Among the seven Sacraments the Church sets one apart which is specifically intended to strengthen and give hope to those who are being tried by illness.  This is done to carry on the healing ministry of Jesus who healed the sick, gave sight to the blind, made the dumb hear, and the crippled walk.  The Sacrament may be administered to those who are seriously ill by anointing them on the forehead and hands with blessed oil. 

The Sacrament is not only for those who are at the point of death, as once was considered ordinary practice.  If one who has been anointed recovers, he/she may receive the Sacrament again in the case of another grave illness.  If during the same illness a person’s condition becomes more serious, the Sacrament may be repeated.  It is also fitting to receive the Anointing of the Sick before a serious operation.

At Spirit of Life we encourage the celebration of this Sacrament in two different ways.  The first is by request of the infirmed person or a family member inviting a priest to their home or hospital room.  The second is after mass on Saturday nights where the ill person along with family and friends gather in the Eucharistic Chapel for the Anointing.  In either case, it is ideal to have as many loved ones included in the celebration as possible.

Contact the parish office at 663.1660 to arrange a time to receive the Sacrament of Anointing.