Archbishop John Nienstedt prays during the blessing of the oil of catechumens and consecration of chrism near the end of the Chrism Mass at the Cathedral of St. Paul March 19.

Chrism is a fragranced oil that only a bishop can consecrate. It is used during baptisms, confirmations and the ordination of priests and bishops as well as during the dedication and consecration of churches and altars. The oil of catechumens is used for infant baptisms and in some of the preparatory rites for ­catechumens as they prepare for baptism and initiation into the Catholic Church.

Also blessed during the Mass is the oil of the sick, which is used in the sacrament of the anointing of the sick. Each parish in the archdiocese receive the holy oils to use in the coming year.

Heidi Ruiz of Sacred Heart in St. Paul, holds oil of the sick that she carried in a procession during the Chrism Mass. Next to her is Elio Bueno, also of ­Sacred Heart.

Father Robert Pish of the St. Paul Seminary School of Divinity joins with other priests in the Renewal of Commitment to Priestly Service during the Chrism Mass.

Photos by Dave Hrbacek / The Catholic Spirit