Chrism Mass

In our Diocese, Tuesday of Holy Week sees the celebration of the annual Chrism Mass, at which the priests renew their promises to serve faithfully, and at which the oils used sacramentally throughout the year in our parishes are blessed by our Bishop.
Olive Oil is blessed for a particular use, and becomes the Oil of the Sick, the Oil of Catechumens, and (with the addition of fragrant balsam (left), and breathed into by the Bishop (representing presence of the Holy Spirit)) the Sacred Chrism. The oils are then distributed to parish representatives, and will be brought forward during our Holy Thursday service and placed in our ambry.
The Sacred Chrism will be used this weekend during the confirmations celebrated at our Easter Vigil and 11:30am Easter Sunday mass.
(photo of Bishop Burbidge from the Diocese of Raleigh website)