of the congregation and] who share in the royal priesthood of Christ, to come forward, that I may recall whose servant I am by following the example of my Master.  But come remembering his admonition that what will be done for ou is also to be done by you to others, for "a servant is not greater than his master, nor is one who is sent greater than the one who sent him. If you know these things, blessed are you if you do them."

When those who were set apart on Ash Wednesday to be signs of continual conversation within the fellowship of believers and are preparing to renew their baptismal vows at the Easter Vigil, the priest says 

N. N., you have been setting an example for us of that true turning to God which lies at the heart of our Christian calling.  Tonight, we welcome you to join us as disciples of Jesus Christ by imitating his example and dedicating ourselves to service among us in this community.  Christ Jesus came among us not to be served but to serve.  Tonight we wash your feet as a sign of that servanthood to which Christ has called us and we ask you in turn to join us in this symbol of our discipleship.  N. N., are you prepared to join us in our life of service?

Candidates:  We are prepared.