Anointing of the Sick

"Is anyone among you sick? They should summon the presbyters of the church, to pray over them and anoint them with oil in the name of the Lord, and the prayer of faith will save the sick person and the Lord will raise them up. If they have committed any sins, they will be forgiven."

(James 5:14-15)

Visits to the Sick

We are most anxious to minister to all members of our parish family who are not able to join us for the celebration of the sacraments of the Church because they are hospitalized, home-bound, confined to a nursing home, other skilled nursing facility or group home. Due to the provisions of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, better known as HIPAA, which mandates the protection of patient privacy Hospitals can’t provide our local faith communities with a list of the names of Catholic patients who are hospitalized. We will only be able to ask about or receive information about the location of a patient if a specific name is provided. So, if we are not informed of a hospitalization, we will not be able to meet their needs. Therefore it is imperative that you contact the parish office to arrange for the celebration of the Sacraments of the Anointing of the Sick and Reconciliation with Fr. Kyle, Fr. Casey or a visit from a Eucharistic Minister to receive Holy Communion on the weekend.  Please contact us as soon as you become aware of the need so that we may assist you in a timely manner.

Celebrating the Anointing of the Sick

Please do not wait until a family member, loved one or friend is near death before calling the parish to ask for the sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick.  The Rite of Anointing is intended not only for those who are dying, but for any Catholic who is seriously ill, anticipating serious surgery or experiencing a severe weakened condition due to declining health or advancing age.

Who Should Receive the Sacrament?

Anointing may be requested whenever a person begins to be gravely ill or is experiencing a dangerous medical crisis or medical emergency that was not anticipated.  Those who will be undergoing surgery may be anointed if the reason for the surgery stems from a serious illness or medical need.  Young children and individuals who may not have full use of reason or be in command of their mental faculties may also be anointed if they have a medical condition that endangers their physical well being and if they can be comforted by receiving the sacrament.  The Anointing of the Sick may also be extended to those who are unconscious if, as Christian believers, they would have asked for the sacrament if they were able to do so.  The elderly may also be anointed if they have become weakened due to advancing age, even if no serious illness is present.

Where is the Sacrament Celebrated?

The Anointing of the Sick may be celebrated at a weekend mass from time to time.  Prior notice of those times and dates will be posted in our Sunday bulletin and all who are in need of the sacrament are invited to come forward to experience the healing of the Lord through the sacramental ministry of the priest and the prayers of the community of faith.  Anointing may also celebrated at our weekday masses when requested.  The sacrament may be celebrated in one’s home, at the hospital, or in nursing homes, group family homes and other skilled nursing care facilities, when requested.  Family members, loved ones and friends are always encouraged to be present to participate in the anointing by offering their prayerful support.

How do I Request the Sacrament?

The key to the celebration of the sacrament is DO NOT WAIT UNTIL THE LAST MOMENT before requesting the celebration of the sacrament.  Whenever possible, please call the parish office as soon as your loved one becomes seriously ill or is anticipating surgery. We will endeavor to respond to each request as soon as we are able; therefore it is incumbent upon family members to call promptly so that your loved one can experience the graces, healing, strengthening and spiritual support that the sacrament offers in their time of suffering and need.

In the sacrament we pray that the sick be healed in body, in mind and in spirit, through the prayers and support of the community, the laying on of hands and anointing with the oil of the Sick. "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." (Prayer of Anointing)

The mission of the Church is to do what Jesus did. Healing was essential to the mission of the disciples.

If you are experiencing the effects of illness, advanced age, preparing for surgery and seek the healing power of the sacrament you are encouraged to ask the priest to celebrate the Anointing with you. You or a family member can contact the parish office at 515-292-3810.