Anointing of the Sick

If one of you is ill, he should send for the elders of the church and they must anoint him with oil in the name of the Lord and pray over him... if he has committed any sins, he will be forgiven

James 5:14-15

The sacrament of Anointing of the Sick confers special grace to Christians who are suffering the hardships that come with sickness or old age. This special grace can have several effects including

• Comfort, Peace and Courage
• Forgiveness of Sin
• Recovery of Health (if it will aid the recipients salvation)
• Preparation for the journey to eternal life.
• The union of the sick person with the Passion of Christ

Members of the faithful who are in some danger of death through sickness or old age may be anointed. This sacrament is by no means reserved only for those on the absolute point of death. This sacrament can also be received several times, either if a person recovers from one illness and then subsequently falls ill again or if an existing condition (because of which they have already been anointed) gets worse.

Anyone who believes that either they or someone they know should receive the sacrament of the sick should speak to (phone) Fr John.