Anointing of the Sick
Anointing of the Sick is bestowed upon anyone who is in a moment of distress in their life and is in need of God's grace and mercy to be restored to full health. In the past, this was referred to Extreme Unction, Last Rites, or the Final Anointing, and was typically only offered to someone in an extreme circumstance and being faced with death. Today, there is a broader understanding of the sacrament as a ritual of healing appropriate not only for physical but also for mental and spiritual sickness. It is therefore administered to anyone who is in sickness, distress, or old age. Through this sacrament, the Church comforts and supports the person who is suffering and continues the healing ministry of Christ. For those who are about to die, the Church, in addition to the Anointing of the Sick, offers the Eucharist as viaticum – food for the journey home.
This sacrament is the community’s prayer for the healing and well being of the sick and is celebrated at least annually in church for those able to attend. Those homebound are visited and offered this sacrament. It is for the sick, so anyone entering the hospital or preparing for an operation, may desire to receive the sacrament. Ministers of the Eucharist bring Holy Communion to those unable to come to church and serve as a liaison with the parish should anyone need a visit from the parish priests. Derek deSa oversees the ministry to the homebound and sick. Please notify if a loved one is in the hospital or at home.
Funerals and Christian Burial
The consolation of our faith in eternal life is celebrated at the difficult time of death and burial. The Church wants to celebrate meaningfully with family and loved ones at this time. Respecting the nature of Catholic funeral rites, please check with one of the priests or Mireille Leys, Minister of Consolation, who can help with arrangements regarding Scripture readings, music and other liturgical matters. Mireille Leys also oversees a bereavement group in our parish or our deanery.