Catholics in Memphis, Tennessee, will have the opportunity to celebrate a special Chrism Mass at 7 p.m. April 12 at the Cathedral of Immaculate Conception.

“During the Chrism Mass, the Bishop, recalling the Institution of the Ministerial Priesthood at the Last Supper commemorating Holy Thursday, invites the Priests of the Diocese, whether Diocesan, Religious or External, to renew the Priestly promises they made at their Ordination,” the Diocese of Memphis posted on social media. 

“After the Priests renew their promises, the Bishop turns to us, the lay faithful, and says: ‘Pray for your Priests, that the Lord may pour out his gifts abundantly upon them, and keep them faithful as ministers of Christ, the High Priest, so that they may lead you to him, who is the source of salvation,’” the posting said.

At the Chrism Mass, traditionally celebrated during Holy Week, the priest consecrates three different oils: the Oil of the Sick, the Oil of the Catechumens, and the Chrism, the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) says. 

Each oil has a special purpose, Simply Catholic explains. 

The Oil of the Sick is used during the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick, wherein a priest lays hands on a sick or elderly person, prays for him and anoints him with oil on his head and hands. 

The Oil of the Catechumens is used to anoint children and adults before they are baptized. 

Chrism oil is used to consecrate someone to God, such as during the Sacrament of Confirmation. 

Bishops celebrate a Chrism Mass once a year, during which they consecrate enough of each of the three oils for every church in their diocese to use for the year. 

Holy Week is the week before Easter, Britannica says. This year, it starts April 10. During Holy Week, Catholics commemorate Judas' betrayal of Jesus, the institution of the Eucharist, Jesus' Passion and crucifixion, his burial, and his Resurrection. 

“What better way to pray for our Priests than by joining them at the celebration of the Chrism Mass to show our support and share our prayers for those who serve us each and every day,” the diocese said. “Why not gather a group from your Parish to journey with your Priest(s) to the Chrism Mass and pray for them in person at the Mass. God bless our Priests!”