The Sacrament of the Sick

            We know that the early church would send elders to the sick person's home to administer an anointing of oil;  the Epistle of James tells us that with faith the sick person will be raised up and his sins forgiven.  In the Gospel of Matthew Jesus tells his apostles to “heal the sick”.  For much of recent times the sacrament was only administered to someone who was in danger of dying; recently however, it has been offered to anyone who faces a threat to their physical health.  Like Reconciliation and the Holy Eucharist, this Sacrament can be received more than once.  

            The Sacrament is administered by a priest.  We believe it has several effects; first, it is a conduit of grace and with faith and God's will physical healing might take place; second, it heals us of the consequences of our sins, preparing us for heaven; third, it gives us the grace to endure our suffering through uniting that suffering with the suffering of Christ. 

            If a person wishes to receive this sacrament, a parish priest or a hospital chaplain who is a priest can be called.