Anointing of the Sick

Anointing of the Sick

The proper time for receiving this holy anointing has certainly arrived when the believer begins to be in danger of death because of illness or old age. Each time a Christian falls seriously ill, they may receive the Anointing of the Sick.

The special grace of the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick has as its effects: the uniting of the sick person to the passion of Christ, for his own good and that of the whole Church; the strengthening, peace, and courage to endure in a Christian manner, the sufferings of illness or old age; the forgiveness of sins if the sick person was not able to obtain it through the Sacrament of Reconciliation; the restoration of health, if it is conducive to the salvation of their soul; and the preparation of passing over to eternal life.

The celebration of the Anointing of the Sick consists essentially in the anointing of the forehead and hands of the sick person (in the Roman Rite) or of other parts of the body (in the Eastern rite), the anointing being accompanied by the liturgical prayer of the celebrant asking for the special grace of this sacrament.

Pastoral Care of our sick parishioner is very important to our parish community. Arrangements for Communion and Anointing of the Sick at home, hospital, or nursing facility may be arranged by calling the parish office at 561-582-4736.