"Is anyone among you sick? He should summon the priests 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
Healing was a very important part of Jesus’s ministry and the Church continues that ministry through this sacrament. The Risen Lord provides healing grace to those who receive the sacrament. Most often the Lord strengthens those who participate so that they are better equipped to carry the cross they have been given. Those who receive this sacrament find their faith strengthened and move forward with a deeper awareness that Jesus is walking with them.
The Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick (formally know as Last Rites), gives strength and support and can be administered to anyone struggling with an illness. When the priest blesses the oil of anointing, he asks God to “send the power of your Holy Spirit, the Consoler, into this precious oil. Make this oil a remedy for all who are anointed with it; heal them in body, in soul and in spirit, and deliver them from every affliction.” (Pastoral Care of the Sick, #123).
The healing that occurs in this sacrament of anointing is not necessarily physical healing. While we believe that physical healing can occur through the great power of God, the grace that is infused through this special sacrament is the reminder of the eternal presence of God in our human suffering.
Anyone who has reached the age of reason and has a serious illness or ailment can receive this sacrament.
Call the Parish Office at 818-242-2579 for more information.