"When it was evening, they brought Jesus many who were possessed by demons, and he drove out the spirits by a word and cured all the sick, to fulfill what had been said by Isaiah the prophet: “He took away our infirmities and bore our diseases.” (Matthew 8:16-17)

* * * * * 

"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." (James 5:14-15)

The Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick   gives strength and support and can be administered to anyone struggling with an illness.  

Like all the sacraments, Anointing of the Sick was instituted by Jesus Christ during His earthly ministry. Through the Sacrament of Anointing, Christ strengthens the faithful who are afflicted by illness, providing them with the strongest means of support. Jesus showed great concern for the bodily and spiritual welfare of the sick and commanded his followers to do the same. The celebration of this sacrament is an opportunity for the deepening of the faith of the community who are able to witness the faith and devotion of those being anointed. 

The rite of the Anointing of the Sick includes the anointing of the forehead and hands of the sick or other parts of the body, accompanied by the liturgical prayer that asks for the grace of the Sacrament. 

Anointing of the sick—formerly known as ‘Last Rites’—is no longer considered a sacrament only for those at the point of death. Instead, this healing sacrament is for all those who are facing major surgery, chronic illness, or the weakness that comes with age.

Only priests and bishops may administer the Sacrament of Anointing because one effect of this Sacrament can be the forgiveness of sin. The gifts of this Sacrament include uniting the sick person with Christ's Passion for the person's well-being and that of the Church; strength to endure patiently the sufferings of illness and old age; the forgiveness of sins if the person was unable to receive the Sacrament of Penance; and preparation for the passage to eternal life. 

This is a ministry of comfort. Through Anointing, the sick are reminded that Christ and the Church are in communion with their suffering. The Holy Spirit shares the blessings of health, trust in God, and strength against temptation. 

Please call the Parish Office to schedule a priest's visit to anoint you or your loved one. 

“Pain and suffering have come into your life, but remember pain, sorrow, suffering are but the kiss of Jesus - a sign that you have come so close to Him that He can kiss you.” 

St. Mother Teresa of Calcutta