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The Anointing of the Sick is administered to bring spiritual and even physical strength during an illness, especially near the time of death. It is most likely one of the last Sacraments one will receive. 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.
The anointing of the sick conveys several graces and imparts gifts of strengthening in the Holy Spirit against anxiety, discouragement, and temptation, and conveys peace and fortitude (CCC 1520). These graces flow from the atoning death of Jesus Christ, for “this was to fulfill what was spoken by the prophet Isaiah, ‘He took our infirmities and bore our diseases’” (Matt. 8:17).
Please call the parish office to have a priest celebrate the Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick. This “is not 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 arrived” (Sacrosanctum Concilium 73). The Sacrament is most beneficial when it is received while the sick person is still conscience and can speak for themselves.
Parish Rectory:
201-796-3521