“Suffering and illness have always been among the greatest problems that trouble the human spirit. Christians feel and experience pain as do all other people; yet their faith helps them to grasp more deeply the mystery of suffering and to bear their pain with greater courage. From Christ’s words they know that sickness has meaning and value for their own salvation and for the salvation of the world.”
~ Pastoral Care of the Sick: Rites of Anointing and Viaticum
How does the Church minister to the sick in the name of Jesus?
From the beginning, the Church has imitated its Savior and Lord by extending his ministry with the sick (almost one-third of the gospels are about healing). A simple visit to the sick, on the part of any of us, is an essential element of that ministry because Christ is present with the sick person through us, and through us, they know the care and support of the community of faith.
Often those visits involve the sharing of Holy Communion: a priest, deacon, parish staff member, or any designated minister of Communion can offer this ministry to the sick and dying. Of course, the priest may also celebrate Penance and Anointing of the Sick, depending on the situation of the person.
When should someone receive the Sacrament of the Sick?
Often those visits involve the sharing of Holy Communion: a priest, deacon, parish staff member, or any designated minister of Communion can offer this ministry to the sick and dying. Of course, the priest may also celebrate Penance and Anointing of the Sick, depending on the situation of the person.
When should someone receive the Sacrament of the Sick?
“Great care and concern should be taken to see that those of the faithful whose health is seriously impaired by sickness or old age receive [the sacrament of Anointing of the Sick]. A prudent or reasonably sure judgment, without scruple, is sufficient for deciding on the seriousness of the illness; if necessary a doctor may be consulted.” This quote is taken from the Introduction to “Pastoral Care of the Sick,” and makes it clear that
no one should put off being anointed. However, the Sacrament of the Sick is not the “last rites.”
no one should put off being anointed. However, the Sacrament of the Sick is not the “last rites.”
How is the Sacrament of the Sick different from "last rites?
The primary purposes of this sacrament are comfort during illness, strength and courage to face the illness, and renewal of hope for recovery. In a sense, it consecrates the sick person and everyone and everything related to his/her health care in the hope of healing. The rite of course is realistic about our fragile human nature and knows not every illness will end in
a cure. So when someone falls seriously ill or notably weakens in their condition, the time has already arrived from the sacrament of anointing. Also people undergoing serious surgery or seriously ill children who have reached the use of reason may also be anointed.
a cure. So when someone falls seriously ill or notably weakens in their condition, the time has already arrived from the sacrament of anointing. Also people undergoing serious surgery or seriously ill children who have reached the use of reason may also be anointed.
Then what are “last rites”?
If someone has been anointed when an illness began, and perhaps again as the illness worsened, “last rites” would include the sacrament of Penance and Viaticum (= “food for the journey” or Holy Communion before death). Of course, depending on the acute nature of the illness or injury, anointing might be included; but the Church envisions anointing and pastoral care of the sick as separate from pastoral care of the dying.
Father in heaven,
Through this holy anointing
grant our sister comfort in her suffering.
When she is afraid, give her courage, when afflicted, give her patience, when dejected, afford her hope, and when alone, assure her of the support of your holy people.
~ Prayer After Anointing
How and when can the Sacrament of the Sick be arranged?
If you or a loved one wishes to receive the Sacrament of the Sick, please contact Fr. Kennedy at (585) 271-7240 or e-mail him at .
If you or a loved one wishes to receive the Sacrament of the Sick, please contact Fr. Kennedy at (585) 271-7240 or e-mail him at .
In case of emergency, please call the parish pager at (585) 320-5080.
Yes, priests are busy these days, but PLEASE, do not hesitate to call and ask for the sacraments of the sick.
And please, if at all possible, call sooner rather than later, whatever that means in the particular situation of the sick person. It is easier to arrange to be present in a timely manner if family members or neighbors call at the beginning of the illness rather than at the point of death. But in any event, please call. The sick and dying need the presence of Christ with them as they share in his suffering. We all must take our part in extending that ministry and presence to them.
And please, if at all possible, call sooner rather than later, whatever that means in the particular situation of the sick person. It is easier to arrange to be present in a timely manner if family members or neighbors call at the beginning of the illness rather than at the point of death. But in any event, please call. The sick and dying need the presence of Christ with them as they share in his suffering. We all must take our part in extending that ministry and presence to them.
How do I arrange for communion to be brought to myself or a loved one who is homebound or in a nursing home?
If you or a loved one is homebound or in a nursing home and would like communion please contact the parish office at 271-7240.
How can I learn more about visiting homebound parishioners?
If you would like to learn more about bringing communion to homebound parishioners, please contact the parish office at 271-7240.
If you or a loved one is homebound or in a nursing home and would like communion please contact the parish office at 271-7240.
How can I learn more about visiting homebound parishioners?
If you would like to learn more about bringing communion to homebound parishioners, please contact the parish office at 271-7240.
"In bringing communion to them the minister of communion represents Christ and manifests faith and charity on behalf of the whole community toward those who cannot be present at the Eucharist. For the sick the reception of communion is not only a privilege but also a sign of support and concern shown by the Christian community for its members who are ill."
~ From the introduction of Communion in Ordinary Circumstances