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Jesus' care and concern for the sick
permeate the Gospels. Though primarily concerned with spiritual sickness,
He was not indifferent to bodily afflictions and seemed often to point to
the relationship between the two.
To be faithful to Him, the Church must
care for those who are sick in body as well as spirit. |
The anointing of the sick is a special sacrament for Christians
dangerously ill as a result of sickness or old age. The sacrament is also
intended for patients undergoing surgery on account of dangerous illness,
for elderly persons who are in a weak condition, even if they are not
dangerously ill, for children who are seriously ill and have sufficient
understanding to be comforted by its reception.
A communal celebration of this sacrament is held
at least once a year so that
the sick, surrounded by the Church in the person of their family and
friends, can receive special support and encouragement from the faith
community.
The pastor is available for the individual celebration of this
sacrament when a family determines that a home, nursing home, or hospital celebration would be most
appropriate. Parishioners planning to enter the hospital for surgery are encouraged to
receive this sacrament prior to admission. Please contact the pastor
at the Rectory to arrange for this sacrament.
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