We will have a special Mass with anointing of the sick at St. Agatha’s Church on Wednesday, May 6th at 11am. There will be a luncheon to follow. The luncheon is free and we are accepting a free will offering at the door. Please RSVP below by April 22nd.

Please see below for more information about the Anointing of the Sick and its purpose.

Anointing of the Sick

A Sacrament of Healing, Strength, and Hope

The Anointing of the Sick is not only for the final moments of life—what are often called “Last Rites.” The Anointing of the Sick is a sacrament of healing, strength, and hope meant to be received before death is near.

What Is the Anointing of the Sick? The Anointing of the Sick is one of the seven sacraments of the Church. Through prayer and anointing with holy oil, Christ:

• Brings comfort and peace
• Strengthens the sick person spiritually—and sometimes physically
• Offers forgiveness of sins when the Sacrament of Penance cannot be celebrated
• Unites the suffering person more closely to his saving love

Who Should Receive It? You should consider receiving the Anointing of the Sick if you:

• Are facing serious illness
• Are preparing for major surgery
• Are struggling with a serious mental illness
• Are elderly and experiencing the weakness of age
• Have an illness that has worsened since you were last anointed

When Should It Be Received? The Anointing of the Sick is best received while the person is still conscious and able to pray and participate. Waiting until the last moment can result in missing all the comforts and peace the sacrament is meant to give.

Is This the Same as “Last Rites”? What people often call “Last Rites” is actually three sacraments:

• Penance (Confession)
• Anointing of the Sick
• Holy Communion as Viaticum (food for the journey to eternal life).

How Do I Request the Sacrament? Contact the parish office or ask a family member to do so. Do not wait until the situation is urgent. The priest is glad to come—this is part of his ministry.