Sacraments
Anointing of the Sick
Anointing of the Sick
Sacraments
Sacrament of the sick – Housebound
The sick and housebound of the parish are visited in their homes by the priests every month offering the Sacrament of Confession, bringing them Holy Communion and offering the Sacrament of the Sick to them whereby they are forgiven, nourished and strengthened.
If you are sick or housebound and would like to receive the Eucharist or the Sacrament of the Sick or you know someone who would like to receive the sacraments at home
What Is the Sacrament of the sick?
The Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick is exactly what it says, the sacrament of the SICK not of the dead. It is a prayerful celebration for someone or for a group of people who are ill and are anointed on the forehead and palms of the hands by the priest with Holy Oil. It is not signalling that someone is dying as it was perceived in olden times. So do not hesitate to call the priest while someone is alive. Please do not wait until the person is unconscious or dead. It is not a magical ritual. The person may not automatically get better immediately after an anointing, but many who have been anointed feel a great peace come upon them. God’s healing and loving presence are called upon that the sick person might be raised up and restored to health.
Symbolism
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 person so anointed receives the healing, saving power of the One who saves (Messiah).
Oil
The oil that is used is Olive Oil. The Bishop and priests bless it at the ‘Chrism Mass’ on Holy Thursday in the Cathedral together with the Oil of Catechumens and Oil of Chrism. The holy oils are then taken each year to each parish and hospital for use throughout the year in the Sacrament of the Sick.
How?
A person is anointed on the forehead and the palms of the hands while the priest says:
Prayer of Anointing
“ Mary/John, 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 frees you from sin, save you and raise you up.”
