In the Gospels, Jesus visits the sick and heals them and He instructs His followers to do the same. In the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick, the Church heeds the call in the from the Letter of St. James to "pray over the sick, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord."
This Sacrament grants a source of peace in the midst of suffering. Through the Anointing of the Sick, a person's illness becomes consecrated (that is, "set aside") for God and His purposes. Of course, a core part of the prayer is asking for healing. But even if God does not grant healing, the person is strengthened by knowing that their illness has been given totally to God and that "all things work for good for those who love Him."
Persons afflicted with physical, mental, or emotional sickness such as cancer, diabetes, alcoholism, chronic heart/lung disease, arthritis, depression, anxiety, and/or persons who find themselves in a weakened condition due to age or illness are invited to receive this Sacrament. The sacrament also is a powerful prayer for physical and spiritual healing. Times of communal celebration will be posted in the bulletin.
Contrary to popular belief, you do not have to be in danger of death to receive the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick. The three conditions to receive the Sacrament are that the person 1) must be a baptized Catholic; 2) have reached the age of reason (be at least seven years old); 3) be in danger from an illness or have an illness which has gotten worse.
Please notify the rectory when a parishioner is about to be hospitalized, is hospitalized, or is confined at home due to sickness, infirmity, or age.
Communion Calls
A parish priest or deacon will visit and bring Holy Communion to shut-ins on a regular basis each month. Eucharistic Ministers are available on Sundays to bring Communion to the homes of those who are sick or infirmed. Please contact the rectory.
Hospital Stays
If you are planning to enter the hospital for a serious operation and wish to receive the Sacrament of the Sick, please call the rectory. A priest will anoint you with this healing sacrament.
Please let the hospital staff know that you are a Catholic and wish the Chaplain/ Eucharistic Minister to bring you Communion. Also, let us know of your illness so we can visit and pray with you.
If you or someone you know needs Anointing of the Sick please contact the parish office at 610-692-2990.