The basis for this ancient rite is found in the Letter of James: “If there are sick among you, they should call in the presbyters (priests) of the Church. They, in turn, are to pray over him, anointing him in the name of the Lord. This prayer uttered in faith will reclaim the one who is ill, and the Lord will restore him to health. If he has committed any sins, forgiveness will be his” (5:14-15).
Anointing can be given any time a person is sick or when an illness takes a turn for the worse. Remember, as James tells us, this sacrament is “uttered in faith” that the Lord will heal as he wills. The beautiful prayer the priest prays as he anoints the forehead and the palms of the hands is: “Through this holy anointing, may the Lord in his love and mercy help you with the grace of the Holy Spirit and may the Lord raise you up and save you from sin. Amen.”
The Sacrament of Anointing is available by contacting the Parish Office by phone or by email. The priest will arrange a suitable time with you.