The Order of Blessing The Oil of Catechumens and of the Sick and of Consecrating the Chrism

The Order of Blessing the Oil of Catechumens and of the Sick and of Consecrating the Chrism implores God’s blessing on the oils to be used for the sacramental blessings of the Church. The ritual is for use at the Chrism Mass, where the bishop consecrates the sacred “Chrism of salvation” and blesses the holy oils for use at Baptism, Confirmation, and during the Anointing of the Sick. (In certain circumstances, the prayers from this ritual may also be used by priests to bless oils for catechumens and for the sick, though in those situations, priests may certainly continue to use the existing translations found in the appropriate books.)

This ritual book includes optional chant forms of the blessing prayers. The book will be necessary for the diocesan celebration of the Chrism Mass. It will also be useful for diocesan liturgy offices, for seminaries and theological libraries, and for those who are interested in this important moment in the liturgical life of the Catholic Church.

The Order of Blessing of Oils has an updated English translation that the Holy See approved with its confirmatio in 2017. Beginning on Ash Wednesday, March 6, 2019, this text becomes the required English translation for use in the United States.

CONTENTS:

Decree of the Sacred Congregation for Divine Worship

Decree of Confirmation

USCCB Decree of Publication

Introduction

I. The Matter

II. The Minister

III. The Day of the Blessing

IV. The Place of the Blessing in the Liturgical Action

The Blessing of the Oils and the Consecration of the Chrism Preparations

Rite of Blessing

Blessing of the Oil of the Sick

Blessing of the Oil of Catechumens

Consecration of the Chrism

Appendix: Texts with Music for the Blessing of the Oils and the Consecration of the Chrism

Blessing of the Oil of the Sick

Blessing of the Oil of Catechumens

Consecration of the Chrism