Is any among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord; and the prayer of faith will save the sick man, and the Lord will raise him up; and if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven" (Jas. 5:14–15).
The Sacrament of the Anointing the Sick has as its end the conferral of a special grace on people experiencing a grave illness or old age. The Church exhorts the Christian who is ill to unite with the Passion and Death of Christ. [Catechism of the Catholic Church Reference: 1511, 1499, 1513]
The special grace of the sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick has the effects of the uniting of the sick person to the passion of Christ, the strengthening, peace, and courage to endure in a Christian manner the sufferings of illness or old age; the forgiveness of sins, the restoration of health, if it is conducive to the salvation of one’s soul; and the preparation for passing over to eternal life.[Catechism of the Catholic Church Reference: 1532]
Anointing of the Sick ~ Strength for the Journey
Like all the sacraments, holy anointing was instituted by Jesus Christ during his earthly ministry. The Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick may be received by any Catholic facing a serious illness or who is of advanced age.Individuals planning to enter the hospital are encouraged to receive anointing of the sick before their admission.
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.
Many ask: “Does a person have to be dying to receive this sacrament?” The answer to this question is found in the Catechism of the Catholic Church. The answer is no. The anointing of the sick is not a sacrament for only those who are at the point of death. As soon as anyone of the faithful begins to feel in danger of death from sickness or old age, it is a fitting time to receive this sacrament.
Anointing of the Sick at St Paul’s
If you or someone you know is preparing to enter the hospital, or is ill or home-bound, and wishes to have a priest or pastoral minister visit, simply call the office at 410-465-1670.Pastoral associates and Eucharistic ministers will visit those who are in the hospital, confined to their home, or residents in a nursing home.
Please notify the parish office of anyone you know who desires a pastoral visit, bringing Holy Communion, or requesting a priest to anoint you.
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