Anointing

Anointing of the Sick is a sacrament of healing. The emphasis has changed significantly since the Second Vatican Council from an anointing for the dying person to help prepare them for heaven, to an anointing of grace so that the sick person may follow the example of Christ and so persevere as Christ persevered. Now, as soon as one begins to be in danger of death due to old age or illness, or are struggling, spiritually and physically with their illness, they are candidates for anointing. “If a sick person who received this anointing recovers his health, he can in the case of another grave illness receive this sacrament again. If during the same illness the person’s condition becomes more serious, the sacrament may be repeated. It is fitting to receive the Anointing of the Sick just prior to a serious operation. The same holds for the elderly whose frailty becomes more pronounced” (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1515).

“Is anyone sick among you? Let them send for the priests of the Church and the priests will pray over them, anointing them with oil in the name of the Lord and the prayer of faith will save the sick person and if they are in sin, they will be forgiven.”
James 5:14 -15

In the Spring and Fall of each year, the Parish offers the Sacrament of the Anointing during a Sunday Mass.

Persons with a serious illness or anticipating serious surgery should contact the Parish Office at 937-434-6081.