Sacrament
Anointing of the Sick
By the sacred anointing of the sick and the prayer of the priests the whole Church commends those who are ill to the suffering and glorified Lord, that he may raise them up and save them. And indeed she exhorts them to contribute to the good of the People of God by freely uniting themselves to the Passion and death of Christ. CCC 1499
The man of the Old Testament lives his sickness in the presence of God. It is before God that he laments his illness, and it is of God, Master of life and death, that he implores healing. Illness becomes a way to conversion; God’s forgiveness initiates the healing. It is the experience of Israel that illness is mysteriously linked to sin and evil, and that faithfulness to God according to his law restores life: “For I am the Lord, your healer.” The prophet intuits that suffering can also have a redemptive meaning for the sins of others.102 Finally Isaiah announces that God will usher in a time for Zion when he will pardon every offense and heal every illness. CCC 1502
Anointing of the Sick is a sacrament of faith: the faith of the Church which looks back to the death and resurrection of Christ Jesus and forward to the future reign of God which is promised through all of the sacraments. (Catholicism, Richard P. McBrien)
Anointing offers a renewed trust in the Holy Spirit and strength against anxiety and fear. At times, even physical health is restored. Through this sacrament, the Church recognizes her journey toward the reign of God in fostering the eschatological virtues of faith and hope. It is the journeying community who is saved in our “human wholeness, body as well as soul by our Lord Jesus Christ, (who) shared in our human nature to heal the sick and save all humankind.”
If you would like to arrange an appointment to receive the sacrament of Anointing of the Sick for yourself or for a loved one, please contact the parish office at 918-341-2343.
Who can receive the sacrament of the anointing of the sick?
Any member of the faithful can receive this sacrament as soon as he or she begins to be in danger of death because of sickness or old age. The faithful who receive this sacrament can receive it several times if their illness becomes worse or another serious sickness afflicts them. The celebration of this sacrament should, if possible, be preceded by individual confession on the part of the sick person.
Who administers the sacrament?
This sacrament can be administered only by priests (bishops or presbyters).
How is the sacrament celebrated?
The celebration of this sacrament consists of anointing with oil which may be blessed by the bishop. The anointing is on the forehead and on the hands of the sick person (in the Roman rite) or also on other parts of the body (in the other rites) accompanied by the prayer of the priest who asks for the special grace of this sacrament.