This sacrament is a wonderful sign of God’s love for us – through his merciful efforts he wants to bring us safely to heaven. The purpose is a spiritual one: to prepare the soul for death if someone is gravely ill, but also for healing for the very seriously ill and the hope of their recovery to health.
As with all the Sacraments, the Sacrament of the Sick was instituted by Christ himself on earth.
“Is any one among you sick? Let him bring the presbyters (priests) of the Church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer of faith will save the sick man, and the Lord will raise him up, and if he be in sins, they shall be forgiven him.” (James 5:14-15)
When giving the sacrament, the priest anoints the sick person on the forehead and hands with holy oil and during the anointing 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”.
In common with all the sacraments, the Sacrament of the Sick confers sanctifying grace. For the sick person it is to comfort and strengthen their soul.
GOING INTO HOSPITAL
Please let your priest know if you or a family member is going into hospital.You will need to ask for the Catholic Chaplain when in hospital. Chaplains are not necessarily given the names of Catholic patients. Many health care providers e.g hospitals, nursing homes, mental health units, apportion resources for chaplaincy in line with the number of requests made for visits and the Sacraments.
For more information please contact the parish office by email stgregorysua@btconnect.com or telephone 01789 292439.