When they make the decision to join the Church, they are accepted into MASS PROGRAM

the Order of Catechumens in a liturgical rite that marks the beginning

of the formal period of initiation into the Church. CHRISM MASS 2025
2. Period of the Catechumenate: Tombel Deanery Choir
This is an extended period for pastoral formation and guidance aimed at
training participants in the Christian life; it includes a thoroughly
comprehensive catechesis on the truths of Catholic doctrine and moral PRELUDE
life.
Second Step: Rite of Sending, and Rite of Election and/or Call to Continu- LET EVERYTHING THAT BREATHES
ing Conversion:
When people are ready to enter the Church, they begin a period of Let everything that breathes, praise the Lord
purification and enlightenment that normally takes place during Lent. Let everything that breathes, praise the Lord
On the First Sunday of Lent, those seeking to become Catholics usually Let everything that breathes, praise the Lord, praise the Lord.
participate in the Rite of Election with their bishop. During this period, 1. Praise the Lord, praise him in the sanctuary
the people, now called the elect, are prayed for publicly during Mass Praise him in His mighty firmament,
each Sunday as they go through an intense period of conversion where
they spend much time in fasting and prayer, and living out the Corporal praise Him for His mighty deeds;
and Spiritual Works of Mercy. The Rite of Election marks a key moment. Praise Him according to His exceeding greatness, praise the Lord.
For the catechumens this Rite signifies that they have been called by Christ 2. Praise Him with trumpet sound
and attests to the reality that only those mystically claimed by Christ will Praise him with Lute and harp
enter Heaven.
3. Period of Purification and Enlightenment: Praise Him with string and pipes
Coinciding with Lent, this period consists more in interior reflection than in Praise Him according to His exceeding greatness, praise the Lord.
instruction. It is intended to enlighten the minds and hearts of participants 3. Praise Him with sounding cymbals
with a deep knowledge of Christ the Savior. Praise Him with loud clashing of cymbals
Third Step: Celebration of the Sacraments of Initiation: Let everything that breathes
This is the liturgical rite, usually integrated into the Easter Vigil, by
which the elect are initiated through Baptism, Confirmation, and the Eucha- Praise the Lord, praise the Lord
rist, and the candidates receive whatever sacraments of initiation that they Praise Him according to His exceeding greatness, Praise the Lord
have yet to receive. Candidates might in some parishes, receive the Sacra-
ments on a particular Sunday Eucharistic Liturgy during the Easter Season.
4. Period of Post-Baptismal Catechesis or Mystagogy: ENTRANCE
Following the Easter Vigil when the candidates or the elect receive the
Sacraments of Initiation, these new Catholics—now called neophytes—
enter into their final period of formation, called the mystagogy, a period
of post-baptismal catechesis that lasts for the six weeks of the Easter Praise to the lord the almighty
season. During this time they reflect on their experience of receiving
the sacraments and gather together each Sunday with all the faithful at Words: Joachim Neander (1680)
Mass. They are now fully initiated members of the Church with all the Key F 34 Translated: Catherine Winkworth ( 1863)
rights and responsibilities that go with it. Mystagogy is a time for deepening 1. Praise to the Lord, the Al – mighty, the King of cre –
the Christian experience, especially in appreciation for the sacramental life, S |d : d :s | m: -.r : d | t1: l1: s1| l1: t1: d|
for spiritual growth, and for entering more fully into the life and unity of the A |s1: l1:s1| d: -.t1: l1| s1: f1: m1| f1: f1: m1|
Catholic community. T |m : m :r | s: -.f : m| m: d: d| d: r: d|
B |d : l1:t1| d: -.s1: l1| m1: f1: d1| f1: r1: l1|
16 1
 a - - tion RCIA for Adults Explained
S |r : - :- |d :-:-| "Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the
A |l1: s1 :f1|m1:-:-| name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them
to observe all that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you
