An Ambry for St. Anthony of Padua Church

Dear Members of St. Anthony of Padua Parish,

With the recent move of the Tabernacle to the center of the sanctuary in the church, we have renovated an old tabernacle to serve as an ambry in the church.

An ambry is a box for the three holy oils that are used for various sacraments. These oils are blessed once a year by the bishop of the diocese at what is called the Chrism Mass during Holy Week, and then distributed to all the parishes in his diocese.

The first oil blessed is the Oil of Catechumens, which is used to anoint those to be baptized into the Catholic faith. Its container is marked with the abbreviation O.C.

The second oil is the Sacred Chrism, used at Baptism, Confirmation and Holy Orders, as well as during the consecration of an altar or church. Its container is marked with the abbreviation S.C.

The last oil is the Oil of the Infirm and is used by priests for the Anointing of the Sick. Its container is marked with the abbreviation O.I.