The Chrism Mass is celebrated once a year in every diocese, during Holy Week, when the bishop blesses the oils used in the sacraments for the coming year and consecrates the sacred chrism, and his priests renew the promises they made at ordination. It is traditionally held on the morning of Holy Thursday, though many dioceses move it to another day near Easter so that more priests and faithful can attend. In 2027 Holy Thursday falls on March 25. Below is what happens at the Chrism Mass, the three holy oils and how they are used, and a prayer for priests.
What happens at the Chrism Mass
The Chrism Mass is one of the most striking expressions of the unity of a diocese: the bishop presides, surrounded by the priests of the diocese (his presbyterate), deacons, religious and lay faithful from many parishes.
- Renewal of priestly promises. After the homily, the bishop invites his priests to renew the promises they made at their ordination: to be more closely united to Christ, to celebrate the sacraments faithfully and to teach the faith. The people are asked to pray for their priests and for their bishop.
- Blessing of the oils. At the end of the Eucharistic Prayer or after the homily, according to local custom, the bishop blesses the oil of the sick and the oil of catechumens.
- Consecration of the chrism. The bishop mixes balsam or perfume into the olive oil and breathes over the vessel, a sign of the Holy Spirit, then says the prayer of consecration, with the priests extending their hands.
- Distribution. After Mass, the oils are taken back to the parishes, often to be formally received at the evening Mass of the Lord’s Supper on Holy Thursday.
The three holy oils
| Oil | Latin | Used for |
|---|---|---|
| Sacred chrism | Sanctum Chrisma | Baptism (after the pouring of water), Confirmation, the ordination of priests and bishops, and the dedication of churches and altars |
| Oil of catechumens | Oleum Catechumenorum | Anointing those preparing for Baptism, for strength in the struggle against evil |
| Oil of the sick | Oleum Infirmorum | The sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick |
The word chrism comes from the Greek chrisma, “anointing,” the same root as Christ, “the Anointed One.” Every Christian anointed with chrism shares in Christ’s mission as priest, prophet and king.
The anointing of the sick goes back to the apostolic Church:
Is any man sick among you? Let him bring in the priests of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord.
And the prayer of faith shall save the sick man: and the Lord shall raise him up: and if he be in sins, they shall be forgiven him.
See last rites and the Catholic baptism guide.
When is the Chrism Mass?
The Roman Missal places the Chrism Mass on the morning of Holy Thursday. Because priests in large dioceses also have to celebrate the evening Mass of the Lord’s Supper in their own parishes, the bishop may move it to an earlier day of Holy Week, often Tuesday or Wednesday, or even the week before. Check your diocese’s cathedral schedule; the Mass is open to everyone.
A prayer for priests at the Chrism Mass
Written for this page:
Lord Jesus, eternal High Priest, today your priests renew the promises of their ordination.
Keep them faithful, holy and joyful in your service.
Anoint them again with your Spirit, as the chrism anoints your people,
and make them shepherds after your own Heart. Amen.
More prayers are on the prayer for priests and prayer for vocations pages.
Frequently asked questions
Can anyone attend the Chrism Mass?
Yes. It is a public Mass, usually at the cathedral, and all the faithful are welcome.
What is chrism made of?
Olive oil (or another plant oil) mixed with balsam or another perfume, consecrated by the bishop.
Why are the priests there?
The Chrism Mass expresses the communion of the priests with their bishop. They concelebrate with him and renew their priestly promises on the day that recalls the institution of the priesthood at the Last Supper.
What happens to last year’s oils?
They are burned or buried reverently, and the new oils replace them in each parish.
More Holy Week pages
Texts and sources
- James 5:14–15 (Douay-Rheims).
- Roman Missal, Chrism Mass, and the rite of blessing of oils and consecrating the chrism (described, not quoted).