The sacrament of anointing confers a special grace on the Christian experiencing grave illness or old age.
Is any among you sick? Let him call for the presbyters of the Church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord; and the prayer of faith will save the sick man, and the Lord will raise him up; and if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven.
James 5:14-15
Each time a Christian falls seriously ill, he may receive the Anointing of the Sick, and also when, after he has received it, the illness worsens. Only priests can give this sacrament and they use oil blessed by the bishop.
The celebration consists in the anointing of the forehead and hands of the sick person accompanied by the liturgical prayer of the celebrant.
The special grace of this sacraments has as its effects:
- the uniting of the sick person to the passion of Christ, for his own good and that of the whole Church
- the strengthening, peace, and courage to endure in a Christian manner the sufferings of illness or old age
- the forgiveness of sins, if unable to obtain through the sacrament of Penance
- the restoration of health, if it is conducive to the salvation of his soul
- the preparation for passing over to eternal life
If you, or your loved ones are sick or elderly, are facing surgery or serious illness and wish to receive the Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick, please contact the parish office by calling: 586-726-6911 or email the priests, or the Parish office.
If one of your loved ones is dying, please contact the parish office by calling: 586-726-6911 or email the priests, or the Parish office. The priest will celebrate the Sacrament of Penance, give the apostolic pardon for the dying, and give Communion as Viaticum – food on the way to eternity.