Is any among you sick? Let him call for the elders (presbyters) of the Church and let them pray over him with oil in the name of the Lord... (James 5:14-15)
As we read in the Letter of James, the sacrament of the anointing of the sick describes mutual prayer and concern for those who are ill. To make this sacrament of healing more available, we can celebrate it within the context of the liturgy. For this reason, we celebrate the ritual Mass of the Anointing of the Sick during Advent and Lent.
The sacrament can be received when one is seriously ill, or when one needs healing mentally or spiritually. It is comforting to know that the Church provides a sacrament for those who feel powerless and weak. We don’t have to wait until near death to receive the sacrament. Our pastor is, of course, available upon request throughout the year for the Anointing of the Sick.
