Healing, Comfort and Strength in Times of Illness
“Is anyone among you sick? Let them call the elders of the church to pray over them and anoint them with oil in the name of the Lord.”
— James 5:14
The Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick
When we read the Gospels, it is clear to see that Jesus spent much of his time with those who were sick or unwell, through his life and his love he healed many. The Sacrament of the Sick is a healing sacrament. It is available to us when we are seriously ill, advanced in age or when anxiety or worry may overtake us.
We read in the Letter of St James “anyone of you who is ill should send for the elders of the church, and they must anoint the sick person with oil in the name of the Lord and pray over them. The prayer of faith will save the sick person and the Lord will raise them up again; and if they have committed any sins they will be forgiven” (James 5:14-15)
The priests of the parish attend to our sick in hospitals and at home. Many like to receive the sacrament of the sick and are strengthened and affirmed. If you would like to receive the sacrament of the sick or know someone who would, please contact the parish office.
What Is the Sacrament of the Sick?
The Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick is exactly what it says. It is a prayerful celebration for someone or for a group of people who are ill and are blessed by the priest with Holy Oil. It is not a sign that someone is dying as it was perceived in olden times. It is not a magical ritual; the person doesn’t automatically get better immediately after an anointing. God’s healing and loving presence are called upon that the sick person might be raised up and restored to health.
- The sacrament unites the sick person to the suffering of Christ, for their own good and that of the whole Church.
- It brings strengthening, peace and courage to endure the sufferings of illness or old age.
- It offers the forgiveness of sins, if the sick person was unable to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation.
- It may restore health if this is conducive to the salvation of the soul.
- It prepares the sick person for the passage to eternal life.
Symbolism & the Rite
Oil
The words of blessing over the oil say it all. It is “oil intended to ease the sufferings of your people”. Oil soothes and heals. Oil blessed for the sick is a sign of the Anointed One (Messiah) of God. The oil that is used is Olive Oil. The Bishop and priests bless it at the ‘Chrism Mass’ on Holy Thursday in the Cathedral. The holy oils are then taken each year to each parish and hospital for use throughout the year.
How the Sacrament is Administered
A person is anointed on the forehead and the palms of the hands while the priest says: “Through this holy anointing may the Lord in his love and mercy help you by the grace of the Holy Spirit. May the Lord who heals you, save you and raise you up.”
Who Can Be Anointed?
Anyone in ‘serious illness’, those who are infirm, in advanced years, or anyone prior to surgery. It is not only for when a person is in ‘danger of death’.
The Sick & Housebound
Every month the Priest visits the Sick and Housebound of the Parish. Please contact the Parish Office to make arrangements for you or a loved one to be visited by the Priest.
If a loved one is in hospital or nursing care and would like one of the Priests in the parish to call, again please contact the Parish Office to make arrangements.
The Final Blessing
May God the Father bless you. May God the Son heal you. May God the Holy Spirit enlighten you. May God protect you from harm and grant you salvation. May he shine on your heart and lead you to eternal life.
When to Request This Sacrament
In the Parish
Each year in the month of June, we celebrate a communal celebration of The Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick. On the World Day of the Sick, The Feast of Our Lady of Lourdes on the 11th February, we celebrate the Blessing of the Hands at this Mass, we acknowledge those who love and care for our Sick.
At Home or Hospital
Should anyone wish to receive the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick please contact the Priest through The Parish Office. If someone is in danger of death, please contact the parish immediately. A priest will come as soon as possible to administer the sacrament and, if appropriate, Holy Communion (Viaticum).
Regular Visits
Every month the Priest visits the Sick and Housebound of the Parish. Please contact the Parish Office to make arrangements for you or a loved one to be visited by the Priest.
Preparation & Arrangements
1
Contact the Parish
Call the Parish Office on 046 907 3805 to arrange a visit from the priest.
2
Prepare a Quiet Space
If at home, prepare a small table with a white cloth, a crucifix, a candle and holy water if available.
3
The Rite of Anointing
The priest will pray, lay hands on the sick person, and anoint them with the Oil of the Sick on the forehead and hands.
4
Holy Communion (Viaticum)
If the person is able, they may receive Holy Communion. When given to those near death it is called Viaticum – “food for the journey.”
Requirements
- Must be a baptised Catholic
- Must be ill, facing surgery, or weakened by old age
- Should be requested by the sick person or their family
Get in Touch
Please contact the Parish Office at any time to request a visit from a priest for the Anointing of the Sick. In an emergency, please call the parish directly.