Reverend Joseph E. Kurtz, D.D. Bishop | Archdiocese of Louisville

During Lent, preparations for the Archdiocese of Louisville's Chrism Mass are underway, akin to activities in an Italian restaurant, according to Dr. Karen Shadle, the director of the archdiocesan Office of Worship. Annually, staff procure 14 to 16 gallons of olive oil for this event, which occurs on Tuesday of Holy Week. This year, it is scheduled for April 15 at 7 p.m. at the Cathedral of the Assumption, and all parishioners are welcome.

Key parts of the Chrism Mass include the consecration of the sacred chrism and the blessing of the oil of the sick and the oil of catechumens. “If you go and buy 16 gallons of olive oil, people look at you a little weird,” Shadle remarked, humorously. "People always think we’re running an Italian restaurant or something."

All sacramental oils start as olive oil. Shadle explains, “It’s the same kind of olive oil that you’re cooking your spaghetti with.” She added that this oil, once simply a shelf item at Costco, will, through the archbishop's actions and the community's gathered presence, be transformed into an essential sacrament component.

The Chrism Mass produces three sacramental oils for use across the archdiocese in the coming year: the oil of the sick, oil of catechumens, and sacred chrism. Shadle noted that the oil of the sick is used in the sacrament of anointing the sick and is also distributed to hospital chaplains. The oil of catechumens anoints individuals preparing for baptism, strengthening them on their path. The oil of the sick and oil of catechumens remain olive oil with added blessings.

Conversely, the chrism is consecrated by the bishop. Primarily olive oil, it includes "two special ingredients," Shadle mentioned. Balsam resin and the archbishop's breath, symbolizing the Holy Spirit, are incorporated during the liturgy. This oil is vital for baptisms, confirmations, altar dedications, and priest and bishop ordinations. “That’s quite a journey for an olive,” Shadle commented, from oil pressing to its sacred use.

Preparation for the Mass begins around Christmas, intensifying weeks before the event, Shadle stated. Each parish receives the oils in glass bottles, with the Office of Worship filling about 350 of these. Other archdiocesan staff aided in labeling and pre-filling bottles this year on April 8. The pre-filled bottles are blessed and consecrated alongside the oil vessels in the Mass processions.

Post-Mass, pre-filled bottles are distributed immediately to parishes outside Jefferson County, while Jefferson County parishes receive theirs the next day. Some parishes engage in the optional Order for the Reception of the Holy Oils during the Holy Thursday Mass entrance procession, placing the oils in an ambry for safekeeping. Previous year's oils are disposed of reverently, either through burial or burning. Parishes may handle this task onsite or return oils to the Office of Worship for disposal, said Shadle. All parishioners in the Archdiocese of Louisville are encouraged to attend the Chrism Mass.