Anointing of the Sick-Sacrament of Healing
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Anointing of the SickAlso known as "Extreme Unction"The Anointing of the Sick is a Catholic Sacrament of Healing also known as Extreme Unction. It is administered to a Catholic who having reached the age of reason, begins to be in danger due to illness or old age.
In addition, “old people may be anointed if they are in weak condition even though no dangerous illness is present. Sick children may be anointed if they have sufficient use of reason to be comforted by this sacrament. . . . The faithful should be encouraged to ask for the anointing, and, as soon as the time for the anointing comes, to receive it with faith and devotion, not misusing the sacrament by putting it off” (Rite of Anointing, nos. 11, 12, 13).
The sacrament gives health and strength to the SOUL and sometimes to the HUMAN BODY for persons who are in danger of death.
The words "Extreme Unction" means "last anointing. In Baptism, Confirmation, and Holy Orders, the human body is anointed with holy oil. The reason for the anointing of the sick is found in the LIFE OF JESUS, who showed special care for the sick and the elderly and told his followers to have the same concern.By the sacred anointing of the sick and the prayer of the priests the whole Church commends those who are ill to the suffering and glorified Lord, that he may raise them up and save them and indeed she exhorts them to contribute to the good of the People of God by freely uniting themselves to the Passion and death of Christ.
Catechism of the Catholic Church 1499
In case of grave illness . . .
CCC1514 The Anointing of the Sick "is not a sacrament for those only who are at the point of death. Hence, as soon as any of the faithful begins to be in danger of death from sickness or old age, the fitting time for him to receive this sacrament has certainly already arrived."
CCC1515 If a sick person who received this anointing recovers his health, he can in the case of another grave illness receive this sacrament again. If during the same illness, the person's condition becomes more serious, the sacrament may be repeated. It is fitting to receive the Anointing of the Sick before a serious operation. The same holds for the elderly whose frailty becomes more pronounced.
HOW IS THIS SACRAMENT CELEBRATED?
Only bishops and priests may be ministers of the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick.
A penitential rite followed by the Liturgy of the Word opens the celebration. Scripture awakens the faith of the sick and family members and friends to pray to Christ for the strength of his Holy Spirit.
The priest lays his hands on the head of the sick person. He then proceeds to anoint, with the blessed Oil of the Sick, the forehead and hands of the sick person (in the Roman Rite). He accompanies these acts with the words “Through this holy anointing may the Lord in his love and mercy help you with the grace of the Holy Spirit. May the Lord who frees you from sin save you and raise you up” (CCC, no. 1513).CCC1517 Like all the sacraments the Anointing of the Sick is a liturgical and communal celebration,132 whether it takes place in the family home, a hospital, or church, for a single sick person or a whole group of sick persons. It is very fitting to celebrate it within the Eucharist, the memorial of the Lord's Passover. If circumstances suggest it, the celebration of the sacrament can be preceded by the sacrament of Penance and followed by the sacrament of the Eucharist.
CCC1519 The celebration of the sacrament includes the following principal elements: the "priests of the Church"133 - in silence - lay hands on the sick; they pray over them in the faith of the Church134 - this is the epiclesis proper to this sacrament; they then anoint them with oil blessed, if possible, by the bishop.
If you or someone you know would like to receive this Sacrament, call the Pastor immediately at (337)783-2968. -