The oil of the sick is used for the sacrament of the anointing of the sick. The priest lays hands on the sick person, says special prayers, and anoints the person by placing oil in the form of a cross on the forehead and hands. Through this sacrament, God gives the sick person grace and strength. Prior to baptism, adults and infants are anointed with the oil of the catechumens. For adults, this anointing often takes place during an initiation ceremony at the beginning of the Order of Christian Initiation for Adults. During Mass, the priest or deacon anoints the catechumens, then prays that God will instill them with wisdom for discernment and with the strength necessary to avoid evil during their inquiry into the Catholic faith and their preparation for a life with Christ. In a similar way, an infant is anointed just before receiving the waters of baptism. Holy chrism oil signifies the gift of the Holy Spirit and is used to consecrate someone or something to God’s service. It is used for the ordination of a priest, the consecration of a bishop, and during confirmation, and it is also part of the baptismal rite. Holy chrism oil is also used in the consecration of a church and the blessing of an altar and the vessels used at Mass.
What about the oils that many Catholics have around their homes and that are often associated with saints? While the use of holy oils made at the Chrism Mass is reserved for clergy, laypeople are encouraged to use other blessed oils that are called sacramentals. These oils are blessed by a priest or deacon or may be touched to a first-class relic (the physical remains) of a saint. They are used when praying for protection from harm or for healing.