Roman Catholic Parish 
"Are any among you suffering? They should pray...Are any among you sick? They should call upon the elders of the church and have them pray over them, anointing them with oil in the name of the Lord." (James 5:13-14)
Perhaps one of the most misunderstood of all sacraments in the Catholic Church (along with Reconciliation)
is that of the Anointing of the Sick.
Often (mistakenly) called the 'Last rights', our most common mental image is that of a priest hovering over the
bed of a person at death's door, mumbling strange Latin words we do not understand.
This is unfortunate because this is most certainly not a sacrament for the dead, but for the living, whereby we
are able to experience the healing ministry of Christ within our own lives. Calling upon our Lord to strengthen
us and to help us to endure the trials and afflictions that affect us all whether young or old. In addition, it
gives us the chance to have our family of faith pray for us at those times when we most need their support.
In addition to private celebrations in the home or hospital room, this very special encounter with the healing
ministry of Christ is offered twice a year at Christ the King, usually in the spring and fall, in a communal
celebration at the parish. generally, in the weeks leading up to these community liturgies and for a few weeks afterward
the sacrament is also celebrated in the various care-homes that fall within our parish boundaries.
Watch the weekly bulletin and monthly calendar
in spring and fall for exact time and dates.
Are you going into the hospital for planned (or unplanned) surgery? Are you struggling with a chronic health
condition? Do you feel concerned about your health and do not feel as though you can wait until the next parish
celebration? Contact the parish office to arrange for a celebration of this sacrament in the home with family and
friends or in your hospital room.
We would like to remind you that, upon being admitted to the hospital, you must indicate to admitting that you are Roman Catholic if you
would like to have the Roman Catholic Chaplain visit you.
If you wish to have someone from the parish visit you, please contact the parish office. With your permission, we
would also like to include you or your loved ones in our Prayers of the Faithful.
"By the sacred anointing of the sick and the prayer of the priests the whole Church commends those who are ill to the suffering and glorified Lord, that he may raise them up and save them. And indeed she exhorts them to contribute to the good of the People of God by freely uniting themselves to the Passion and death of Christ." -The Catechism of the Catholic Church #1499
Learn More About the Great Gift of God's Healing From Fr. Dan of CatholicTV.com
A Blessing for the Sick
Lord of Health and Wholeness, your servant _______ now lies sick and desires to be restored to health. Hear, O
Lord our prayers for their healing. With abounding hope and faith we place our hands upon you as we call forth
the medicine of God's grace.
(Lay hands upon loved one and pray in silence)
Divine healer, we place ourselves in your hands. We ask for healing, but also for acceptance of your holy plan.
Gift us with this acceptance, as you support _______ with the strength of your Holy Spirit.
(addressing your loved one)
May you be blessed with the power and the love of God and with the affection of those who love you. Amen+
