Anointing of the Sick

St. James instructs Christians to call the presbyters (priests) of the Church to pray over the sick and anoint them with oil in the name of the Lord. (James 5:14-15) The Anointing of the Sick by the priest spiritually heals the sick person, unites them to the redemptive suffering of Jesus, and prepares them for the final journey to the Lord by a forgiveness of sin and spiritual strengthening.

One does not need to be at the point of death to receive the Anointing of the Sick. As soon as a Catholic “begins to be in danger of death from sickness or old age, the fitting time to receive this sacrament has certainly already arrived.” (CCC 1514) Imploring the Lord to physically and spiritually heal the sick person, the priest anoints their forehead and hands, praying “Through this holy anointing may the Lord in his love and mercy help you with the grace of the Holy Spirit. May the Lord who frees you from sin save you and raise you up.”

Celebrating the Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick at Holy Redeemer

The Sacrament of the Sick is celebrated in the context of weekend Masses on a quarterly basis. To receive the Sacrament at other times please call the Parish Office (508-945-0677). Patients admitted to Tobey Hospital should make their parish affiliation known to hospital staff and they will be visited by a chaplain.

To learn more about the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick: