What is the Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick?
Anointing of the Sick is that sacrament by which sick persons, through anointing with oil and the prayer of the priest, receive grace for the salvation of their souls and possible bodily healing.
Who can receive it?
Anyone who is sick in mind or body through illness or age may receive the Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick. Anointing with the Oil of the Sick is important because it strengthens our souls and bodies during illness and at the approach of death, to die in a state of grace. God’s healing and loving presence are called upon that the sick person might be raised up and restored to health. The strengthening is a crucial help because the condition of our souls at death completes our earthly pilgrimage and fixes our state for eternity.
Scripture describes Jesus as the physician of our souls and bodies. He also promised that his disciples would lay hands on the sick, who would recover. The Letter of James bears witness to the fact that the first priests of the Church anointed the sick.
The effects of Anointing are the strengthening of the sick person, the remission of sins (even when the person is incapable of confessing their sins) and possibly also bodily healing.
When is it performed?
Anointing is given when a person is seriously ill or in danger of death. Anointing should not be delayed until the point of death, however, and if the person subsequently recovers and relapses later, he or she can receive the sacrament again.
How can I arrange to receive this Sacrament?
If someone in your family is ill and would like to receive this Sacrament please call the Parish Office or contact Fr Frank. Full contact details are available on the Contact page.
