"By the sacred anointing of the sick and the prayers of the priest the whole Church commends those who are ill to the suffering and glorified Lord, that he may raise them up and save them." (CCC 1499)
The Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick is given to those who are seriously ill and not only for those who are at the point of death as in the old days when people called it the “Last Rites”. Anyone of the faithful who begins to be in the danger of death from sickness or old age may receive this sacrament. The sacrament may also be given to those suffering from mental illness, addictions, depression or serious stress, or those preparing for surgery or those suffering from a chronic illness.
Several times a year we celebrate the communal anointing of the sick at Weekend Masses. The Sacrament of the sick is thus given immediately after the homily at Mass by the laying on of hands as mentioned in the Bible in the Book of James when we are reminded that if anyone is sick, they should call in the elders of the Church and the prayer of Faith will bring healing and peace. After the laying on of hands, sacred oil blessed by the Bishop is placed on the head asking for healing and then oil is placed on the palms of the hands of the sick asking for forgiveness of any sin.
Anointing of the Sick is also offered upon request. If you would like receive this sacrament, please call the office at 816-331-4713.
Please check our calendar to see when Anointing Weekends are scheduled. To visit the calendar now, click here, then select Anointing Weekends from the drop down menu.