Sacrament of the Sick

The Anointing of the Sick involves using Oil of the Sick – olive oil blessed by the bishop during Holy Week. Anointing with oil is a sign of supernatural assistance to coincide with the medicine and treatment already being given.

There is quite a bit of confusion and mystery surrounding the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick. In many cases, this was once called “extreme unction” or “last rites.” In recent years, the Church has moved away from this language, because it suggested that the Sacrament could be received only once and that it was to be received only in the last moments of life.

Neither of these suggestions is true. The Catechism puts it this way:

“The Anointing of the Sick is not a sacrament 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 already arrived.'”

CELEBRATING ANOINTING OF THE SICK AT
SAINT PAUL THE APOSTLE. 

Our priests on staff are willing to set up appointments for the anointing, especially if some kind of medical procedure is planned in advance. Additionally, any priest is able to get into the hospital, hospice, nursing home, private residence, etc. in emergency situations.

Saint Paul’s also celebrates a Mass of Anointing once or twice a year for the sick of the parish. Please check the bulletin or call the parish office for the next Healing Mass.

When a person is ill or is in need of anointing, please contact the Parish Office and the priest on duty will bring the sacrament to them.