CHRISM MASS

What is a Chrism Mass? The Chrism Mass happens once a year during Holy Week. Representatives from each parish within a diocese and the priests and deacons of the diocese go to the Cathedral to celebrate Mass with the bishop. After the bishop’s homily, two things take place. All the priests of the diocese renew the promises they made at their ordination, and the deacons do too. The second thing is the blessing of the Holy Oils. They are presented to the bishop one at a time. The first oil is the oil of the catechumens. The bishop prays over them and blesses them. Then the oil of the sick is presented, and the bishop does the same thing. Then the third oil presented is for the Sacred Chrism. All of the Holy Oils are made from olive oil. Holy Chrism is a consecrated mixture of olive oil and a fragrant balsam, a sweet-smelling resin, representing virtue. The bishop prays over it, then breathes into this oil after the balsam is added, symbolizing the gift of the Holy Spirit, strength, and the aroma of Christ. This Holy Oil is used at baptism, confirmation, Holy Orders, consecration of new churches and altars. It is closely tied to the concept of being a Christian, which means anointed one. Before the final blessing by the bishop, representatives of the parish are called forth to receive the new oils and return them to their parishes. The old oils we used are usually burned.