Anointing of the Sick

The Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick is based upon Jesus’ special concern for the sick and His instructions to the Apostles to carry on His healing presence. The primary focus of this Sacrament is a healing of spirit and ability to deal with the particular illness in a positive fashion, giving strength to a person to grow in holiness. It is this strengthening of spirit that is most important.  When Christ cured the sick, He emphasized this aspect most of all. The sick person is consecrated to be more like Christ, who bore our infirmities and healed our wounds.

If someone is seriously ill, please do not delay in making the call to the rectory.

Anyone who has a family member who is seriously ill is invited to notify the Rectory so that a priest may visit the ill family member and bring the Sacraments of the Eucharist, Reconciliation and the Anointing of the Sick to the ailing family member. These Sacraments are for the strengthening and consolation of the ill person and, sometimes, the healing of the physical illness as well as the healing of the spirit of the person.

On World Sick Day February 11, most every Catholic Church in every Diocese around the world celebrates a mass with Anointing during the mass

When should a person receive the anointing of the sick?

The Church invites those who have a serious illness to present themselves for the Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick. Those who are elderly and are in danger of injury or sickness which compromises their health are also invited. However, the Sacrament need not be repeated for the same illness, unless that illness becomes much worse.