Next weekend, November 19th and 20th, the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick will take place at both the Saturday afternoon Mass and the Sunday morning Mass.
The Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick is from ancient times. In the Letter of James we read that a person who is ill should call for the elders and they will anoint the sick person with oil and the person will recover health.
Anyone who is seriously ill or in chemical dependency recovery or burdened by the limitations of advancing age or suffering from a chronic illness is encouraged to receive the Sacrament of the Sick.
Often we do not think of children or young people as subjects for anointing; yet some children and youth carry grave illness and/or chronic conditions.
I encourage you to invite family members and neighbors and friends who are ill to come with you to Mass and the Sacrament of Anointing. Perhaps there is someone who needs transportation; you might offer a ride.
The Sacrament will be celebrated after the Gospel and short homily. Healing oil will be blessed and you will be invited to come forward, extend your hands – palms up. I will mark the sign of the cross on both hands and on your forehead as I pray for you.
The prayer is for healing – not only physical healing but also the healing of the spirit. Often depression, fear, anxiety, anger, frustration, impatience with self or persistent sadness can be more debilitating than the physical illness.
While people come forward for anointing the congregation prays for their neighbors and friends who are seeking healing. The prayer of the congregation gives testimony that those who are ill are not forgotten; they are very much united with other members of the parish community.
Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick
Saturday, November 19th 4:15 pm
Sunday, November 20th 10:15 am
Father Steve Adrian
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