Sixth Sunday after Pentecost

Baltimore track

Baltimore Catechism No. 3

Lesson 15 — On Confirmation

Q. 682.What constitutes the difference between these oils?

A.The form of prayer or blessing alone constitutes the difference between these oils; for they are all olive oil, but in the Holy Chrism, balm is mixed with the oil.

Q. 683.When and by whom are the holy oils blessed?

A.The holy oils are blessed at the Mass on Holy Thursday by the bishop, who alone has the right to bless them. After the blessing they are distributed to the priests of the diocese, who must then burn what remains of the old oils and use the newly blessed oils for the coming year.

Q. 684.For what are the holy oils used?

A.The holy oils are used as follows: The oil of the sick is used for Extreme Unction and for some blessings; the oil of catechumens is used for Baptism and Holy Orders. Holy Chrism is used at Baptism and for the blessing of some sacred things, such as altars, chalices, church-bells, &c., which are usually blessed by a bishop. {T.N.: The above answer omits that Holy Chrism is used also at Confirmation. See Q. 677.}

Q. 685.What does the bishop say in anointing the person he confirms?

A.In anointing the person he confirms the bishop says: "I sign thee with the sign of the cross, and I confirm thee with the chrism of salvation, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost."