At times in our lives we find ourselves particularly fragile and perhaps we are even dependent on care. This may be because we are physically, mentally, emotionally or spiritually vulnerable and it may be that our sickness or age means that we are facing death. Jesus, in his ministry, is often portrayed as healing the sick. This presence and ministry of healing exhibits the compassion of God who seeks to restore us to wholeness – physically, mentally, emotionally and/or spiritually. This Sacrament expresses god’s power of healing through the Church in the fragility of human life and health.
This Sacrament is about surrendering to God, who heals when I have little control over my well-being. The energy of the Sacrament of Anointing is ignited by God calling me into a new and ultimate level of trust and intimacy that opens me to God’s power of healing operative in that surrender.
When can someone be anointed?
Whenever requested, one of our priests will anoint someone who desires this Sacrament. Requests may be made directly with the priest, or through the Parish Office.
In addition twice yearly we celebrate a Mass of Anointing of the Sick and Elderly. All are welcome. The children from our parish school also participate in this celebration and in doing so they also witness to the powerful sign of faith that the sick and elderly are to us. The children, too, are a sign of hope for those who come for anointing, especially those who might find themselves isolated due to their life situation.
The grade 6 children participate in the Mass of anointing mid-way through the year and the grade 5 children at the Mass of Anointing towards the end of the year.
Dates for Masses of Anointing of the Sick and Elderly in 2021