The Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick: A Source of Healing and Comfort
The Anointing of the Sick is one of the seven sacraments of the Catholic Church, instituted by Christ to bring spiritual and sometimes physical healing to those who are seriously ill or facing significant health challenges. This sacrament provides a profound encounter with God’s mercy and love, offering strength, peace, and comfort to the sick and the suffering.
What is the Anointing of the Sick?
The Anointing of the Sick is a sacrament of healing that involves the prayerful laying on of hands and anointing with holy oil, known as the Oil of the Sick, which has been blessed by the bishop. Through these sacred actions, the priest invokes the Holy Spirit to bring God’s grace to the person who is ill. The sacrament is intended to provide spiritual healing, comfort, and, if it is God's will, physical healing. It is also meant to prepare the soul for passing into eternal life if death is near.
Scriptural Foundation
The Anointing of the Sick has its roots in Scripture, particularly in the New Testament. In the Letter of James, we read: "Is anyone among you sick? Let them call the elders of the Church to pray over them and anoint them with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise them up. If they have sinned, they will be forgiven" (James 5:14-15). This passage emphasizes the sacrament’s purpose: to offer both spiritual and, when possible, physical healing through the prayers of the Church.
When and Who Can Receive the Anointing of the Sick?
The Anointing of the Sick is available to anyone who is seriously ill, facing surgery, or experiencing the frailties of old age. It can be received more than once, especially if a person's condition worsens or if they recover and become seriously ill again. It is not solely for those at the point of death but is a sacrament of hope and strength for anyone struggling with significant health issues.
The Effects of the Sacrament
The Anointing of the Sick brings several graces to the recipient:
Spiritual Healing: The sacrament provides forgiveness of sins for those who are unable to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation, restoring their relationship with God.
Comfort and Strength: It offers peace and courage to endure the suffering or pain associated with illness, helping the sick person unite their suffering with Christ’s own passion.
Physical Healing: If it is God’s will, the sacrament may bring about physical healing. However, the primary focus is on spiritual healing and preparation for whatever the future holds, including the possibility of passing into eternal life.
A Sacrament of Community and Love
The Anointing of the Sick is also a sacrament of community. It reminds the faithful that those who are suffering are not alone; they are supported by the prayers and love of the entire Church. When the sacrament is administered, the whole community prays for the person receiving it, expressing a shared hope in God’s grace and healing power.
Preparing for the Sacrament
If you or a loved one are registered parishioners at St. Kevin's Church or Our Lady of Peace Worship Site, please contact the parish office to arrange for a priest to administer the Anointing of the Sick. If you are not registered at either parish, you can request that the hospital staff contact the on-call priest list to have a priest come and administer the sacrament.
Understanding the “Last Rites” and the Sacrament of the Sick
The term “Last Rites” often creates confusion about what it encompasses and how it relates to the Anointing of the Sick. The Last Rites are not a separate sacrament; rather, they refer to the sacraments that are offered to a person who is nearing death. These rites typically include:
The Sacrament of Reconciliation (Confession): To provide forgiveness of sins.
The Anointing of the Sick: To bring spiritual and sometimes physical healing, along with strength and peace for the journey ahead.
Viaticum (Holy Communion): Referred to as the “food for the journey,” Viaticum is the last Holy Communion a dying person receives. It is meant to accompany them on their final journey towards eternal life.
While the Anointing of the Sick can be part of the Last Rites, it is not exclusively for those who are at the point of death. The Anointing of the Sick is a sacrament that can be received by anyone who is seriously ill or facing a major surgery or health challenge. It is meant to provide ongoing spiritual support and healing throughout an illness or period of infirmity, not just at the moment of death.
Understanding the difference helps clarify that the Church’s ministry to the sick is not only for those who are dying but is a constant source of God’s grace and mercy for all who are in need of healing. If you or a loved one is ill, we encourage you to reach out to receive this sacrament of grace and comfort.