Q. 1. What is the purpose of Holy Oils containers?

A. 1. Every Catholic Church has a set of the three Sacramental Oils. These are kept in special containers that easily identifies each oil as to its purpose.

Every year, "A service of great solemnity and beauty takes place in every Cathedral church [at the chrism mass]. The Bishop blesses the oils which are to be used during the ensuing year in the administration of the Sacraments, as well as in various consecrations and blessings of persons and things."

"The ceremony of the Blessing of the Oils is full of significant symbolism. It requires the presence of a large number of the clergy, for the sacred oils are considered by the Church to be of such importance as to call for... an imposing ceremonial. Few inanimate things receive more ... honor than the oils which are to be used so often during the year in the imparting of God's grace through Sacraments and blessings."

"Each of us Catholics has received already some of the benefits given through these holy oils, namely, in the ceremonies of Baptism and in the conferring of the Sacrament of Confirmation; and we hope some day to obtain further graces through them in Extreme Unction [the Sacrament of the Sick]; and yet it may be that we know little about them. Moreover, few of us are able to be present when the solemn blessing of them takes place in a cathedral church."

"The priests of the various parishes,[after the chrism mass], obtain a sufficient quantity of the three Oils for the needs of their churches and people. In each parish church these consecrated Oils are kept with great care and reverence, being enclosed in suitable metallic bottles, which are preserved in an ambry or locked box (old English aumery," from the French " armoire," a safe or arms-chest), affixed to the wall of the sanctuary. The Oil of Catechumens is usually labeled O. C. or O. S. (" Oleum Catechumenorum" or "Oleum Sanctum"); the Chrism is distinguished by the letters S. C. (" Sanctum Chrisma"); and the Oil of the Sick (" Oleum Infirmorum") bears the initials O. I."

"The sacred chrism (myron), used in anointings as the sacramental sign of the seal of the gift of the Holy Spirit, is traditionally reserved and venerated in a secure place in the sanctuary. The oil of catechumens and the oil of the sick may also be placed there." Catechism of the Catholic Church, sec. 1183."

"The unused oils which may be left over from the preceding year are not to be used for any Sacrament or any liturgical purpose. They are poured into the sanctuary lamp, and are consumed as ordinary oil."

"This necessarily incomplete account of the beautiful ceremonies of [the Church involving the holy oils] will show us the value which the Church attaches to these Holy Oils. She requires for their consecration a wealth of ritual which testifies to her appreciation of their importance in her liturgy; and she offers them a degree of homage which should teach us how holy and how efficacious for our salvation is this lifeless substance which she, inspired by her Divine Founder, consecrates for the benefit of us, her children, that through its use in Sacrament and in blessing we may receive graces which we need for the saving of our souls."

[Source: http://www.awakentoprayer.org/holy_oils.htm]