Anointing of the Sick is a sacrament of healing and spiritual strengthening for those who are sick or elderly. The Sacrament allows the sick or the elderly person to be anointed with the oil of the sick, to receive Jesus Christ's healing and strength, and to receive support from a praying community.
What is it? Anointing of the Sick Mass
When is it on? The last Saturday of each month during the 8.00 am Mass.
Who is it for? All are welcome, especially those who are suffering in body, mind, or spirit in any way.
Through this ministry of healing, God seeks to restore us to wholeness physically, mentally, emotionally, and/or spiritually. During times of fragility and sickness, the Sacrament expresses God's power of healing through the Church.
About the Sacrament of Anointing
Anointing of the Sick is a sacrament for the healing and strengthening of those who are sick or elderly. The Sacrament enables the sick or elderly to be anointed with the oil of the sick, to receive Jesus' healing and strength, and to be supported by a praying community. A person may receive the Sacrament at Mass, in a hospital or nursing home, or at home.
Every last Saturday of the month during the 8.00 am Mass.
Anyone suffering from a serious illness - physical, emotional, mental, or spiritual.
Yes! This Sacrament of Anointing is happening during our usual Saturday morning 8.00 am Mass. Everyone is welcome to receive the anointing, but you don't have to!
After the homily, the priest will lay his hands on the heads of those to be anointed, calling down the Holy Spirit upon them. He will then make the sign of the cross on the foreheads and palms of the hands of those receiving the sacrament, using the sacred oil of the sick which was blessed by the Bishop.
No! Anointing of the Sick does not necessarily have to be done at the end of life. People often receive the Sacrament:
- prior to surgery or a serious medical procedure
- during long-term or terminal illnesses
- due to age-related health issues.
All are welcome!
In the event that you or someone you know cannot attend Mass, please contact the Parish Office on 9580 1310 and we will arrange for someone to come and anoint you.
There is sometimes a misconception that 'anointing the sick' and 'last rites' are the same thing, but they are not. As the name suggests, 'Last Rites' are a final preparation for death, which can include anointing the sick. The last rites are administered only to the seriously ill or dying.
A sick person is offered the Eucharist as viaticum (literally, food for the journey). It is administered as a “last Communion” before death.
Also encouraged is the Sacrament of Reconciliation, if the sick person is able to confess their sins. The sacraments help the Christian complete their earthly pilgrimage (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1525).
Should someone become gravely ill, please contact the parish office as soon as possible (ph. 9580 1310) to arrange for a priest to visit and pray for them. You may use the emergency number option on the phone message bank if no one is available at the parish office.