Anointing of the Sick
This page gives a brief introduction to the celebration of the Anointing of the Sick at St Mary’s Church, and answers the following questions:
What is this Sacrament about?
"The sacramental ministry of healing is the ministry by which God’s grace is given for the healing of spirit, mind, and body, in response to faith and prayer, by the laying on of hands, or by anointing with oil."
(The Revised Catechism of the Church of England)
From the beginnings of the Church, this sacrament has been part of the Christian response to sickness. Initially, it was offered to anyone who was seriously ill. Later it became focused on those who were dying (part of the Last Rites, known as Extreme Unction). Today, this sacrament’s more general use is once again being promoted.
There are two dimensions to the sacrament which are closely linked- healing and forgiveness. Physical healing isn’t the primary purpose of the sacrament, though it is by no means ruled out. More important is the inner or spiritual healing it offers, which is closely connected with the forgiveness of sins. It assures the sick person of the presence of God and helps overcome the sense of isolation that is often associated with sickness.
Who should be anointed?
Any baptised Christian who is seeking a healing, especially anyone who is seriously ill (understand illness in the broadest possible way). Examples include anybody:
How is the sacrament celebrated?
The sacrament is usually celebrated in the sick person’s home, or in a hospital or hospice. Where possible it is desirable that family and friends be present to support the sick person. It is also possible for people to be anointed in church, either during Mass or at some other time. This might be particularly appropriate for someone who is going into hospital for an operation.
The main element of the sacrament itself is the anointing of the sick person by the priest on the forehead and the palms of the hands with the Oil of the Sick (or Infirmata), which has been blessed by the Bishop at the Chrism Mass. Even if the sacrament is celebrated outside of the Mass, Holy Communion is often offered to the sick person after the anointing.
Is this the ‘Last Rites’?
No. The so-called ‘Last Rites’ are celebrated only when a person is near to death. If a priest offers to anoint you, don’t assume you’re dying!
The ‘Last Rites’ include anointing, but form part of a rite which is about praying for a dying person, and preparing them for their death. The main elements which may be included are:
This page gives a brief introduction to the celebration of the Anointing of the Sick at St Mary’s Church, and answers the following questions:
- What is this Sacrament about?
- Who should be anointed?
- How is the Sacrament celebrated?
- Is this the ‘Last Rites’?
What is this Sacrament about?
"The sacramental ministry of healing is the ministry by which God’s grace is given for the healing of spirit, mind, and body, in response to faith and prayer, by the laying on of hands, or by anointing with oil."
(The Revised Catechism of the Church of England)
From the beginnings of the Church, this sacrament has been part of the Christian response to sickness. Initially, it was offered to anyone who was seriously ill. Later it became focused on those who were dying (part of the Last Rites, known as Extreme Unction). Today, this sacrament’s more general use is once again being promoted.
There are two dimensions to the sacrament which are closely linked- healing and forgiveness. Physical healing isn’t the primary purpose of the sacrament, though it is by no means ruled out. More important is the inner or spiritual healing it offers, which is closely connected with the forgiveness of sins. It assures the sick person of the presence of God and helps overcome the sense of isolation that is often associated with sickness.
Who should be anointed?
Any baptised Christian who is seeking a healing, especially anyone who is seriously ill (understand illness in the broadest possible way). Examples include anybody:
- With a disease that could be life threatening or seriously disabling.
- Who had a serious accident.
- Who is about to undergo an operation.
- Who has chronic disabling condition.
- With a serious psychiatric or psychological disorder.
- For accidents, operation, or acute illnesses (illness of relatively short duration) it is normal to anoint the person only once, though the sacrament can be repeated if the person’s condition deteriorates significantly.
How is the sacrament celebrated?
The sacrament is usually celebrated in the sick person’s home, or in a hospital or hospice. Where possible it is desirable that family and friends be present to support the sick person. It is also possible for people to be anointed in church, either during Mass or at some other time. This might be particularly appropriate for someone who is going into hospital for an operation.
The main element of the sacrament itself is the anointing of the sick person by the priest on the forehead and the palms of the hands with the Oil of the Sick (or Infirmata), which has been blessed by the Bishop at the Chrism Mass. Even if the sacrament is celebrated outside of the Mass, Holy Communion is often offered to the sick person after the anointing.
Is this the ‘Last Rites’?
No. The so-called ‘Last Rites’ are celebrated only when a person is near to death. If a priest offers to anoint you, don’t assume you’re dying!
The ‘Last Rites’ include anointing, but form part of a rite which is about praying for a dying person, and preparing them for their death. The main elements which may be included are:
- Confession (if possible) or a Penitential Rite (like the beginning of Mass).
- Anointing if the person has not recently been anointed.
- Holy Communion as Viaticum- ‘Viaticum’ is a Latin term which means ‘food for the journey’. In the Eucharist the dying person receives Christ, died and risen, in order that they may rise with Christ.
- The Prayer of Commendation in which the dying person is commended to God.