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The Chrism Mass takes place on Holy Thursday or some other day of Holy Week (the week before Easter), and all the priests of the diocese are asked to be present if possible. At this Mass, the bishop formally blesses olive oil in enormous multi-gallon containers to be distributed to all the parishes and priests throughout the diocese. Three oils are blessed at this annual Mass:

 The Oil of Catechumens (Oleum Catechumenorum) is used to bless people prior to their Baptism and during enrollment as catechumen, students of the faith preparing for Baptism.

 The Oil of the Sick (Oleum Infirmorum) is appropriate when administering the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick, formerly known as Extreme Unction.

 Chrism Oil (Sacrum Chrisma), also called Sacred Chrism, is for newly baptized persons, and the bishop also uses Chrism Oil when administering the Sacraments of Confirmation or Holy Orders and to consecrate altars, churches, chalices, and so on. Balsam is added to olive oil to make it more fragrant.