Diocesan Curial Office Parish Hall
 

The diocesan curial office for the central administration of the Archdiocese of Glasgow is situated at:-

196 Clyde Street

Glasgow

G1 4JY

Scotland

Tel. 0141 226 5898

Most Rev. Mario Conti

Archbishop

  		 

The parish hall is situated next door to the church at 73 Craigpark, Glasgow, G31 2HF. It is available for hire for most types of function. To obtain a booking application form contact the parish secretary on 0141 554 1558

The Scottish Catholic Education Service is also based in the offices of the hall.

Tel 0141 556 4727



  
 
Oil and its use in the Church

Not very long ago it would have been unusual for people to have fragrant oils in their home. It was perhaps thought to be the domain of the more esoteric.

But now our high street shops have more than their fair share of oils, whether intended to make your room smell right for a romantic dinner or to help you relax and shrug off the stress of daily life.

Oils, and the effect on body and spirit, have been in use in the Christian Church since the earliest of times.

It had been customary in the Old Testament to anoint certain public figures with oil as a sign of their consecration (kings, priests etc.).

A number of prayers make reference to oil of gladness, a festive anointing. So anointing generally indicates a belief that there is a strong link between body and spirit.

Christians were quick to carry on this practice and to use the Oil of chrism for baptising, confirming and ordaining. This is basically olive oil with an added ingredient (such as balsam) intended to smell sweetly and give off a pleasant perfume. Its use signifies consecration.

Oil of catechumens, as its name implies, is what is used to anoint those who are about to become Christians. It signifies preparation and fitness. This can be used on adults, particularly during Lent, or on babies towards the start of the baptism ceremony.

Oil of the sick, like that of catechumens, is straightforward olive oil. It is used when a priest or bishop celebrates the sacrament of the sick with someone whose life is seriously affected by illness. It signifies healing.

The three most common oils (chrism, of catechumens and of the sick) are blessed by the bishop at a Mass that usually takes place sometime during Holy Week, and each parish receives its annual store after this Mass.

Colours and Articles in Church