Seminarians in Phoenix help prepare oils that will be consecrated at the Chrism Mass during Holy Week. | Diocese of Phoenix/Facebook
Palm Beach area Catholics will have a chance to celebrate as Bishop Gerald Barbarito will consecrate the three oils during a special Holy Week Mass, called the Chrism Mass, at 11 a.m. April 12. The Mass will not be live-streamed.
"During the Chrism Mass, Barbarito will bless the three oils that will be used for sacramental purposes during the next year throughout all of the diocese’s 53 churches and missions," the Diocese of Palm Beach said on Facebook. "In addition to the blessing, the priests will renew their vows and those with significant anniversaries of his Ordination to the Priesthood will be recognized."
The Chrism Mass is traditionally celebrated during Holy Week, the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) says. During this Mass, the priest consecrates three different oils: the Oil of the Sick, the Oil of the Catechumens, and the Chrism.
These oils each carry a special purpose, according to Simply Catholic.
The Oil of the Sick is used in the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick, wherein a priest lays hands on a sick or elderly person, prays for him, and anoints him with oil on his head and hands.
The Oil of the Catechumens is used to anoint children and adults before their baptism.
Chrism oil is used to consecrate someone to God, such as during the Sacrament of Confirmation.
Bishops across the country celebrate a Chrism Mass once a year. This is when they consecrate enough of each of the three oils for every church in their diocese to use for the year.
Holy Week is the week between Palm Sunday and Easter, Britannica explains. This year, it starts April 10. Holy Week is a time when Catholics commemorate Judas' betrayal of Jesus, the institution of the Eucharist, Jesus' Passion and crucifixion, his burial, and his Resurrection.