T |d :t1.l1:t1|d :-:-| always, to the close of the age" (Mt 28:19-20).
B |f1: s1 :- |d1:-:-| Introduction
O my soul, praise Him, for He is thy The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) is the process,
S |d : d : s | m:-. r : d | t1 : l1: s1| established for the universal Church, for individuals to become Catholic
A |s1 : l1 : s1 | d:-. t1: l1 | s1 : f1: m1| and receive the sacraments of initiation – Baptism, Confirmation, and
T |m : m : r | s:-. f : m | m : d : d | the Eucharist. This initiation process also involves a parish community expe-
B |d : l1 : t1 | d:-. s1: l1 | m1 : f1: d1| riencing a renewal in faith as it prepares and welcomes new members into
health and sal- vat---------------ion the Church. The Rite speaks of conversion as a “spiritual journey.” Centered
S |l1 : t1: d | r : - :- |d :-:-| on fostering a deep relationship with Jesus and the Church he founded,
A |f1 : f1: m1| l1: s1 :f1|m1:-:-| this journey takes place through distinct stages over a period of time
T |d : r : d | d :t1.l1:t1|d :-:-| suitable to bring about a thorough catechesis, significant experience of
B |f1 : r1: l1| f1: s1 :- |d1:-:-| the parish community, and commitment to the liturgical and moral life
of the Catholic faithful. The RCIA process is a restoration of the ancient cat-
All you who hear, now to His al—tar draw near echumenate, arising within the first three centuries following the era of the
S |s : s : s| l :-:-|m : f : s | s : f : m| r :-:-| apostles. It was the early Church’s way of Christianizing the pagan Roman
A |d : s1 : d| d :-:-|d : d : r | d :l1.t1: d| t1:-:-| Empire. The Second Vatican Council called for the restoration and use of
T |m : r : m| f :-:-|s : f : r | m : f : s| s :-:-| thisvenerable and powerful method of initiation for the worldwide Church
B |d : t1 : d| f1:-:-|d : l1: t1| d1: r1 :m.d| s1:-:-| (cf. Sacrosanctum Concilium, no. 64). The RCIA process may last for only a
Join in profound a – do – rat - - - - - - ion few months or could last for years, depending on the needs and the readiness
S | s1 : l1 : t1| d : r : m | r : - : - |d :-:-| of the catechumens and candidates. When a child is baptized, the Church
A | s1 : f1 : f1| m1: l1: se1| l1: - :s1.f1|m1:-:-| expects that the child will be gradually initiated over the years into the life of
T | t1 : d : r | d : t1: d | d :t1.l1: t1 |d :-:-| faith by his or her parents and godparents, and the parish community. When
B | s1 : f1 : r1| m1: s1: d | f1: - : s1 |d1:-:-| an adult or older child enters the Church, they immediately need to be
initiated more completely before they receive the sacraments. The RCIA
is designed to allow people to move forward when they are ready for the next
2. Praise to the Lord, let us offer our gifts at his altar; step of their formation.
Let not our sins and transgressions cause us to falter; Periods and Steps of the Process
Christ the High-priest bids us all join in his feast, When people first consider becoming Catholic, they enter into a period
Victims with him on the altar. of evangelization and catechesis known as the pre-catechumenate. This is a
time for inquiry and introduction into the life of the Catholic Church,
3. Praise to the Lord, who will prosper our work and defend us, its teachings, and into the richness of Sacred Scripture. The period has
Surely his goodness and mercy shall daily attend us no fixed duration or structure and has no formal ritual or celebrations, alt-
Ponder anew all the almighty can do, hough prayer is an element of learning about and experiencing the
He who will love will befriend us. Catholic way of life.
1. Period of First Contact and Pre-catechumenate:
4. Praise to the Lord, oh, let all that is in us adore him! The period of First Contact begins in the SCC, where all the Candidates
All that has life and breath, come now in praises before him. are welcomed into the new family and are introduced gradually into the faith.
Let the Amen sound from his people again, This period lasts eleven weeks, after which they take the first step or rite.
Now as we worship before him. First Step: Rite of Acceptance Into the Order of Catechumens, and/or Rite
of Welcoming:

