Anointing of the Sick

“Any of you who is ill should send for the elders of the church, and they must anoint the sick person with oil in the name of the Lord and pray over him. The prayer of faith will save the sick person and the Lord will raise him up again; and if he has committed any sins, he will be forgiven.” James 5:14-15

Illness itself, as well as problems associated with aging, takes its toll on us physically and psychologically. New feelings and anxieties accompany strong pain or loss of independence. Often a person suffering in this way questions the value of life. Illness may even trigger a crisis in faith where we begin to question God. Depression can set in. The Sacrament of Anointing touches the whole person, providing comfort for the soul, spiritual health, peace, forgiveness of sin, and sometimes even helps with physical healing.

Suffering helps us realize how powerless we are without God and the help of our fellow Christians who are members of His body. We need their support, fellowship and understanding to be able to join our suffering to that of Christ. Jesus shared his healing power with his church. The Sacrament of Anointing serves as God’s healing touch reaching out to comfort the sick, suffering, and dying.

Individual anointing of the sick happens when a person (or relative of that person) requests it.  This may be prior to surgery, during a hospital stay, or during a serious illness.

To request an anointing, call the Parish Office at (440)256-1412.