Anointing of the Sick
“Is anyone among you sick? He should summon the priests of the church, and they should pray over him and anoint [him] with oil in the name of the lord, and the prayer of faith will save the sick person, and the Lord will raise him up. If he has committed any sins, he will be forgiven.”
Suffering and illness affect us in body and spirit. If one member suffers in the Body of Christ, which is the Church, all the members suffer with that member. In times of frailty, sickness, treatment, or surgeries the parish family assures the infirmed of our care and support through our prayer, personal visits and the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick.
The Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick is for all who face a serious illness or surgery or who are impaired by old age. It is distinct from the “Last Rites,” or Viaticum, in which the Church offers Holy Communion as food for the journey to life eternal. One may celebrate the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick many times if needed for strength and healing in mind, body and spirit. In this sacrament of anointing, Christ strengthens our faith and bestows God’s grace in a time of anxiety and pain.
When to ask for the Sacrament?
If you know you will be hospitalized for a planned surgery you should contact the parish before you enter the hospital to arrange a time celebrate the sacrament. Oftentimes the anointing can be celebrated after Mass by notifying a parish staff member.
For unplanned hospitalizations, you, a family member, or hospital staff should contact the parish office as soon as possible – even if you do not anticipate the need for anointing. Our parish staff can help support you and your loved ones during this illness. Should a sudden crisis develop, hospital pastoral care staff can help contact the parish.
Call the Parish Office at 309-243-7811 any time of day or night.