Page 5 - The Sacraments

Anointing of the Sick OFFERS GRACE TO STRENGTHEN someone in danger of death or suf- fering serious illness, injury, or advanced age. It helps the person join their sufferings
with the sufferings of Christ, and offers peace and consolation.
KEY WORDS AND ACTIONS:
Anointing by a priest with the holy
Oil of the Sick. The priest lays
his hands on the head of the sick
person. He anoints their forehead and hands. He prays: “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.” (CCC, 1513)
FIND IT IN THE BIBLE:
“Is anyone among you sick? He should summon the presbyters of the church, and they should pray
over him and anoint
[him] with oil in the
name of the Lord, and
the prayer of faith will
save the sick person, and
the Lord will raise him up. If he has committed any sins, he will be forgiven.” – James 5:14-16
IN THE CATECHISM: CCC, 1499-1532
Oil of the Sick =
graces and strength from the Holy Spirit
THE GRACES GIVEN:
* Unites the sick person to the passion of Christ, for his own
good and that of the whole Church.
* Strengthens and brings peace and courage to endure
the sufferings of illness or old age.
* Forgives sins when the sick person is unable to receive the
Sacrament of Penance.
* Provides healing of physical health, only if it is conducive to the salvation of the sick person’s soul. (See CCC, 1532.)
* Prepares the sick person for death MINISTER OF THE SACRAMENT:
Priest
SIGN:
ALSO: Mt 8:17, 10:8, 38, 25:36; Mk 5:34, 6:12-13, 16:17-18; Lk 6:19; Acts 9:34; 1 Cor 12:9, 28, 30
THIS SACRAMENT CAN BE REPEATED AS NEEDED.
In ideal circumstances the Anointing of the Sick ought to be accompanied by Penance and reception of the Eucharist. Communion at the end of life is called Viaticum (Latin for “provision for the journey”). See CCC, 1524-1525.
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The Sacraments The FAITH ESSENTIALS Series
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