Please let us know whenever you or your loved ones are in need of the Sacrament of the Sick. 413.773.3311

"Then Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, and proclaiming the good news of the kingdom, and curing every disease and every sickness."

- Matthew 9:35
 

The Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick is a Sacrament of the Catholic Church that celebrates our faith in the healing touch of Christ in our lives. One of the 7 Sacraments, it is a gift of healing for the whole person – mind, body, soul. As it was recorded in the Gospels, Jesus’ healing ministry is a prayerful way for you or a loved one to prepare for surgery, illness or death in the Catholic tradition.

The Catechism of the Catholic Church defines the Anointing of the Sick as:

"A particular gift of the Holy Spirit. The first grace of this sacrament is one of strengthening, peace and courage to overcome the difficulties that go with the condition of serious illness or the frailty of old age. This grace is a gift of the Holy Spirit, who renews trust and faith in God and strengthens against the temptations of the evil one, the temptation to discouragement and anguish in the face of death. This assistance from the Lord by the power of his Spirit is meant to lead the sick person to healing of the soul, but also of the body if such is God’s will. Furthermore, “if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven.”

The Holy Spirit has a special gift or ability of healing. When priests give the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick, he says a prayer deeply-rooted in the gifts of the Holy Spirit.

“Through this holy anointing may the Lord in his love and mercy help you with the grace of the Holy Spirit.”

It is through the priest, that Jesus touches the sick to heal them from sin – and sometimes from physical ailment. His cures were signs of the arrival of the Kingdom of God. The primary message of His healing explains His plan to conquer sin and death by His dying and rising.

Who can receive the Sacrament?
Not just for those who are at the point of death, the Anointing of the Sick is meant for anyone who is suffering a serious illness: physical, emotional, mental or spiritual. The Sacrament may be received at any time during a person’s illness, especially before surgery or treatment. Sacraments are for the living.The Rite of Anointing tells us there is no need to wait until a person is at the point of death to receive the Sacrament. A careful judgment about the serious nature of the illness is sufficient.

When the Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick is given, the hoped-for effect is that, if it be God's will, the person be physically healed of illness. Even if there is no physical healing, the primary effect of the Sacrament is a spiritual healing. The sick person receives the Holy Spirit's gift of peace and courage to deal with the difficulties that accompany serious illness or the frailty of old age. (United States Catholic Catechism for Adults)

How is the Sacrament celebrated?
Anointing of the Sick is a Sacrament of the Church, therefore if possible, it is preferable, to celebrate the rite when others can be present. The Sacrament is administered by a priest and follows this structure:
1.) The rite begins with the Sign of the Cross with blessed water which reminds us of our baptismal promise to die with Christ so that we might rise to new life with him.
2.) The readings from Scripture are adapted to the condition of the sick person. 
3.) The Sacrament of Penance (Confession) may be celebrated within the Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick.
4.) The priest places his hands on the head of the one to be anointed, and anoints the forehead and hands of the sick person with the Oil which has been blessed by the Bishop during Holy Week.
5.) Holy Communion may be received at this time.
6.) The priest then blesses the sick person and all present.

What happens if death is imminent or has occurred?

If death is imminent and the patient has not already been anointed, the priest should be called to give the Sacrament of the Sick for the spiritual healing of the patient and the comfort of the relatives. If the patient is conscious the priest will offer the last Holy Communion (Viaticum) that is given as food for the final journey. Depending on the circumstances, the priest will pray the prayers of Commendation of the Dying. If death has taken place, the Prayers for the Dead are prayed and the body is sprinkled with Holy Water recalling the promise of New Life which the deceased received in Baptism.

Please let us know whenever you or your loved ones are in need of the Sacrament of the Sick. 413.773.3311