Sacraments

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Private Anointing

The Anointing of the Sick ... "is not a sacrament for those only who are at the point of death. Hence, as soon as anyone of the faithful begins to be in danger of death from sickness or old age, the fitting time for him to receive this sacrament has certainly already arrived."

For this reason, we suggest that persons take advantage of the Parish's "Healing Mass" if at all possible. 

If a sick person who received this anointing recovers his health, he can in the case of another grave illness receive this sacrament again. If during the same illness the person's condition becomes more serious, the sacrament may be repeated. It is fitting to receive the Anointing of the Sick prior to a serious operation. The same holds for the elderly whose frailty becomes more pronounced.

The sick should prepare themselves to receive it with good dispositions, assisted by their pastor and the whole ecclesial community, which is invited to surround the sick in a special way through their prayers and fraternal attention.

 Like all the sacraments the Anointing of the Sick is a liturgical and communal celebration, whether it takes place in the family home, a hospital or church, for a single sick person or a whole group of sick persons. It is very fitting to celebrate it within the Eucharist, the memorial of the Lord's Passover. If circumstances suggest it, the celebration of the sacrament can be preceded by the sacrament of Penance and followed by the sacrament of the Eucharist. As the sacrament of Christ's Passover the Eucharist should always be the last sacrament of the earthly journey, the "viaticum" for "passing over" to eternal life.

Make an appointment.

Do not wait until the ill person is at death's door. In these days of priest shortages, other commitments may make it difficult for the priest to respond on short notice. If the person can not attend the "Healing Mass", please call the parish office as soon as possible to arrange an appointment. There is no expiration date on the sacrament.

708 429 6767