Sacrament of the Sick
The Anointing of the Sick is the sacrament by which Christ gives spiritual aid and strength to the sick. Through the sacrament of anointing, Christ strengthens the faithful who are afflicted by illness, providing them with the strongest means of support. We encourage people to take advantage of this sacrament, it is not just “last rites” to be given immediately before a person dies, but should be seen in a broader context of illness. A person can receive the Sacrament of the Sick more than once.
If at anytime you or someone you know wish to receive the Sacrament of the Sick, please contact the Parish Office at 978-320-4220 to contact one of our priests.
Who should receive the Sacrament of the Sick?
- A sick person
- Someone with a severe medical diagnosis
- Someone anticipating surgery
- Someone may be anointed if they are weakened even though no serious illness is present.
- Sick children - if they have sufficient use of reason to be strengthened by this Sacrament.
The Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick and the many prayers offered by Christ’s faithful people remind us of the Lord’s special care and compassion for the sick and infirm. May we always remember to pray for the sick each day and ask that the Lord comfort them with his love and with the compassionate care of family and friends.
If you or someone you know would like to receive the Anointing of the Sick, please call the Parish Office at 978-320-4220 to contact one of our priests.
The Catechism of the Catholic Church on Anointing of the Sick:
1526 | "Is any among you sick? Let him call for the presbyters of the Church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord; and the prayer of faith will save the sick man, and the Lord will raise him up; and if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven" (Jas 5:14-15).
1527 | The sacrament of Anointing of the Sick has as its purpose the conferral of a special grace on the Christian experiencing the difficulties inherent in the condition of grave illness or old age.
1528 | The proper time for receiving this holy anointing has certainly arrived when the believer begins to be in danger of death because of illness or old age.
1529 | 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.
1530 | Only priests (presbyters and bishops) can give the sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick, using oil blessed by the bishop, or if necessary by the celebrating presbyter himself.
1531 | The celebration of the Anointing of the Sick consists essentially in the anointing of the forehead and hands of the sick person (in the Roman Rite) or of other parts of the body (in the Eastern rite), the anointing being accompanied by the liturgical prayer of the celebrant asking for the special grace of this sacrament.
1532 | The special grace of the sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick has as its effects:
- the uniting of the sick person to the passion of Christ, for his own good and that of the whole Church
- the strengthening, peace, and courage to endure in a Christian manner the sufferings of illness or old age
- the forgiveness of sins, if the sick person was not able to obtain it through the sacrament of Penance
- the restoration of health, if it is conducive to the salvation of his soul
- the preparation for passing over to eternal life.