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 MASS PROPER: MASS OF ST. LAWRENTIA

LORD HAVE MERCY

Refrain
Have mercy, have mercy on us, O Lord (Christ) (2x)
1. You were sent to heal the contrite, Lord have mercy, have mercy
on us, O Lord.
2. You came to call all the sinners; Christ have mercy, have mercy
on us, O Christ.
3. You plead for us at the right hand of the Father, Lord have mercy
on us, O Lord
Coda
O Lord have mercy on us Lord have mercy on the sinner.

GLORY TO GOD
Solo.
Glory, Glory to God in the highest
(a). Glory, Glory, Glory to God, in the highest and peace to his people
on earth.
1. Lord God heavenly king almighty God and Father
(b). Glory, Glory to God in the highest.
2. We worship you we give you thanks, we praise you for your glory
3. Lord God lamb of God, Only Son of the |Father
4. You take away the sins of the world. Have mercy, have mercy on us
5. For you alone are the Holy one you alone are the Lord
6. You alone are the Most High, Jesus Christ
THE DIOCESE OF KUMBA 7. With the Holy Spirit, in the glory of the God the Father
Amen, Amen Amen
Four Deaneries: Fiango Deanery, Kumba Town Deanery, Tom- Solo + Refrain
bel Deanery and Mundemba Deanery
LECTIONARY PROCESSION
These Deaneries contain, twenty parishes, five pastoral zones
and the Francophone Community.

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 BLESSING OF OILS & CONSECRA- ops used blessed oil to anoint those who had prepared for baptism. We
pray that those preparing for baptism will have strength and wisdom to
TION OF CHRISM understand the Gospel and to accept the challenge of Christian living.
Pause as the Oil is blessed by the Bishop
The Chrism Mass, which the Bishop concelebrates with Priests from
various regions of the diocese and during which he consecrates the The bishop now faces the people and, with his hands extended
sacred Chrism and blesses the other oils, is among the principal man- says the following prayer:
ifestations of the fullness of the Bishop's Priesthood and is considered O God, strength and protection of your people…
to be a sign of the close bond of the Priests with him. For it is with the All: Amen.
sacred Chrism consecrated by the Bishop that the newly baptized are
anointed and those to be confirmed are signed. It is with the Oil of The Oil of Chrism Bearer walks to the sanctuary and places the oil container and bal-
Catechumens that catechumens are prepared and disposed for Bap- sam on the table and returns to the bottom step of the sanctuary.
tism. Finally it is with the Oil of the Sick that those who are ill are
comforted in their infirmity. CONSECRATION OF THE CHRISM
Reader: The Oil of Chrism:
RENEWAL OF PRIESTLY VOWS Reader Continues: The Oil of Chrism is perfumed with balsam. As oil
typifies the fullness of grace imparted through the Sacrament, so balsam
After the Homily, the Bishop speaks with the Priests in these or simi- expresses freedom from corruption and the sweet odour of virtue. The
lar words. oil of Chrism is used in the Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation and
Beloved sons, Ordination to the Priesthood. These Sacraments confer an intimate
on the anniversary of that day identity with Christ, conforming us, in the depths of our being, more
when Christ our Lord conferred his priesthood closely to his person and his mission as priest, prophet and king.
on his Apostles and on us, Pause as the Oil is blessed by the Bishop.
are you resolved to renew The bishop pours the balsam or perfume in the oil and mixes
in the presence of your Bishop and God’s holy people, the chrism in silence. After this he says:
the promises you once made? Let us pray, dear brothers and sisters, to God the almighty Father…
The Priests, all together, respond: I am.
All: Amen.
Are you resolved to be more united with the Lord Jesus
and more closely conformed to him,
denying yourselves and confirming those promises
about sacred duties towards Christ and his Church
which, prompted by love of him,
you willingly and joyfully pledged
on the day of your priestly ordination?
Priests: I am.
Are you resolved to be faithful stewards of the mysteries of God
in the Holy Eucharist and the other liturgical rites
and to discharge faithfully the sacred office of teaching,
following Christ the Head and Shepherd,

