Holy Anointing is the sacrament through which Christ draws near to those who are sick to comfort them, give them confidence, forgiveness and to strengthen them mentally, spiritually and emotionally in the face of illness. In celebrating this sacrament, the Church also prays for healing to the Lord who knows what we need and who heals broken spirits.
The Sacrament of the Sick is intended for those who are seriously ill, those facing major surgery, or for those who daily face decline in health and strength. This sacrament can be celebrated again when a person who is already sick is stricken by another illness, or even when, during the course of the same illness, the state of the person’s health gravely deteriorates.
At Saint Luke’s the Sacrament of the Sick is celebrated periodically at the Sunday liturgy as well as at nursing homes and elder residences in Westborough. Catholic chaplains at area hospitals are ready to celebrate the sacrament with patients there. Simply notify the Pastoral Care Office of the hospital.
Also, the parish priests are able to celebrate the sacrament for those in hospitals and the homebound. To arrange this notify, one of the priests.
For a more detailed explanation of the Sacrament of Anointing from the Cathechism of the Catholic Church, please click here.