Chrism Mass to be celebrated March 22

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SALT LAKE CITY — As the liturgical season of Lent draws to a close, the Catholic Church will celebrate the traditional Chrism Mass, at which all those present will renew their vows and the three oils used in the sacraments throughout the year will be blessed.

At the Last Supper, Jesus said, “Do this in memory of me.” The Mass of the Lord’s Supper on Holy Thursday commemorates the institution of the priesthood; that is, Holy Orders in the Catholic Church.

At the Chrism Mass, priests renew the promises they made at ordination. Although only the reaffirmation of priestly vows is written in the liturgy, in the Diocese of Salt Lake City, deacons and their wives, the religious women in the diocese, and the faithful renew their baptismal promises, said Fr. Martin Diaz, rector of the Cathedral of the Madeleine.

Traditionally the Chrism Mass is celebrated in the morning of Holy Thursday, but because many of the priests in Utah must drive far distances to attend and so would be unable to return to their parishes in time for the commemoration of the Last Supper, the Chrism Mass in Diocese of Salt Lake City will be held on March 22.

During the Mass at the Cathedral of the Madeleine, Bishop Oscar A. Solis will bless the oil of catechumens and the oil of the sick, and consecrate the Chrism oil.

Each of the oils will be brought forward separately for a blessing. In the Diocese of Salt Lake City, the bearers usually are members of a ministry associated with the oil; for example Extraordinary Ministers of the Holy Eucharist who visit the sick, or members of a Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults team.

To create the Sacred Chrism, the bishop will mix olive oil with the aromatic resin balsam, and then breathe over it. This symbolizes the life-giving nature of the sacraments at which the Chrism will be used, as well as the coming of the Holy Spirit, as when Jesus breathed on the apostles and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit. …” (Jn 20:22)

The priests present at the Chrism Mass also will extend their hands toward the silver urn containing the Chrism oil and silently recite the prayer of consecration along with the bishop.

The prayer of consecration is, “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.”

The Sacred Chrism is used in the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation and Holy Orders.

These sacraments have qualities “that change a person, so the bishop, acting in persona Christi, blesses the Chrism oil with the Holy Spirit,” Fr. Diaz said.

The balsam gives the oil a sweet fragrance that is meant to remind the recipients of the sacraments of the “odor of sanctity” for which they are to strive.

The Sacred Chrism is also used during the dedication of churches and the consecration of altars.

The oil of catechumens is used in the Sacrament of  and the oil of the sick is used in the Anointing of the Sick.  

The use of olive oil for sanctification and healing has Biblical roots. The Jews welcomed guests by anointing their head with oil, to consecrate holy items such as altars, and in the anointing of prophets and kings. In the Catholic Church, this practice continues today: During baptismal liturgy, the priest says, “We anoint you with the oil of salvation in the name of Christ our Savior; may He strengthen you with His power, who lives and reigns forever and ever.”

Following the Chrism Mass, the sacred oils will be distributed to representatives from the parishes in the diocese. The priests will use these oils during sacraments throughout the year.

All Catholics are welcome to join the bishop and the priests of the diocese at the Chrism Mass.

WHAT: Chrism Mass

WHEN: Thursday, March 22, 7 p.m.

WHERE: Cathedral of the Madeleine, 309 E. South Temple, SLC:

All are welcome.