Sacraments 101: Anointing of the Sick (who it's for)

Summary

The Anointing of the Sick, once known as Last Rites, is a sacrament of healing in the Catholic Church meant for those seriously ill or facing surgery, rather than solely at the end of life. It involves a priest anointing the sick with holy oil, offering spiritual support, strength, and forgiveness of sins. Misconceptions about its purpose often lead to fear; however, the sacrament serves to unite individuals with Christ’s suffering and provide comfort during difficult times. This practice emphasizes God's grace and encourages receiving the sacrament more than once as needed for spiritual and physical healing.

Takeaways

• 😀 The Anointing of the Sick, formerly known as Last Rites, is a sacrament focused on healing rather than solely preparation for death.
• 😀 This sacrament has its origins in early Christian communities and emphasizes God's grace through human senses.
• 😀 It can be received multiple times, especially when facing serious illness or undergoing significant medical procedures.
• 😀 It is not intended for routine use; rather, it is meant to provide spiritual support during serious health challenges.
• 😀 The sacrament includes prayers for physical and spiritual healing, as well as strength to endure suffering.
• 😀 The proper time for receiving the sacrament is when a believer is in danger of death due to illness or age.
• 😀 The Anointing of the Sick involves a priest or bishop anointing the forehead and palms of the sick person with blessed oil.
• 😀 It aims to unite the sick with Christ's sufferings and provides forgiveness of sins, courage, and peace.
• 😀 The sacrament can be administered in various settings, including during Sunday Mass.
• 😀 Many Catholics misunderstand this sacrament due to its association with death, but it is fundamentally about God's reassurance and comfort in times of suffering.

Q & A

What is the Anointing of the Sick?

The Anointing of the Sick is a sacrament in the Catholic Church that provides spiritual healing and strength to those who are seriously ill or facing old age.

Can the Anointing of the Sick be given to someone who has already died?

No, the Anointing of the Sick is only administered to living individuals. Special prayers for the deceased are separate from this sacrament.

What are some common misconceptions about the Anointing of the Sick?

Many people mistakenly believe it should only be received at the point of death or that it is a sacrament of death, rather than a sacrament of healing.

How often can Catholics receive the Anointing of the Sick?

Catholics can receive the Anointing of the Sick multiple times, especially when facing serious illness or undergoing major surgery.

When is the appropriate time to request the Anointing of the Sick?

It is appropriate to request the sacrament when a person is in danger of death due to illness, is seriously ill, or when facing significant health challenges.

What are the spiritual effects of the Anointing of the Sick?

The sacrament unites the sick person with Christ's suffering, offers peace and courage, imparts forgiveness of sins, and prepares the individual for eternal life.

Who is authorized to administer the Anointing of the Sick?

Only a priest or bishop can administer the Anointing of the Sick.

What does the ritual of the Anointing of the Sick involve?

The ritual includes the laying on of hands, anointing with blessed oil on the forehead and palms, and a prayer invoking God's love and mercy.

Why might people hesitate to discuss the Anointing of the Sick?

People often find it difficult to talk about sickness and death, leading to misunderstandings about the sacrament's purpose and significance.

How does the Church view pain and suffering in relation to the Anointing of the Sick?

The Church teaches that pain and suffering can bring individuals closer to Christ, who also suffered, and that the sacrament offers comfort and strength during these times.