Oil of the Sick (OI, Latin for oleum infirmorum): This oil is used for any general anointing of a sick person, as well as during a public healing rite.
Oil of the Catechumens (OC or sometimes OS, oleum catechumenorum or oleum sanctum): This oil is probably used less commonly, but it is traditionally associated with the anointing of a baptismal candidate, and it occurs within the baptismal rite itself, at the Presentation and Examination of the Candidates and before the actual water bath. Its origins can be traced back to anointing while saying a prayer of exorcism immediately before the baptism with water.
Oil of Chrism (SC, sacrum chrisma or sanctum chrisma): This oil must always be blessed by a bishop. Often, this is done at a Chrism Mass during Holy Week, or a similar service that includes a renewal of ordination vows for diocesan clergy gathered together. This oil is used to anoint the newly baptized.
Location: GLASS Category: GLA012