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 PROCESSION OF OILS not seeking any gain,
Commentary but moved only by zeal for souls?
Read from Ambo Priests: I am.
During this, 3 Oil Bearers take their place beside the table of oils at the bottom of the
Then, turned towards the people, the Bishop continues:
sanctuary steps. After the O Redemptor, Reader says: As for you, dearest sons and daughters,
pray for your Priests,
Reader: The olive tree is the most common tree in Palestine and grows that the Lord may pour out his gifts abundantly upon them,
most abundantly in Galilee. The use of oil in sacred rites was common in and keep them faithful as ministers of Christ, the High Priest,
the Jewish world of the Old and New Testament. The purpose of so that they may lead you to him,
anointing was to strengthen, to heal or to dedicate a person or object as who is the source of salvation.
sacred in God's service. The olive oil which we are using this afternoon People: Christ, hear us. Christ, graciously hear us.
comes from the Christian village of Taibeh on the West Bank, not far And pray also for me,
from Jerusalem. that I may be faithful to the apostolic office
entrusted to me in my lowliness
The Oil of the Sick Bearer walks to the sanctuary and places the oil container on the
table and returns to the bottom step of the sanctuary.
and that in your midst I may be made day by day
a living and more perfect image of Christ,
BLESSING OF THE OIL OF THE SICK the Priest, the Good Shepherd,
the Teacher and the Servant of all.
Reader: The Oil of the Sick People: Christ, hear us. Christ, graciously hear us.
Reader continues: The sacrament of Anointing of the Sick expresses May the Lord keep us all in his charity
healing and comfort. Those who are seriously ill are anointed on the and lead all of us,
forehead and hands with duly blessed oil made from plain olive oil. This shepherds and flock,
anointing was used in Apostolic times practically in the same manner as to eternal life.
now. All: Amen.
Pause as the Oil is blessed by the Bishop
The Creed is not said.
The bishop says the following prayer:
O God, Father …
UNIVERSAL PRAYERS
All: Amen.
BISHOP:
The Oil of Catechumens Bearer walks to the sanctuary and places the oil container on
the table and returns to the bottom step of the sanctuary. Dear brothers and sisters, let us lift our hearts and minds to
God, who’s Son regenerates us through the priestly minis-
BLESSING OF THE OIL OF CATECHUMENS try, that He may make us ever more alive through this min-
istry.
Reader: The Oil of Catechumens:
V./Be pleased to hear us
Reader Continues: The oil of catechumens is traditionally an olive oil
R./Lord, we ask you hear our prayers
used during the baptism of infants. As far back as the third century bish-

12 5
1.For the Church, that the faith of her ministers may never fail. May PRAYER FOR PRIEST
God strengthen them in their weaknesses and give them the courage to Keep them, I pray Thee, dearest Lord
still be ever more available to the people they serve. R./ Keep them, for they are thine
2. For our civil society: that they may not give in to the impulse of Thy Priests whose lives burn out
secularism, to reject God and religion and work in close collaboration Before Thy consecrated shrine
with the clergy to better serve the people under their care. R./
3. For the people of God: that they may be transformed by the sacra- Keep them, for they are in the world,
ments. Let the oils of the sacraments transform them and bring them Though from the world apart;
true healing. R./ When earthly pleasures tempt, allure
4. For an increase in the spirit of synodality in our Diocese. May this Shelter them in Thy heart
be shown in the love and collaboration between the laity and the cler- Keep them and comfort them
gy. Let us live and work as fellow workers in God’s vineyard.R./
In hours of loneliness and pain,
5. For our departed priests, relatives and friends, that they may rest in
When all their lives of sacrifice
God’s peace. R./
For souls seem but in vain
6.We bow our heads and pray for our private intentions...R./
7. May Mary our Mother intercede for us as we sing…. Keep them, and O remember, Lord,
BISHOP: They have no one but Thee,
Lord God, listen to our prayers. To regenerate Your people Yet they have only human hearts,
You make use of the ministry of priests; grant us faithfully With human frailty
to observe Your plan of salvation so that by the gift of Your Keep them as spotless as the Host,
grace the people dedicated to You may in our time increase That daily they may touch;
both in merit and number. We make our prayer through Their every thoughts, word, and deeds
Christ our Lord. Amen Deign, dearest Lord to bless. Amen

MARIAN HYMN (PRAYER OF THE FAITHFUL)

EXIT
HAIL MARY FULL OF GRACE
Hail Mary full of grace, the Lord is with you, Blessed art thou among CHRIST HAS MADE YOU HIS OWN MESSENGERS
women and blessed is the fruit of thy womb Jesus. Holy Mary mother
of God, pray for us sinners now, and at the hour of our death. Amen.
Christ has made you His own messengers, sending you out into the
whole world to teach His own word.
Those appointed to carry the oils, together with the faithful who will carry
the bread and the wine and water, go in procession to the vesting room Feed my lambs, lead my people, feed my sheep nourish them with my
(sacristy) or other place where the oils and other offerings have been pre- own sweet Word.
pared. Returning to the altar, they follow this order: first, the minister carry- 1. On the day you were baptized, I made you King, Priest and
ing the vessel of balsam, if the bishop wishes to mix the chrism; then the Prophet, you are my chosen one.
minister with the vessel for the oil of catechumens, if it is to be blessed; the
minister with the vessel for the oil of the sick; lastly a deacon or presbyter

