CATHEDRAL MARY OUR QUEEN PARISH & SCHOOL 2013 YEARBOOK

Oilers
One of the most intriguing ministries of our
parish is that of the Chrism Mass “Oilers.” Since
1984, this faithful group of volunteers has worked
Oils blessed at the Chrism Mass.
behind the scenes before, during, and after the
Chrism Mass to make sure that every parish,
chaplaincy, and religious community in the
Archdiocese of Baltimore receives its stocks of oils
for the coming year.
On the Monday evening of Holy Week, the
Chrism Mass Oilers assemble in the Undercroft. As
the hundreds of priests and visitors arrive for Mass,
they deposit their empty stocks (oil containers) with
the Oilers. During Chrism Mass, the Archbishop
blesses the Oil of the Sick, used to anoint the sick,
and the Oil of the Catechumens, used for anointing
at baptism before the water is poured. He also
consecrates the Oil of Chrism scented with balsam,
used for anointing at baptism after the water is
poured, at confirmation, at ordination, and in rites
pertaining to the dedication of churches and altars.
Once the Archbishop has blessed and
consecrated the oils, the Oilers whirl into
action. They have about one hour to fill the stocks,
keeping each oil separate from the others. After
Mass, the pastors, chaplains, and representatives of
religious communities pick up their newly filled
stocks from the Undercroft.
“Oilers” work diligently to fill the stocks for the upcoming year.
Serving their 30 th Chrism Mass this
past March 25 th were original Oilers Betty
Cox, Ann Hogg, and Claire Smith.
They hark back to a time when only twelve
Oilers were needed for the minimally
attended liturgy. Veterans Roxane
Chambers, Gail Fennessey, Carole
Hays, and Louise Macsherry joined
them a few years later when the ministry
expanded to accommodate the soaring
Chrism Mass attendance. This year, 34
adult Oilers and 12 confirmation
candidates donned aprons and skid-free
soled shoes to fill the stocks for
approximately 175 parishes and religious
organizations, using 7 ⅛ gallons of Oil of
the Sick, 6 ½ gallons of Oil of
Catechumens, and 6 ¼ gallons of Oil of
Chrism to complete their task.
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Cathedral of Mary Our Queen | 2013 Yearbook