Anointing of the Sick
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.
- from the Rite of Anointing of the Sick
The Anointing of the Sick unites those who are seriously ill to the suffering and glorified Lord. In this sacrament, they receive the forgiveness of sins and grace to endure their sufferings with courage and Christian hope.
It is fitting to receive the sacrement when one becomes in danger of death due to sickness or old age. If a sick person who has received that anointing recovers his health, he can in the case of another grave illness receive the 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 just prior to a serious operation or when an elderly person's frailty becomes more pronounced.
The Anointing of the Sick may be scheduled anytime by calling the Parish Office. A communal celebration of the Anointing of the Sick is celebrated on the Feast of St. Luke the Physician (October 18th) and the Feast of Our Lady of Lourdes (February 11th). Families should also contact the Parish Office as soon as their loved one is receiving hospice care.
Readings for today, at the USCCB web site.
