The Sacrament of the Sick and
Pastoral Care
of the Dying
When the
Church cares for the sick, it serves Christ Himself in the suffering members
of His Mystical Body. When it follows the example of the Lord Jesus, who
"went about doing good and healing all" (Acts 10:38), the Church obeys His
command to care for the sick (Mark 16:16).
The
Church shows this solicitude not only by visiting those who are in poor
health but also by raising them up through the Sacrament of Anointing and by
nourishing them with the Eucharist during their illness and when they are in
danger of death. Finally, the Church offers prayer for the sick to commend
them to God, especially in the last crisis of life.
- Decree Sacred Congregation For Worship, Pastoral Care of the Sick
Please
call the rectory to arrange a time when it would be convenient for you to
receive Holy Communion or the Sacrament of the Sick. Viaticum is
administering the Holy Eucharist to the dying. Viaticum is not the
last rites of the dead and should not be confused with the prayers for the
dead. Putting it simply you need to be alive to receive the Sacrament of the
Sick/Viaticum. Please do not wait until time has passed and is no more. If
you are ill, are going to the hospital for a procedure, are home bound
[confined to the home] do not hesitate to call the rectory. In your
kindness, please remember all of our parishioners and friends who are ill
and/or hospitalized.
Twice a
year, in the autumn and spring, the Sacrament of the Sick is celebrated
within the 4 o'clock Saturday Vigil Mass.