Anointing of the Sick

 
The Anointing of the Sick is the sacrament by which the Church commends those who are seriously ill to the suffering and glorified Lord, asking that he may raise them up and save them. Rooted in the Church’s apostolic practice, it is intended to strengthen those who are being tried by illness or the frailty of old age.

The Anointing of the Sick is not only for those who are at the point of death. The Church teaches that the appropriate time to receive it is when a person begins to be in danger due to serious illness or old age; it may also be received again if a grave illness recurs or the condition becomes more serious. Only priests (bishops and presbyters) administer this sacrament, and the faithful are encouraged to call for a priest when needed.

In the Roman Rite, the sacrament is given by anointing the sick person on the forehead and hands with duly blessed oil, accompanied by the sacramental prayer.

The effects of the sacrament include a particular gift of the Holy Spirit: strengthening, peace and courage in the face of the difficulties of serious illness or frailty. It also unites the sick person more closely to Christ’s Passion, brings an ecclesial grace through the prayer of the Church, and prepares the person for the final journey, completing their conformity to Christ’s death and Resurrection.

When someone is close to death, the Church also offers Holy Communion as viaticum (food for the journey), as part of the Church’s care at the end of life.

If you would like to enquire about arranging the Anointing of the Sick, please contact Fr Barry.