How to Pour Anointing Oil
Anointing oil, called chrism in the Catholic church, is a fragrant oil blended with olives and balsam and has received appropriate blessings. Anointing oil is poured in the course of some sacramental and ecclesiastical ceremonies. Many Christian denominations use anointing oil.
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Instructions
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Pouring Anointing Oil
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Make certain that the anointing oil meets standards for validity. In order for anointing oil to be used in Catholic sacramental ceremonies, such as the Sacrament of Confirmation, the oil has to be made properly. According to New Advent, anointing oil must be made from pure olives and must be blessed by a bishop. The oil should also contain balsam. When used in Confirmation, anointing oil must not be the same oil as used in other ceremonies.
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Pour chrism to administer baptismal and confirmation rites, and the rite of Holy Orders. New Advent describes the ways in which anointing oil is used in Catholic sacraments. A Catholic priest pours oil on the head of an infant-or an adult newly entering the Catholic church-during baptism. When an individual is confirmed into the Catholic church, a bishop applies chrism to the person's forehead in the sign of the Cross. During his consecration, a bishop receives chrism on his head and hands. When a priest is ordained, a bishop applies anointing oil to the priest's hands.
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Apply anointing oil to consecrated buildings and objects. According to New Advent, Catholic bishops apply anointing oil when they consecrate churches, including the walls, altar stones, baptismal water and all containers that contact the Sacred Species (the bread and the wine).
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Tips & Warnings
The non-Catholic website, Abba Anointing Oil, suggests applying anointing oil before activities such as Bible study and worship, or to pour oil on someone who is ill or suffering from anxiety.
