St. Mary's Catholic Church of Tomahawk, WI

The Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick – 7/7

The Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick was instituted by Jesus Christ our Lord by entrusting his mission of preaching and healing to his Apostles. St. James, the Apostle, recommended the faithful to call the priest when a person was sick (James 5:14-15). In this Sacrament a blessing is given to those who are seriously ill on the forehead and the hands with blessed oil (the oil which is blessed by the Bishop in the Chrism Mass). It is NOT a Sacrament for those only who are at the point of death, but any one at the danger of death due to sickness or old age can receive this Sacrament. This Sacrament can be given and repeated only by the priest of the Church.

The life of a Christian, began at Baptism, perfected by Confirmation, nourished by the Holy Eucharist, restored by Penance and crowned by Anointing of the Sick. This Sacrament completes the work of purifying the soul, giving it strength to face difficulties. This Sacrament infuses into the soul the grace of the Holy Spirit who takes away the residue of sin and revives the courage and trust in God’s mercy.

This Sacrament has the power to cancel venial and mortal sins if a person repents. In order that this Sacrament be fruitful and effective, the person has to prepare to the extent of his consciousness with deep piety and penance. By this Sacrament, the person is relieved of all the weight of his sins and can go serenely to God in peace. It prepares man to participate in the glory of God.