Contact:

Jeannie Parry
jparry@holyfamilyparish.org
847-907-3448 (office)
949-632-2059 (cell)

Description

The Anointing of the Sick is administered to bring spiritual and even physical strength during an illness. A sacrament is an outward sign established by Jesus Christ to confer inward grace. In more basic terms, it is a rite that is performed to convey God’s grace to the recipient, through the power of the Holy Spirit.

When is it appropriate to receive the Anointing of the Sick?
The sacrament of Anointing of the Sick is more available than you think.The ideal time to celebrate the sacrament of Anointing of the Sick is when the sick person is still conscious and aware that they are being prayed with and for, and when family and friends are with them. It is advisable NOT to wait until the person is dying to receive the sacrament. The Second Vatican Council and liturgical renewal has encouraged us to embrace the sacrament as Anointing of the Sick, not Extreme Unction or Last Rites. Receiving the sacrament in the presence of family and friends when the sick person is conscious adds to the sacredness of the prayer and impact of spiritual healing for the one receiving the sacrament

How can a person receive the Anointing of the Sick?
If you or a loved one is in the hospital – ANY hospital – if you wish to be anointed, all you have to do is request it through a nurse or hospital personnel. EVERY hospital is covered by priests from surrounding parishes and they will come if called. The same is true for nursing homes and the same procedure is operative. ANY nursing home can access a priest from neighboring parishes to come and prayerfully administer the sacrament of Anointing of the Sick. The same is true for anyone who is homebound; simply contact your local parish and request the Anointing of the Sick.