6 11
 ANIMA CHRISTI carrying the oil for the chrism. The minsters or faithful who carry the bread
ANIMA Christi, sanctifica me. and the wine and water for the celebration of the eucharist follow them.
Corpus Christi, salva me. 283. During the procession through the church, the choir leads the singing
Sanguis Christi, inebria me. of the hymn Hear our Hymn Redeemer Lord or of some other suitable song
Aqua lateris Christi, lava me. in place of the song for the presentation of the gifts. (Ceremonial of Bishops)
Passio Christi, conforta me.
O bone Iesu, exaudi me. PROCESSION WITH OILS
Intra tua vulnera absconde me. HEAR OUR HYMN REDEEMER LORD
Ne permittas me separari a te. Refrain:
Ab hoste maligno defende me. Hear our hymn redeemer Lord, thee we praise with one a—ccord.
In hora mortis meae voca me. |l1.d:l1.s1:l1.d:d.r: d:-:d.t1:s1. l1:d. l1: s1.l1:l1:-
Et iube me venire ad te,
Ut cum Sanctis tuis laudem te 1. Blest was the sun and bless the tree, that brough these Olives forth
in saecula saeculorum. Amen. to birth. Whose ripeness humble we present, to thee the Redeemer of
HE KNOWS IT ALL earth. Refrain
He knows my thoughts, my ways, my deed 2. Then bless also Heavenly King, these olives fullness offered here,
My Jesus knows it all that it may trace the Sacred sign, which all the powers of darkness
Every part in me his hands have made fear. Refrain
My Jesus knows it all. 3. So shall our wounded nature Lord, by thine anointing hand be healed. And
He knows it all, my total heart in mankind and womankind, God’s glorious image stand revealed
Nothing is hidden from my God Refrain
He knows he knows it all. 4. As at the Sacred water’s touch, the soul in us is washed from sin, so
when this oil makes bright the brow, the Spirit pours its gifts within.
In the darkness or bright day light Refrain
He knows, he knows it all 5. Thou in high Heaven the Father’s Son, the Maiden’s Child for Hu-
In the depths beneath, or high above man eyes illumine and defend from death, those whom this unction
He knows, he knows it all sanctifies. Refrain
What e’er I say, what e’er I do 6. Hence forth within us may the feast, at which on earth such grace
He notes and takes into account was given, life unforgotten and revered and guide us to the feast of
What e’er I say or do heaven. Refrain
He plans my ways he directs me.
He knows, he knows it all When they have reached the altar or the seat, the Bishop receives the gifts.
In time of war in time of joy The Deacon carrying the vessel for the sacred Chrism shows it to the Bish-
op, saying in a loud voice: The oil for the holy Chrism. The Bishop accepts
He knows, He knows it all it and gives it to one of his assisting Deacons, who places it on the table that
He knows it all, my total heart has been prepared. The same is done by those who carry the vessels for the
Nothing is hidden from my God Oil of the Sick and the Oil of Catechumens. The first says: The Oil of the
He knows, He knows it all. Sick; then the other says: The Oil of Catechumens. These are received in the

10 7
same way by the Bishop and placed by the ministers on the table that has COMMUNION
been prepared. Then the Mass continues as in the rite of concelebration un-
til the end of the Eucharistic Prayer, unless the entire rite of blessing is to I AM THE BREAD OF LIFE
take place immediately. 44, Key Ab

Text : John 6, Suzanne Toolan

Music: Suzanne Toolan
GENERAL OFFERTORY
O Yes in the Presence of the Lord (CH 365)
Take and Sanctify (CH 367)

PREPARATION OF GIFTS AND CONSECRATION

Take my Life and Let it be (CH 62)

HOLY HOLY
Holy, Holy, Lord God of Host, sing praises, praises to the Lord. (2x)
1.Heaven and earth are full of your Glory, O Lord
Hosanna, Hosanna in the highest (3x)
2. Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord
Hosanna….

OUR FATHER
Refrain
Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name hallowed.
Thy kingdom come, thy will be done, hallowed be thy name hallowed
Give us this day our daily bread, hallowed be thy name hallowed
And forgive us our trespasses, hallowed be thy name hallowed
As we forgive those who trespass, hallowed be thy name hallowed
And lead us not into temptation, hallowed be thy name hallowed

FOR THE KINGDOM

For the kingdom, and the power, hallowed be thy name hallowed
And the glory are yours, hallowed be thy name hallowed
LAMB OF GOD
O Lamb of God you take away, the sins, the sins of the world
Have mercy, Have mercy , have mercy on us. (2x)
Grant us peace, grant us peace, grant to us your peace.(2x dim)
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