Pictured: Anointing of the catechumens during the Easter Vigil, 2008
On Monday of Holy Week, the holy oils are blessed by the archbishop in the cathedral at the "Chrism Mass." A portion of each of these oils is given to every parish.
The Church provides a ritual for the parish reception of the oils. This will take place at Mass on Holy Thursday evening. The oils are brought forward along with the bread and wine during the procession of the gifts, and they are presented one by one.
Presenter: "The oil of the sick."
Priest: "May the sick who are anointed with this oil experience the compassion of Christ and his saving love in body, mind and soul."
Presenter: "The oil of catechumens."
Priest: "Through anointing with this oil may our catechumens who are preparing to receive the savings waters of baptism be strengthened by Christ to resist the power of Satan and reject evil in all its forms."
Presenter: "The holy chrism."
Priest: "Through anointing with this perfumed chrism may children and adults, who are baptized and confirmed, and priests, who are ordained, experience the gracious gift of the Holy Spirit."
If you attend the Holy Thursday Evening Mass of the Lord's Supper be sure to take note of the oils in their beautiful crystal containers. They are given a place of honor at the front of the sanctuary during the Mass.