Anointing of the Sick

The gospels tell us time and again that Jesus had a great care for the sick and spent a lot of time healing them. The Catholic Church believes that Jesus still is concerned for the sick and wishes to heal and support them. Through the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick the Church brings before God those brothers and sisters in faith who are ill or frail. Both in the Gospel of Mark and in the Letter of James the faithful are told to anoint with oil those who are sick and pray for them. In the sacrament of anointing, the community does just that. The priest with the community asks God to bless the sick person, to save them and heal them, to strengthen them in their weakness and sustain them. The prayer is accompanied by the anointing on the forehead and hands with specially blessed oil, just as the scriptures ask. Sometimes this sacrament is celebrated quietly in a hospital or home, sometimes in a church to which the sick and housebound have been specially brought. Whichever way the sacrament is celebrated it is a great comfort to the sick and a moving experience for all who take part.

Through this holy anointing may the Lord in his love and mercy help you with the grace of the holy Spirit.
Amen
May the Lord who frees you from sin, save you and raise you up.
Amen