Catholics in the Florida panhandle can attend the annual Chrism Mass either in person or via livestream on Tuesday.

“Chrism Mass 2022 at the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart will be held April 12 at 10 a.m. (Central),” the diocese of Pensacola-Tallahassee posted on Facebook. “In this annual liturgy rich in symbolism, the Bishop gathers with the priests serving in our diocese to renew their fellowship and commitment to priestly ministry.” 

The Chrism Mass is traditionally celebrated during Holy Week, the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) says. 

“Additionally, at this Mass each year, the Bishop blesses the oil of the sick and the oil of catechumens and consecrates the holy chrism, all of which will enrich the sacramental life of the diocese in the coming year,” the diocese said in its post. “Attend in person, or visit https://ptdiocese.org/chrismmass to watch live.”

During this Mass, the priest consecrates three oils: the Oil of the Sick, the Oil of the Catechumens, and the Chrism, the USCCB explained. 

The three oils have special purposes, and they are used accordingly throughout the year, Simply Catholic said. It described each oil's purpose as follows:

The Oil of the Sick is used in the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick. During the sacrament, a priest typically 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 they are baptized. 

Chrism oil is used to consecrate someone to God, such as during the Sacrament of Confirmation. 

Bishops celebrate a Chrism Mass yearly. This is when they consecrate enough of each of the three oils for every church in their diocese to use for the year. 

The week between Palm Sunday and Easter is known as Holy Week, Britannica says. This year, it starts Sunday. During Holy Week, Catholics commemorate Judas' betrayal of Jesus, the institution of the Eucharist, Jesus' Passion and crucifixion, his burial and his Resurrection.