Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick
Jesus showed his compassionate care for the sick; many accounts of curing the sick are found throughout the Gospels. The deeper concern of Jesus was healing the soul, the person’s relationship with God. Jesus healed the spirit as well as the body. This healing sacrament, instituted by Christ, was passed down through his apostles in the early church, as evidenced in the Letter of James (5:14-16), and has remained a vital part of the faith community’s worship. The church stresses the importance of Christians visiting the sick and caring for them, but also clearly teaches that the priest is the proper minister of this sacrament. [The priest is not to anoint a person who has already died. Extreme Unction and "Last Rites" are no longer part of the Church's ministry to the sick and dying. A much richer experience is offered to the sick and dying through the Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick.]
In this sacrament, the priest anoints the forehead and palms of hands with oil that has been blessed by the archbishop. The oil symbolizes and invites healing prayer for strength and hope and a greater awareness of God's love. As the priest does this, he prays: "Through this holy anointing may the Lord in his love and mercy help you with the grace of the Holy Spirit. May the Lord who frees you from sin save you and raise you up" (Pastoral Care of the Sick #124). [The oils are blessed each year at the Cathedral during the Chrism Mass. Please refer to Chrism Mass link for more information about the significance of this special Mass.]
http://youtu.be/5SwDKr2zO0g
The sacrament of anointing strengthens the sick to fight against illness and return to physical health; this sacrament should be given at the beginning of a serious illness; it should not be delayed. Someone preparing for surgery and the elderly also may be anointed, and the sacrament may be repeated. The sacrament additionally has the effects of forgiveness of sin and preparation for our final passage from this life to life forever with God. Anointing is best carried out in a communal celebration at the church; it unites the community to pray for its sick members and provides a convenient opportunity for the seriously ill to receive the sacrament. Those who suffer pain and illness receive comfort knowing they are joined to Christ in his suffering for the salvation of the world. The community of faith is to carry out an important role in supporting and visiting the sick; ministry to the seriously ill and dying is a communal act of care and worship. All who contribute in any way to the health and well-being and comfort of the sick and elderly are an integral part of the sacramental care of the Church.
We believe that the sacrament, through the power of Jesus, may physically heal the person if it is what God wills, but most often, the sacrament gives spiritual strength. We pray that the ill person may return to health and remain with us, but if this is not possible, we pray that our brother or sister may die in the company and in confidence with God.
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