Dear Friends,

The thing about illness is that it never makes an appointment; it simply appears in our lives. That is why we have a powerful sacrament called the anointing of the sick. This sacrament is meant for anyone who is ill and needs and desires healing. The root of this anointing of the sick comes from the book of James in the New Testament. It states that if anyone is sick among you, they are to call for a priest and they are to be anointed with oil. The prayer of faith will save the sick person, and the Lord will raise them up. 

Catholics, at times, can be slow to update their faith. For many, what is understood about anointing is “last rites,” and so they never invite the priest to come and anoint them for healing, only thinking that those close to death should ever consider asking for the anointing.

A central part of Catholic teaching is the power of healing, and there are many types of healing. There is a physical healing that we can see and desire. There is mental and emotional healing. And the scriptures speak of spiritual healing most often. 

The blessing of the anointing of the sick is that I can literally see the body change right in front of my eyes when the anointing is given. Maybe it is less fear, more at peace, feeling more courageous, moving from anxiety to patience.  

So, how does one go about requesting this sacrament? One can call the office to speak to the priest to make an appointment. Depending on one’s location, the priest can visit the home or health facility. Priests work together to anoint people, so if one lives closer to another parish and the closest priest can be there in a timely manner, then the person can be open to having another priest offer the sacrament. We are all on the same team, so remember to let the priest work and support each other, as there are times when the demands of the day might require another priest to help out. I know I do that for people in our area as well. Another way is any time after Mass, one can request the anointing of the sick. The priest will gladly anoint the person, and many times they bring family and friends to pray with them as they receive this sacrament.

I hope this helps people feel free to ask for this sacrament when illness comes into their lives. Any illness is important to receive prayers and anointing. Please do not assume your illness might not be seen as important enough to be blessed for healing.  

My friends, this is a great sacrament. Please know it is available to anyone who desires healing.  

Peace in Christ,

Fr. Eric