Sacrament of the Sick

Illness and suffering have always been among the gravest problems confronted in human life. Christ's compassion for the sick and his many healing miracles are a great sign that God has visited his people.

This Sacrament goes back to the earliest days of our Church. In the letter of St. James 5,14 and also in the Acts of the Apostles 9,34 there are clear indications of the priests blessing the sick.

Sacrament of the sick

When a priest administers the Sacrament of the Sick, he prays for the sick person and anoints them with the Holy Oil of the Sick. This Sacrament is for those who are sick - it is usually administered to someone who has a serious illness or is undergoing a serious operation. It does not mean that a person is dying!

If someone is going into hospital for surgery or long-term treatment they should notify their parish priest and receive the Sacrament of the Sick beforehand. People who are housebound through illness or age should ask for the priest to attend them or send a Eucharistic Minister at regular intervals.

The priest will attend to the sick at any time but would appreciate knowing that someone is ill at an early stage rather than the last minute.

When a person is dying or close to death the priest will administer the Sacrament of the Dying or Extreme Unction.

Please let the priest know if there is a long-term illness within your family home - the Sacrament of the Sick can give great spiritual comfort at such times.

In addition to the anointing of the sick the Church offers those who are about to leave this life the holy Eucharist as Viaticum, food for the journey. (See Catholic Catechism No. 1524)