At the Masses next weekend (Feb 28/Mar 1), we will again offer the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick to those who suffer from acute or chronic illness and the elderly whose health is impaired due to age. The Anointing is not for those with minor ailments, such as a cold, unless a person has underlying health issues that make the cold a more serious condition. Please remember that this Sacrament is no longer understood as Extreme Unction, which, in the past, was offered almost solely to the dying. The Anointing of the Sick is a sacrament for the living, to support, encourage and, if it is God’s will, to heal the sick person. This healing may be in mind or in body, as one grapples with the isolation of serious illness. When the priest anoints each person, on the forehead and hands, he will use these words:
Through this Holy Anointing may the Lord in His love and mercy help you with the grace of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
May the Lord Who frees you from sin. save you and raise you up. Amen.