Anointing of the Sick

“By the sacred anointing of the sick and the prayer of the priests the whole Church commends those who are ill to the suffering and glorified Lord, that he may raise them up and save them. And indeed she exhorts them to contribute to the good of the People of God by freely uniting themselves to the Passion and death of Christ."

(Catechism of the Catholic Church 1499)
 

"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.”

(Catechism of the Catholic Church 1514)
 

The Sacrament of Anointing is the Church's celebration of the healing power and presence of Christ that continues among his disciples today. This sacrament is designed for healing and strengthening of both body and spirit, and it is recommended that the faithful celebrate it as soon as they face a serious health condition. The custom of waiting until one is on the deathbed to receive the sacrament is discouraged, since it is meant to be a sacrament of healing, not a sacrament of the dying.

Anointing of the sick is celebrated in a variety of ways at St. Rose: If you are ill and in need of the Sacrament of Anointing, please contact the Parish Office to arrange for a visit by a priest and the celebration of anointing. The Rite of Anointing is also celebrated during the year during Sunday liturgy. These dates and times are announced in the bulletin.