From The Pastor’s Desk

Since the beginning of my priesthood thirty eight years ago, I have seen the development of the Sacrament of the Anointing of the sick. When I was a boy, I remember the Sacrament being only for those who were at the moment of death, or in danger of dying. Since the Second Vatican Council, the Church Fathers went back to the earlier Church and studied the Sacrament, thus the sacrament has evolved to where it is today. As soon as anyone of the church begins to be in serious sickness, old age or in danger of death, they may receive the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick. The Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick is a liturgical and communal celebration whether it takes place in the family home, a hospital or in church, whether it is celebrated for a single sick person, or a whole group of sick persons, or at the scene of an accident. It is very fitting to celebrate the sacrament within the Eucharist, the memorial of the Lord’s Passover. The celebration of the sacrament includes the following principal elements: the “priests of the Church” in silence lay hands on the sick, they pray over them in the faith of the Church, then they are anointed with the oil of the sick which had been blessed by the Bishop at the Chrism Mass. The oil is placed upon their forehead and on the palms of each hand. The first grace of the sacrament is one of strengthening, peace and courage to overcome the difficulties that go with the condition of the serious illness or the frailty of old age. This grace is a gift of the Holy Spirit who renews trust and faith in God and strengthens against temptations of evil, the temptations of discouragement or anguish, or fear of death. This assistance from the Lord by the power of the Holy Spirit is meant to lead the person to healing of soul, but also of the body or mind if such is God’s will. If any sins have been committed, their sins will be forgiven. (Council of Trent) Coming from the Letter of the Hebrews in the New Testament, “by the grace of this sacrament, the sick person receives the strength and the gift of uniting themselves more closely to Christ’s Passion.” By celebrating the Sacrament of the Church, the communion of saints also intercede for the benefit of the person. I encourage everyone who is seriously ill, going to have surgery, living in the frailty of old age, or in the danger of death to celebrate this healing sacrament of God’s love. Sr. Elizabeth, goes to South Cox each week day to visit Catholic patients and one of the questions she asks, “Would you like to be anointed?”, many times brings forth answers like, “I’m not dying!” The sacrament of the sick is for all of us in need of healing. Please do not feel or think that you need to be dying to receive the Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick.