Anointing of the Sick
This sacrament unites a sick person’s suffering with that of Jesus and brings forgiveness of sins. In cases where a person is in danger of death or terminally ill, they may wish to be anointed by a priest. The priest uses the Holy oil which has been consecrated on Holy Thursday to anoint the sick person on their five senses by the laying on of hands as an absolution for any evil they may have been guilty of.
Oil is also seen as a symbol of strength, and the sacrament is often administered to people who are not terminally ill but as a Sacrament of Healing.
For those who care for the sick and terminally ill it is a good thing to ask if the person being cared for would like to receive the Sacrament, but such an enquiry must be handled with gentleness lest people feel that death may be imminent. In many cases the Sacrament brings great peace to patients and in this way allows them to share their suffering with Christ.
Please contact the parish office on 01-8332772 for further information on availability of a priest.