Why celebrate this Sacrament?
Throughout our lives, and especially as we grow older, we may experience periods of poor health. When these moments are marked with a greater seriousness, the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick can offer both spiritual and physical healing.
In the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick, we encounter Jesus who heals and consoles us by offering us the presence of the Holy Spirit to strengthen us in body, mind and spirit during our time of illness. Our trust and faith in God are renewed and our suffering is united to Jesus’ suffering on the cross.
Who should receive this Sacrament?
The Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick is for:
- the elderly whose frailty is becoming more pronounced;
- adults and children who are suffering from a major illness, are facing major surgery, or have suffered a serious accident; and,
- those who suffer from chronic illness or who suffer from a serious mental illness.
When is this Sacrament celebrated?
When possible, the Anointing of the Sick is celebrated in the presence of family and friends.
The Anointing of the Sick may be celebrated more than once, usually at the beginning of the illness and when the illness intensifies. If the illness has persisted for a long time, do not wait until the final moments before death to contact the parish priest.
A request for the Anointing of the Sick can be made at any time by calling the Parish Office.