The celebration of the Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick will take place during the Mass on Saturday and Sunday, June 18th and 19th.
The Sacrament of the Sick is not what we used to call “Extreme Unction” or “Last Rites”. The Sacrament of the Sick provides a healing remedy for persons struggling with serious illness or issues related to advanced age.
Illness and advanced age bring not only physical pain and suffering, but illness also can bring with it a sense of isolation, and disconnection from what use to be my life. There can be inner turmoil of regrets, fears, angers, frustrations and loss of worth or value.
The Sacrament of the Sick is meant to bring healing of the soul as well as the body; and sometimes the healing of the soul is more needed than bodily healing.
The Sacrament is not a cure. The Sacrament calls for the openness of the recipient to receive what ever the Spirit brings in the midst of illness.
The Sacrament is not meant to be a private affair; all Sacraments are communal events of the praying Church. So, it is important that next week as you see members of the community come for anointing that you enter into the sacrament by praying for them.
If you have a chronic illness (diabetes, heart issues, cancer, etc.) you are an appropriate subject for anointing. If you struggle with the effects of aging, you are an appropriate subject for anointing.
Children who have serious illness are certainly encouraged to receive the Sacrament of Anointing.
Next weekend Masses will be a little longer than usual. But it is necessary that a Catholic parish take some time to be present and pray for members who struggle with illness. Remember, more often than not, the focus of Jesus ministry was expressed in his care for those suffering from physical and emotional illness.
Father Steve Adrian
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