U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops Publishes Revised
Translation of the Rite for Blessing the Holy Oils

March 11, 2019

WASHINGTON—The publishing division of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops has recently made available a revised translation of the rite for blessing the holy oils, entitled the Order of Blessing the Oil of Catechumens and of the Sick and of Consecrating the Chrism.

The book is used at the Chrism Mass, which is one of the highlights of the year in a diocese, normally held on Holy Thursday morning or on an earlier day of Holy Week. At that Mass the bishop, surrounded by a great number of clergy, religious, and faithful, blesses new holy oils for the coming year. The oils will be used for various ceremonies, such as for the preparation and celebration of baptism and for the celebration of the sacraments of confirmation, holy orders, and the anointing of the sick. They are used in some of the most majestic Catholic ceremonies, such as the dedication of a new church, and also in some of the simplest, like an anointing in a hospital room.

“USCCB Publications has produced an attractive book that is worthy of a ceremony as important as the Chrism Mass. The use of the holy oils is a striking part of the Church’s prayer in various moments of a person’s life and in important moments in the life of a parish,” explains Father Andrew Menke, executive director of the USCCB’s Secretariat of Divine Worship. “All of these ceremonies throughout the diocese are linked together through those oils blessed by the bishop.”

The Order of Blessing the Oil of Catechumens and of the Sick and of Consecrating the Chrism is intended primarily for bishops in the United States and for their diocesan worship offices, but will also be a useful reference for seminaries, theological libraries, and for those interested in the Roman liturgy. It may be ordered online at http://store.usccb.org/order-of-blessing-the-oil-p/7-624.htm. Please also click on the following link for a cover image of the revised translation:
http://www.usccb.org/about/marketing/products/images/usccb-7-624-blessing-oils-cover.jpg

Additional books and resources pertaining to marriage and family life, the Catechism of the Catholic Church, the Vatican, ministry and more can be found by visiting the USCCB’s online bookstore at https://store.usccb.org.

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Keywords: United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, USCCB, Order of Blessing the Oil of Catechumens and of the Sick and of Consecrating the Chrism, Chrism Mass, Holy Thursday, Holy Week, holy oils, anointing of the sick, Catholic ceremonies, Father Andrew Menke, Secretariat of Divine Worship

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Media Contact:

Judy Keane

202-541-3200