Sacrament of the Sick

The parish priest attends to the sick at home within the parish, while Hospital Chaplains visit parishioners in hospitals; (Please contact a member of the nursing staff in hospitals to reach the on-call chaplain).

Some people value receiving the sacrament of the sick, which strengthens and affirms them. If you would like to receive the sacrament of the sick or know someone who would, please contact the parish office or the priest directly.

The Sacrament of the Sick is a special way the Church brings God’s healing, comfort, and strength to those who are seriously ill, facing surgery, or experiencing the challenges of old age. It is sometimes called Anointing of the Sick and is rooted in Jesus’ care for the sick and suffering (CCC 1511-1514).

What Is the Sacrament?

This sacrament is a gift of God’s grace for those who are physically or spiritually weakened by illness.

Through prayer, the laying on of hands, and the anointing with holy oil, the Church asks God to bring peace, courage, and healing. It is not only for those near death; it is for anyone struggling with serious illness, chronic conditions, or the effects of aging (CCC 1514-1515).

The Purpose of the Sacrament

  • Spiritual Strength: The sacrament offers comfort, courage, and trust in God during illness.
  • Healing: God may bring physical healing, but more importantly, this sacrament brings inner peace and spiritual healing.
  • Forgiveness of Sins: If the person is unable to confess in the usual way, the sacrament can bring forgiveness and reconciliation with God (CCC 1499, 1520).
  • Union with Christ: The sacrament unites the sick person more closely with Christ’s suffering, helping them to find meaning and hope even in illness (CCC 1521-1522).

How It Is Celebrated

A priest usually celebrates the sacrament with:

  1. Prayer and Laying on of Hands – A gesture invoking the Holy Spirit’s healing power.
  2. Anointing with the Oil of the Sick – Blessed oil is placed on the forehead and hands as a sign of God’s care and strength.
  3. Prayers of Intercession – The community prays for the sick person, offering support and encouragement.

The sacrament can be received individually or in special parish celebrations for the sick and elderly.

Families are encouraged to request it when a loved one is seriously ill or facing surgery.

Who Can Receive It?

Any baptised Catholic who is seriously ill, facing surgery, or experiencing weakness from age or chronic illness can receive the Sacrament of the Sick (CCC 1516). It may be received more than once if a person’s condition worsens or if they recover and later face illness again.