The sacrament of Anointing of the Sick

 

The Anointing of the Sick is for the healing and spiritual strengthening of those who are impaired by sickness or old age. A person who is to undergo surgery may also be anointed. This sacrament is for the sick and not just for the dying, so please request the sacrament when illness is discovered. The presence of loved ones and friends who pray along with the priest is important at the anointing. This sacrament will be celebrated at any time upon request. 

Uniting of the sick person to the passion of Christ, giving them the strength, peace, and courage to endure in a Christian manner through the sufferings of illness or old age.

 Holy Mass and Anointing of the Sick

Twice each year we celebrate the Sacrament of the Sick at St. Joseph Parish, within a Eucharistic celebration. The Sacrament of the Sick will be administered to all who are suffering from an ailment or undergoing medical treatments, as well as the frail and elderly. At this Mass we make every effort to reach out to the shut-ins in our community who are ambulatory and transport them to this special service. Anyone in need of transportation to the Mass should call the Parish Office at 447-2354.

 

Following the Mass a light lunch will be offered to the participants. We need many volunteers to make this happen. Signups will be taken after all Masses on a Sunday just before the scheduled dates. Help is needed in the following areas: set-up, clean-up, escort/greeters, and drivers. Please bring family members and friends to celebrate this liturgy. Those involved in providing health care are also invited for this special morning.

 

“Remain faithful to what you have learned and believed.”

  

Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick who are seriously Ill

The sacrament of Anointing of the Sick is given to those who are seriously ill by anointing them on the forehead and hands with duly blessed oil—pressed from olives or from other plants—saying, only once: “Through this holy anointing may the Lord in his love and mercy help you with the grace of the Holy Spirit. May the Lord who frees you from sin save you and raise you up.” (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1513)

 

Anointing of the Sick includes (CCC 1519):

•  The laying on of hands by the priest.
•  Prayer over the person “in the faith of the Church.”
•  Anointing with oil blessed by the bishop.

 

This sacrament has a powerful effect upon the sick person (CCC1520-21)

•  Strengthening, peace and courage to overcome the difficulties that go with the condition of serious illness or the frailty of old age”
• “Healing of the soul, but also of the body if such is God’s will.
• Forgiveness of sin.
• “Union with the passion of Christ.”  One’s suffering becomes “a participation in the saving work of Jesus.”
• Allows the sick person, by their suffering, to “contribute to the good of the People of God,” building up the holiness of the Church and all people.
• “A preparation for the final journey.”

 

Why Should You be Anointed Before Going to the Hospital?

While patients and hospital staff can, very fortunately, call for the sacramental and pastoral services of a Catholic priest while in the hospital, a new fact of hospital life today is that patients are often very swiftly in and out of treatment.  It is possible that the priest will not be able to see you as soon as you wish.

  

Therefore, it is better for you to talk to a priest here in our parish before you go to the hospital and receive those sacraments that are available for those facing surgery, serious illness, or old age: Penance, the Anointing of the Sick, and the Eucharist. In addition, the priests as well as the members of our parish who are involved in our hospital care-giving ministry and home visitation will know about your illness and will be able to visit and support you through your recovery. Many people tend to deny that they are sick and in need of prayers.  This is a very human response.   

However, it keeps sufferers from receiving what they need and deserve – and what the Church is ready to offer. There is a special communion rite, called Viaticum, and special prayers reserved for people close to death, but the other rites of pastoral care for the sick are intended for those who are seriously ill, facing surgery, or struggling with the frailties of old age. Finally, your attitude during sickness or suffering will be helped by your stronger identification with Christ.  

Sickness is not a total disaster.  If we turn to God with our complaints and fears, letting God answer us in God’s own way, and if we cooperate with those who can help us, then any sickness can end in God’s glory and prepare us for greater happiness.