Join us to pray for those who are seriously ill or need the grace of God's strength due to their advanced age. Learn more about the Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick.
All are welcome to join us in prayer at this special Mass for those suffering from physical or mental illness and their caregivers. The Sacrament of the Anointing is meant for people who have very grave illnesses and those who are older and need the grace of God's strength.
Jesus came to heal the whole person, body and soul. His gift of the Sacrament of Anointing is a beautiful sign of his presence. Learn more about who should receive the sacrament:
United States Catholic Catechism for Adults -- Chapter 19
The Rite of Anointing tells us there is no need to wait until a person is at the point of death to receive the Sacrament. A careful judgment about the serious nature of the illness is sufficient.
Catechism of the Catholic Church - Part Two, Section Two, Chapter Two
1509 "Heal the sick!"121 The Church has received this charge from the Lord and strives to carry it out by taking care of the sick as well as by accompanying them with her prayer of intercession. She believes in the life-giving presence of Christ, the physician of souls and bodies. This presence is particularly active through the sacraments, and in an altogether special way through the Eucharist, the bread that gives eternal life and that St. Paul suggests is connected with bodily health.122
1510 However, the apostolic Church has its own rite for the sick, attested to by St. James: "Is any among you sick? Let him call for the elders [presbyters] of the Church and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord; and the prayer of faith will save the sick man, and the Lord will raise him up; and if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven."123 Tradition has recognized in this rite one of the seven sacraments.
Anointing of the Sick: Joined to Christ, Witnesses to Hope and Healing (USCCB Handout)
The Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick is both “a liturgical and a communal celebration.” In the family home, hospital, or church, members of the Body of Christ gather for the sacramental rite led by a priest.