Anointing of the Sick

 “Are any among you sick?
They should call for the elders of the Church and have them pray over them, anointing them with oil in the name of the Lord.
And their prayer offered in faith will heal the sick, and the Lord will make them well. And if they have committed sins, these will be forgiven."  
Matthew 10:8

This sacrament provides comfort and assurance to those who are seriously ill and to those who are of an advanced age. In the past it was called “extreme unction” or “last rites”. The revised rites of Vatican II have restored it to its original purpose of a sacrament for the sick.
 
“The celebration of this sacrament consists especially in the laying on of hands by the priests of the Church, the offering of the prayer of faith, and the anointing of the sick with oil made holy by God’s blessing. This rite signifies the grace of the sacrament and confers it.”
                                                                                                      
From the Introduction of the Church’s rite: Pastoral Care of the Sick.
​The Anointing of the Sick is celebrated within a special Mass held at notified times. The sacrament is also available at any time for those who are seriously ill, preparing for surgery or are in hospital; simply contact the parish office or in an emergency, the parish priest.

Anointing Masses are currently held once per quarter at St Thomas'. The next Anointing Mass will be celebrated on Thursday 26th November.