Sacrament of Anointing

At times of sickness and declining health, the Church offers the beautiful sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick to her members. Post-Vatican II theology stresses strongly that this sacrament is a sacrament of the living, i.e. it should never be delayed until death is possibly imminent as was the common practice for many centuries.

Who may be sacramentally anointed? Church law is very specific so that this sacrament is celebrated appropriately and not indiscriminately. The following may request to be anointed:

*Those suffering from a serious illness (either physical or emotional)
*Those who are elderly and have become notably weakened due to their age
*Those hospitalized due to illness or upcoming surgery (especially if the operation requires general anesthesia)

For those who wish to be anointed at the 4:30 p.m. Mass on Saturday, July 31, please arrive by 4:15 p.m. and get a nametag in the Gathering Space. There will also be special seating for those to be anointed so that the priests can easily be in contact with those to be anointed.

The Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick is a sign of the Lord’s care and the Church’s concern for her sick or weakened members. It reaffirms the human dignity of all people and is not only a sign of life in the Church but also the continuation of the healing ministry of Jesus Christ Himself.

We will celebrate the Anointing of the Sick communally at the 4:30 p.m. Mass whenever there is a fifth Saturday. We can also celebrate the sacrament during any weekday Mass when requested and can also celebrate it anytime upon request outside of Mass including in home, hospitals, and other health care or retirement facilities.  To arrange for yourself or your loved ones to receive the Sacrament of Anointing, please contact the parish office at 777-4322.