A Feb. 22 Hawaii Catholic Herald story about Chrism Masses contained some old, and no longer accurate, information on the uses of the church’s holy oils.
Bishop Larry Silva pointed out the errors in an e-mail message to the editor.
The Herald story said that the Oil of Catechumens, in addition to being used in baptism, is also used in “the blessing of altars, the consecration of churches, and the ordination of priests.”
That is incorrect, the bishop wrote. Oil of Catechumens is only used “to anoint children before Baptism (during the Rite of Baptism), and adults during the RCIA process (could be several times) in preparation for their Baptism.”
The Herald also listed outdated uses for Chrism. It is no longer used “in the blessing of tower bells and baptismal water” or the “consecration of … chalices and patens.”
The Herald had used a 1980 Catholic reference book for its information.
The paper got the use for the Oil of the Sick right. It is used for the anointing of the sick.