ANOINTING OF THE SICK

Jesus showed compassion toward the sick and suffering. The sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick extends God’s grace of spiritual strength, peace, and courage to overcome the difficulties that go with facing a serious health challenge or advanced age.

When to ask for the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick?

If you know you will be hospitalized for a planned surgery you should contact the parish before you enter the hospital to arrange a time celebrate the sacrament. Oftentimes the anointing can be celebrated after Mass by notifying a parish staff member.

For unplanned hospitalizations, you, a family member, or hospital staff should contact the parish office as soon as possible – even if you do not anticipate the need for anointing. Our parish staff can help support you and your loved ones during this illness. Should a sudden crisis develop, hospital pastoral care staff can help contact the parish.

Who is this Sacrament for?

Suffering and illness affect us in body and spirit. If one member suffers in the Body of Christ, which is the Church, all the members suffer with that member. In times of frailty, sickness, treatment, or surgeries the parish family assures the infirmed of our care and support through our prayer, personal visits and the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick.

The Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick is for all who face a serious illness or surgery or who are impaired by old age. It is distinct from the “Last Rites,” or Viaticum, in which the Church offers Holy Communion as food for the journey to life eternal. One may celebrate the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick many times if needed for strength and healing in mind, body and spirit. In this sacrament of anointing, Christ strengthens our faith and bestows God’s grace in a time of anxiety and pain.

“Father in heaven, though this holy anointing grant her comfort in her suffering. When she is afraid, give her courage, when afflicted, give her patience, when dejected, afford her hope, and when alone, assure her of the support of your holy people.  We ask this through Christ our Lord.”  From the Rite of Anointing of the Sick