What is the Anointing of the Sick?
Although the sacrament has been understood this way for many decades, the Anointing of the Sick is not a sacrament only for those who are near death. Anointing is for people of all ages (including children) who are suffering from serious or terminal illness, preparing to face a surgery, dealing with a mental illness or addiction, or of old age and/or frail condition. Through this sacrament, the entire Church asks God to lighten your sufferings, forgive your sins, and bring you to eternal salvation.
If you or a member of your family would like to share in the grace of this healing sacrament, simply call the rectory at (908) 322-5192, and a priest would be happy to visit with the sick person and celebrate the Anointing of the Sick.
What happens during Anointing of the Sick?
Anointing of the Sick outside of Mass is a short rite that involves readings from Scripture, special prayers for the sick person and a blessing/anointing with Holy Oil. Depending on the situation, if the sick person is near death, they may also receive the sacrament of Confession and/or the Holy Eucharist at this time.
Who can receive this Sacrament?
As noted above, anointing is for people of all ages (including children) who are suffering from serious or terminal illness, preparing to face a surgery, dealing with a mental illness or addiction, or of old age and/or frail condition. This sacrament can be received multiple times in a person's life if the necessity arises - each time a Christian falls seriously ill, he may receive the Anointing of the Sick, and also when, after he has received it, the illness worsens.
What is the effect of receiving the Anointing of the Sick?
Jesus does want to heal us. Sometimes, we are physically healed if that is the will of God and will bring us closer to Him. But most importantly, we are all on a journey to heaven. Just like our loved ones want to be with us in our times of need. Jesus wants to give us strength to avoid despair and the temptation to turn in on ourselves. Suffering allows us to be united with Christ in his suffering, and to turn it into redemptive suffering. And this is how God offers us grace to strengthen us in illness through the sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick.