Anointing of the Sick
In order to assist the sick in their need, Jesus established the Anointing of the Sick as one of the seven sacraments of His Church. The Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick is offered to all persons who are facing a serious illness or medical condition.
The Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick is offered to all persons who are facing a serious illness or medical condition.
In the scriptures, oil is a symbol of vitality, and its use in this sacrament represents the strengthening we pray the sick person will receive from God. In addition to healing, the sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick also accomplishes the forgiveness of sin.
Thus only a priest may perform it.
This sacrament should be requested as soon as a Catholic is aware of any serious illness or upcoming surgery. It is a sacrament of healing – in fact it is the Church’s most powerful prayer for strengthening of body, mind, and spirit.
Just as you would not wait to give medicine to a sick person, neither should the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick be withheld. The day a diagnosis is made is the very day that the sacrament should be requested, so that through it the grace of Christ might come flooding forth upon the sick person.
The Sacrament of Anointing is available any time by appointment. Please contact Father Stephen.
