Questions about the Anointing of the Sick
- What is this Sacrament about ?
- How is this sacrament celebrated?
- Where is the sacrament celebrated?
- When & how often does a person receive this sacrament?
- Who should receive this sacrament?
- 1. What is this Sacrament about ?
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The Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick is intended to strengthen those who are suffering from serious illness. It is offered to support, encourage and comfort all those who are seriously ill. Participation in the celebration of this sacrament offers those who are sick an opportunity to open themselves to the healing power of God's grace and continue to grow in wholeness. In this sacrament, we meet Jesus who heals and consoles us by giving us the Holy Spirit. The Risen Lord comes to strengthen us in body, mind and spirit during our time of illness.
- 2. How is this sacrament celebrated?
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Before the moment of anointing, the priest first lays hands in silence on the head of the person who is receiving the sacrament. Before doing this, the priest may invite those who are present to touch the sick person. The priest then anoints the forehead and hands of the sick person with blessed oil and offers a prayer of faith. Family members and other members of the Christian community should be encouraged to be present at the time of the celebration of the sacrament to offer their loving support.
- 3. Where is the sacrament celebrated?
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The Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick may be celebrated in a person's parish church, before going to the hospital for surgery. The Sacrament may also be celebrated in the home, a hospital or nursing home.
- 4. When & how often does a person receive this sacrament?
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The Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick should be celebrated at the beginning of a serious illness. It is very important that the one who is sick is able to hear and participate in the celebration. If during the same illness the person's condition becomes more serious, the sacrament may be repeated. If a person who has been anointed recvers from sickness, that person may celebrate the sacrament again in the face of another grave illness.
- 5. Who should receive this sacrament?
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Those who are elderly and whose frailty is becoming more pronounced. Those adults and children who are suffering from a major illness, are facing surgery, serious medical tests or have suffered a serious accident. Those who suffer from cronic illness such as arthritis or diabetes, or who suffer from a serious mental illness. There is a need for those who are gravely ill to have expressed a desire, or by their lives to have demonstrated, that celebrating this sacrament would be important to them. It is not enough for family members or hospital staff to desire it on the sick person's behalf.
