Anointing of the Sick
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Healing Grace
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Early Christians regularly anointed the sick following the practice outlined in the Epistle of James:“Is anyone among you sick? He should summon the presbyters of the church, and they should pray over him and anoint him with oil in the name of the Lord, and the prayer of faith will save the sick person, and the Lord will raise him up. If he has committed any sins, he will be forgiven”. (James 5:14-15 ) .
Although no specific prayers have been preserved, early anointing’s sought healing as well as forgiveness from God. During the Middle Ages, the Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick was reserved just for those who were dying. Prayers for healing were replaced by prayers for forgiveness of sin and hope of salvation. The sacrament came to be called “Extreme Unction” because it was considered the last anointing one would receive before death. As modern research gave insight into early Christian practice, the Second Vatican Council urged the Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick be renewed to include prayer for healing as well as remission of sin.
Today, anyone faced with a grave illness or the prospect of surgery may receive the anointing of the sick. The grace of the sacrament include the courage to face illness, overcome despair, to unite one’s suffering with that of Christ and to strengthen the Church by the faith of the sick person, who in turn is supported by prayer of the Faithful.
If you or a loved one is suffering from a serious illness, in danger of death from sickness or about to have a serious procedure and wish to be anointed, please call the parish office.
Biblical references: Mk 6:12-13; Jm 5:14
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Receive the Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick
The anointing of the sick by which the Church commends to the suffering and glorified Lord the faithful, who are dangerously sick so that He relieve and save them, is conferred by anointing them with oil and using the words prescribed in the liturgical books.
The Anointing of the Sick can be administered to a member of the faithful, who after having reached the use of reason, begins to be in danger due to sickness or old age. This sacrament can also be repeated whenever the sick person again falls into a serious sickness after convalescence or whenever a more serious crisis develops during the same sickness.
Anyone needing the Sacrament of Anointing for themselves or for a family member should contact the Pastoral Center Office at 724.775.3940 ext. 3 to make arrangements to have a priest visit. One need not wait until the person reaches the end moments of life, but ideally the Sacrament should be celebrated when the sick person is conscious and is able to participate in the prayers and have the opportunity to make their confession receiving the Sacrament of Penance. If you or a loved one is suffering from a serious illness, in danger of death from sickness or about to have a serious procedure and wish to be anointed, please call the Parish Adminstrative Office at 724.775.6363 ext. 101 or the Pastoral Center Office at 724.775.3940 ext. 3.
If hospitalized, most hospitals have arrangements for pastoral care and anytime one is admitted it is important to see that you are identified as a Catholic. Priests assigned to care for hospitals are available to offer the Anointing of the Sick. Your parish priests when visiting hospitals are also willing to offer the Anointing of the Sick to those in need.
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A Sacrament for the Living and (not just) the Dying
The Sacrament of the Anointing is one of the seven sacraments of our Church. It’s interesting in that it has two related applications in the life of the Faithful: when someone of any stage in life is experiencing a health difficulty or illness that is life-threatening, and when someone is reaching the end of life. If the person at end stages of life is able to receive, then the Sacrament of the Anointing is given as Extreme Unction and the person is also given Holy Communion as “Viaticum,” which is literally translated as “provisions for the way.”
The Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick is not primarily a sacrament for ‘emergencies’. unless this cannot be avoided, it should not be delayed until death is imminent. There are certain circumstances that require an emergency administration of the sacrament, such as in the aftermath of a serious accident or when one is suddenly stricken. However, as a general practice, anointing of the sick ought to be a more routine aspect of the lives of the chronically ill and the aged, or of those who have entered the various stages of serious illnesses.
This is why our parish offers the Anointing of the Sick throughout the months of May and October each year after all weekend Masses. This is for anyone experiencing serious illness, or health issues that could be life-threatening. The Sacrament is offered in these cases generously and may be repeated.
If death seems to be certainly approaching, one ought to be anointed well before the final stages, and surely before unconsciousness ensues. In no case should a family wait "for the last moment" to summon a priest. If you have a family member who is in danger of death or for whom death seems imminent, no matter the time of day or night, please call the emergency line (at 724.775.6363 ext. 3) so that a priest of our parish can be alerted.
The Anointing of the Sick is a Sacrament for the living, and not merely for those on the very doorstep of death. Those who are scheduled for surgery ought to be anointed before entering the hospital, preferably at one of the churches within our parish if it can be arranged. If you are preparing for a medical procedure, please see one of the priests of the parish.
Hospital staff know how to reach the Catholic chaplain on call at any time. In the case of real emergencies, a Catholic chaplain is on call 24 hours a day at all hospitals, including Sewickley and Beaver.
This information is particularly critical with fewer priests available to respond to emergency calls.
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Homebound Visitations
If you or someone you know is homebound and should be placed on the parish list in order to receive Holy Communion or be visited by a priest if wanting to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation / Confession, please download and complete the request form provided here, then mail the form to the address listed or have the form placed it in the collection basket. You may also call 724.775.3940 ext. 3 for assistance with this request process.
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