Anointing of the sick

Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord.  James 5:14

According to Catholic doctrine, this sacrament serves as a channel for special graces from God that comfort and heal, physically and/or spiritually, people who are seriously ill and in danger of death.

In the essential rite of the sacrament, a priest or bishop lays his hands on the sick person’s head. Then he anoints the sick person on the forehead and palms of the hands with the oil of the sick, a holy oil that has been blessed by a bishop. During the anointing, the priest or bishop says the following words: ‘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.’

Earlier this sacrament was called as Last rite; which is administered close to the end of life. But now it is administered to anyone who feels down and needs God’s healing.

Sacrament of Anointing of the sick at St. Annes

On the fourth Sunday of each month after each Mass there will be an invitation to receive the anointing oil of God.