Anointing of the Sick
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ANOINTING OF THE SICK
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Jesus came to heal the whole person, body and soul.
In the Church's Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick, throughthe ministry of the priest, it is Jesus who touches the sick to heal them from sin – and sometimes even from physical ailment. His cures were signs of the arrival of the Kingdom of God. The core message of his healing tells us of his plan to conquer sin and death by his dying and rising.
The Rite of Anointing tells us there is no need to wait until a person is at the point of death to receive the Sacrament. A careful judgment about the serious nature of the illness is sufficient.
When the Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick is given, the hoped-for effect is that, if it be God's will, the person be physically healed of illness. But even if there is no physical healing, the primary effect of the Sacrament is a spiritual healing by which the sick person receives the Holy Spirit's gift of peace and courage to deal with the difficulties that accompany serious illness or the frailty of old age.
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Anointing of the Sick
We usually think of asking for this anointing only when we are nearing death through sickness or old age. However, if this were the case, we would be missing out on the opportunity for God to heal and help us at times when we might need Him the most - when we are having surgery, dealing with a physical, mental, emotional, or even spiritual affliction.
It is during these difficult times that we need the Holy Spirit's gifts of strength, faith, peace, and courage. It is during these times, as well, that we should seek to receive this God given sacrament.
If you or a loved one is in need of annointing, please contact the Parish Office at 972-423-5600 or fill out the form below to make arrangements for one of our priests to minister the anointing.
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viaticum & last rites
In addition to the Anointing of the Sick, the Church offers those who are about to leave this life the Eucharist as viaticum. Communion in the body and blood of Christ, recieved at this moment of 'passing over' to the Father, has a particular significans and importance. The sacrament of Christ once dead and now risen, the Eucharist is here the sacrament of passing over from death to life, from this world to the Father (Cf. Jn 13:1)." (CCC 1524)
Thus, Confession, the Anointing of the Sick, and the Eucharist as viaticum constitute at the end of Christian life 'the sacraments that prepare for our heavenly homeland' (CCC 1525). Last Rites may also be accompanied by an apostolic blessing that gives a plenary indulgence to the dying person.
In most cases, Last Rites are emergency sitatuions. Therefore, we ask that you please contact our Parish Office at 972-423-5600 to arrange a priest to visit you or your loved one. Please note that even after hours, you will be forwarded to a hotline to get in touch with a priest as soon as possible.
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