This
sacrament is an important
way for the church to reach
out and minister to those
who are seriously ill. The
introduction to the rite for
this sacrament states the
following:
“The sacrament
of anointing of the sick
is given to those who are
seriously ill by
anointing them on the forehead
& hands with blessed
olive oil…”
Seriously ill means
that the sacrament should
be approached by those who
are having major surgery,
those afflicted with life
threatening illnesses such
as cancer, those who are of
advanced years & notice
a change in their health and
any persons who are suffering
from chronic and debilitating
disease.
The prayer of this sacrament
asks God for 2 things:
- for healing from illness
if this be God’s will and
- for healing of the person’s
spirit as illness can cause
serious fear and anxiety
in the sick.
One need not wait until they
are near death to request
this sacrament. This sacrament
is available after mass. If
you are experiencing serious
illness, please see Father
and he will be happy to celebrate
this sacrament with you.
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