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St. Joseph Catholic Church

1875 S C R 700 W
North Vernon, IN 47265

Rev. Jonathan P. Meyer, Administrator

Office Hours:

Monday Office closed
Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday 8:30 AM till 12:30 PM

St. Joseph Rectory Phone: 812-346-4783
Fax: 812-352-9033

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What is an Ambry?

An Ambry is the receptacle for the Holy Oils. The three holy oils are as follows: The Oil of Chrism-is used to anoint babies’ heads after Baptism, foreheads at Confirmations, priest’s hands at Ordinations, bishop’s heads at Ordinations, and the walls of churches and altars at their dedications; it is an oil with a sweet perfume mixed into it. The Oil of the Infirmed- is the oil used for the sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick. During this sacrament a person’s forehead and the palms of his or her hands are anointed. The Oil of the Catechumen- This oil is used to anoint children and adults prior to their baptism and may also be used during exorcisms. The Holy Oils are blessed at the Chrism Mass during Holy Week. The Bishop is the one who blesses the oils. Each year new oils are blessed. The oils from the previous year that are not used, that are left over, are to be burnt in the Easter fire at the Easter Vigil or discarded in a worthy manner. The Ambry is the receptacle for the Holy Oils. It is to be visible to the people and be close to the baptismal font. At St. Ann there is an Ambry built into the top of their baptismal font, at St. Joseph a parishioner has constructed a new Ambry (the same parishioner who designed and constructed the 14 Stations of the Cross), and at St. Mary’s the original Ambry that was previously housed in the sacristy has been moved into the body of the church so it is in proper relationship with the baptismal font. Happy Octave of Easter! This weekend ends the GREAT Easter Octave. The 8 days of Easter ends with the Feast of Divine Mercy. This feast is a great blessing to our church. It celebrates the mercy and compassion of God. I hope you will be able to join us for the hour of Mercy this Sunday at 3PM in St. Mary’s Church. It will be a lovely celebration!