Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick:

This sacrament is an important way for the church to reach out & 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, & any persons who are suffering from chronic & debilitating disease.

The prayer of this sacrament asks God for 2 things:

1) for healing from illness if this be God’s will and

2) for healing of the person’s spirit as illness can cause serious fear & 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 & he will be happy to celebrate this sacrament with you.