What is the Chrism Mass?

You may have heard mention in the last couple weeks of the Chrism Mass.  You may be wondering, what the Chrism Mass is and why you should care about it. 

In the Diocese of Salt Lake City, the Chrism Mass takes place at the Cathedral on the Thursday before Holy Week.  It is a special Mass during which all the priests of the diocese renew their ordination vows, and all of the holy oils (chrism) are consecrated for use in sacraments throughout the diocese in the coming year.  Three different oils are blessed:  the oil of catechumens, sacred chrism, and the oil of the sick.

Each oil has its own purpose and use.  The oil of catechumens is used in the sacrament of baptism, sacred chrism is used in the sacraments of confirmation and holy orders, and the oil of the sick is used in the sacrament of anointing of the sick and last rites with viaticum.

All are invited to attend the Chrism Mass, which takes place tonight at 7:00 pm at the Cathedral.  Candidates for the sacrament of confirmation, and Elect who are concluding their preparation to enter the Church at the Easter Vigil are especially encouraged to attend.