The parish wish to offer every possible support to you or your loved one who is ill. The Sacraments of Holy Communion, Confession and Anointing of the Sick are a wonderful source of grace and healing and the priests of the parish are happy to visit your loved one who is sick. The Sacrament of Anointing is not only for those who are seriously ill but can be received by the infirm, those in advanced years, or anyone prior to surgery.
The sacrament calls upon God’s healing and loving presence, it brings comfort, peace and courage.
If you wish a priest to visit please contact the parish pastoral office or the priests directly.
Eucharist to the Housebound
Every First Friday of the month, the parish team visit the housebound with Holy Communion. Lay Ministers of the Eucharist are also available to distribute Holy Communion to the sick on Sundays or in time of need. If you or you know of someone who is are unable to attend Mass due to illness or frailty would like to receive the sacraments in your/their home, please contact the Parish Pastoral Office, Tel: 01 495 8695 or one of the Parish Team.
For communal services of Anointing of the Sick please check our newsletter The Annunciation Times and our website.
What Is the Sacrament of the sick?
The Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick is exactly what it says. It is a prayerful celebration for someone or for a group of people who are ill and are blessed by the priest with Holy Oil. It is not a sign that someone is dying as it was perceived in olden times. It is not a magical ritual; the person doesn’t automatically get better immediately after an anointing. God’s healing and loving presence are called upon that the sick person might be raised up and restored to health.
Symbolism
The words of blessing over the oil say it all. It is “oil intended to ease the sufferings of your people”. Oil soothes and heals. Oil blessed for the sick is a sign of the Anointed One (Messiah) of God. The person so anointed receives the healing, saving power of the One who saves (Messiah).
Oil
The oil that is used is Olive Oil. The Bishop and priests bless it at the ‘Chrism Mass’ on Holy Thursday in the Cathedral. The holy oils are then taken each year to each parish and hospital for use throughout the year in the Sacrament of the Sick.
How?
A person is anointed on the forehead and the palms of the hands while the priest says:
“Through this holy anointing may the Lord in his love and mercy help you by the grace of the Holy Spirit. May the Lord who heals you, save you and raise you up.”
Who Can Be Anointed?
Anyone in ‘serious illness’, those who are infirm, in advanced years, or anyone prior to surgery. (It is not only for when a person is in ‘danger of death’
- Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick – Franciscan Media
- Anointing of the Sick – Wikipedia
- Caring for the Dying
- Spiritual Support for the Dying
- Viaticum – Wikipedia
