Sacrament of Healing
“Are any among you sick? They should call for the elders of the church and have them pray over them, anointing them with oil in the name of the Lord.”
James 5:14
What is the Anointing of the Sick?
The Anointing of the Sick is the sacrament by which the Church commends those who are seriously ill to the suffering and glorified Lord, asking that he may lighten their suffering and save them. Through the anointing with the Oil of the Sick and the prayer of the priest, the whole Church entrusts the sick to Christ, who suffered and was raised to new life.
This sacrament is not only for those who are at the point of death. It is appropriate for anyone whose health is seriously impaired by illness or old age. It may be received more than once, and indeed should be repeated if the sick person recovers and falls ill again, or if during the same illness their condition becomes more serious.
The Effects of the Anointing
The Anointing of the Sick confers a particular grace upon the Christian who is experiencing the difficulties of a grave illness or the frailty of old age. This grace brings comfort, peace, and courage to endure suffering in a Christian manner. It unites the sick person more closely to the Passion of Christ, for their own good and for the good of the whole Church. It brings the forgiveness of sins if the sick person was unable to receive the sacrament of Reconciliation, and it may restore health if this is conducive to the salvation of the soul.
Who Can Receive This Sacrament?
Any member of the faithful who begins to be in danger from illness or old age may receive this sacrament. It is not necessary to wait until someone is at the point of death. Those about to undergo surgery for a serious illness, elderly persons who are weakened even if no serious illness is present, and children who are old enough to be comforted by it, may all be anointed.
Requesting the Anointing of the Sick
If you or a loved one would like to receive this sacrament, please do not hesitate to contact the parish. A priest can visit the sick at home, in hospital, or in a care home. In cases of emergency, please call the parish at any time.