Anointing of the Sick

What is Anointing of the Sick?

The Anointing of the Sick is administered by the bishop and priests to offer prayers and strength to the souls of the sick
through the grace of the Holy Spirit.

Anointing of the Sick is among the Sacraments, such as Baptism and Confirmation, during which Catholics are anointed
with Holy Oils. When administering the Sacrament, the priest dips his thumb in Holy Oil, anoints the forehead and
palms of the hands and says, “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.”

 

What does it represent?

The Sacrament is really about what God wants to do in us and through us and for us in this wonderful encounter.
It tells us that God is love, and love is always oriented toward healing and wholeness. God dreams that we might all be
one, whole and live a life not touched by death. Sickness is not part of God’s will for humanity.

 

Sickness and death came into the world with sin. If we face illness, God walks with us every step of the way, and sustains us and strengthens us with the Sacraments and through the love and concern of the Church, family, friends and health care professionals.

 

Who is it for?

Anointing of the Sick is for Catholics who are sick or facing life threatening situations (like major surgery or a serious
medical emergency), as well as those who may be facing immanent death. Because of the notion that calling the priest
for this sacrament may mean giving up on a dying loved one, many Catholics wait until too late to call the priest.

 

How do I make arrangements?

If you would like our Parish priest to visit your relative at home, please contact us.

 

If your relative has been taken to hospital, please contact Royal County Hospital Chaplaincy and Spiritual Care Department for Brighton,
01273 696955 extn. 4122 - or you can also request the hospital staff for a chaplain visit.

​