The Anointing of the Sick

The Anointing of the Sick

The Anointing of the Sick is one of the seven Catholic Sacraments according to Catholic Doctrine. By the grace of this Sacrament, the sick person receives a strengthening of the Faith and the gift of being united more closely to Christ in His Passion.

The Anointing of the Sick is not a Sacrament only for those who are at the point of death. Before a major surgery, a serious medical emergency or when facing a life threatening situation, one can also request to receive this Sacrament. The challenges of the elderly experiencing frailty, pain and loneliness encouraged to receive the comforting Anointing of Christ.

Facing the possibility of death can be traumatic for the sick and dying and is a difficult challenge for the family, relatives and loved ones. Jesus does not abandon us especially in this last hour. There are those who think that by requesting for the Anointing already means letting go of their loved ones to pass on to the next life. Waiting until the last moment to call the priest to administer the Sacrament may deprive the person of the chance to prepare well for the last journey since the Anointing brings with it immense graces.

The rite can be performed in a home or a hospital by a priest who prays over the person and anoints the sick on the forehead and hands with chrism (holy oil). It is very opportune that the sick also takes advantage of the opportunity to do a good Confession if they desire and receive the Eucharist. If the person is at the point of death, the priest also administers a special blessing known as the Last Rites. The Last Rites consists of the Sacrament of Confession (if the person is able to speak), the Anointing with the Chrism Oil, a special Apostolic Blessing and Holy Communion (called the Viaticum) for the dying.

Pastoral Care

The Pastoral Care group of St Joseph’s Church consists of a group of caring Communion Ministers who assist the Priest to bring the Holy Eucharist to the sick or home bound of the community of St Joseph’s Church and continue to follow them up with regular visits.