Every First Friday of the month, the priests of the parish bring Holy Communion to those who are housebound and also offer the Sacrament of Reconciliation, if desired.
Many sick people also like to receive the Sacrament of the Sick. If you (or a family member or neighbour) are unable to attend Mass due to illness or frailty and would like to receive the sacraments at home, please contact Gerry in the Parish Office
What Is the Sacrament of the Sick?
The Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick is not a sign that someone is dying, as it was perceived in olden times. God’s healing and loving presence are called upon that the sick person might be raised up and restored to health. The sick person doesn’t automatically get better after an anointing, but receives grace to be able to accept God’s will and grow in holiness in the course of their illness, whatever its outcome.
Symbolism
The words of blessing over the oil tell us that this “oil is intended to ease the sufferings of your people”. Oil soothes and heals. Oil blessed for the sick is a sign of the Anointed One (Messiah/Christ) of God and the person so anointed receives the healing, saving power of the One who Saves (Messiah).
Oil
The oil used is olive oil, blessed by the Archbishop at the Chrism Mass on Holy Thursday in the Pro-Cathedral.The holy oils are then taken each year to each parish and hospital for use throughout the year in the Sacrament of the Sick.
How?
A person is anointed on the forehead and the palms of the hands while the priest says: “Through this holy anointing may the Lord in his love and mercy help you by the grace of the Holy Spirit. May the Lord who heals you, save you and raise you up.”
Who Can Be Anointed?
Anyone in ‘serious illness’, those who are infirm, in advanced years, or anyone prior to surgery. (It is not only for when a person is ‘in danger of death’).
Links for further information on this sacrament:
