The Sacrament of The Sick

Since Vatican II the Sacrament of Anointing is no longer referred to as the Last Rites. This important Sacrament is now called the Sacrament of the Sick. A person may receive this Sacrament whenever they are ill or preparing for a hospital stay, for whatever reason.

Reception of this Sacrament is no longer connected to death, but rather is meant to strengthen us in our moments of illness.

Many times a person will die, and the parish did not know they were sick. When asked why the priest wasn’t called, the answer given is, “we did not want to bother you father; we know how busy you are,” or, “we did not want to frighten the person who was sick.” Please call anytime, and in enough time to have a meaningful prayer experience for the person who is ill, and their family.

If your loved one is in a hospital or nursing home, and you want them to be anointed, ask the nurse to call the priest that is covering the facility. Every hospital and nursing home in the state is covered by a priest. You may also call your parish priest, however, the priest on duty will in most cases get there quicker.

Along with the Sacrament of anointing, the priest will also absolve their sins and bring Holy Communion. Let the priest know when you call if the person is able to receive Holy Communion.

This Sacrament may also be received after any Mass. Simply let the priest know that you would like to be anointed.

If you have any questions about the Sacrament of the Sick, please call the parish office at 467-4895.

If you are unable to attend Mass, or know someone who is house bound, please call the parish office to arrange for a Eucharistic Minister to bring Holy Communion on a weekly basis.