Chrism Mass

Priests are asked to properly dispose of last year's Holy Oils, prior to the Chrism Mass. The oils may be removed from their particular stocks/vessels and used in the Easter Fire at the Easter Vigil Mass or buried in the ground in a sacred place. Please return used CLEAN bottles the day of Chrism Mass.

On the Tuesday of Holy Week, the Diocese will host its annual Chrism Mass. What is this liturgy, and why do we hold it each year during Holy Week?

The Chrism Mass is a yearly liturgy concelebrated by a bishop and the priests of his diocese, during which the bishop blesses oils for sacramental use throughout the diocese for the coming year. It is during this Mass that the holy oils used in Baptism, Confirmation, the Ordination of priests and bishops and the Anointing of the Sick are blessed.

During this Mass, priests renew their priestly promises. The liturgy commemorates the priestly vocation of the Church, particularly of the clergy who share in the sacred ministry of priesthood.

 

During the celebration of the Chrism Mass, the bishop blesses the oils of the catechumens, the sick and Sacred Chrism. The three oils are then distributed to the parishes of the diocese and are used during Sacramental celebrations throughout the year.

Sacred Chrism Oil:  Of the oils, the Chrism oil is unique in that it is consecrated as sacred. It is mixed with a special perfume, generally balsam, and is breathed upon by the bishop. The word “Chrism” comes from the root word for Christ, which means, “the anointed one of God.”
Most people are anointed with the Chrism oil twice in their lives – at their baptisms and during the Sacrament of Confirmation, when they are sealed with the gifts of the Holy Spirit. 
The Sacred Chrism is also used during the Rite of Ordination to the Priesthood, as the bishop anoints the priest’s hands, and is also used in the blessing of an altar and the walls of a church when a new worship space is dedicated. 

Oil of the Catechumen: When adults are preparing for baptism, there is often a rite of anointing that occurs. The anointing with oil symbolizes their need for God’s help and strength as they prepare for baptism.

Oil of the Sick: This oil is used during the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick. Its Scriptural basis lies within the First Letter of James: “Is anyone among you sick? He should summon the presbyters of the church, and they should pray over him and anoint [him] with oil in the name of the Lord and the prayer of faith will save the sick person, and the Lord will raise him up. If he has committed any sins, he will be forgiven (James 5:14-15).”
The oil not used before the next Chrism Mass is either buried or burned.  Many parishes will soak up the extra oil with cotton or gauze and burn it during the Easter Vigil celebration.