Anointing

[passerby]

Hi!

I have a question regarding chrism and holy oils. Can a priest use them to anoint anyone or just people who are receiving the Sacrament of the Sick? If anyone can be anointed, what would be the reason for the priest to anoint them and the significance/symbolism (i.e. healing, blessing, etc)

For the oils and chrism consecrated at the Chrism Mass, do they have to be "used up" during the year?

Thank you in advance,
J

[CatherineM]

There are three kinds of Holy Oil. They are the Oil of the Catechumens, Holy Chrism, and the Oil of the Sick. Traditionally the Oil of the Sick is blessed before the end of the Eucharistic Prayer, and the other two after communion. Sometimes for expediency they will all be blessed after the Liturgy of the Word.

Chrism is a blend of olive oil and balsam. It is used to anoint at baptism, confirmation, and ordinations. It can also be used to bless things like altars, bells, churches, sacred vessels, and baptismal water. It is marked on its container with SC

Oil of Catechumens is usually olive oil, but can be vegetable oil. It is used to anoint catechumens during initiation. It is also used in the coronation of Catholic monarchs and to anoint the hands of priests at their ordinations. Its container is labeled OC.

Oil of the sick is also usually olive oil but vegetable oil can be used if necessary. It is used for the anointing of the sick. Its container is labeled OS.

Stock of the oil is to be kept locked up, except the priest can carry Oil of the Sick around for obvious reasons. It is renewed each year.