Sacrament of Anointing

Suffering and illness affect us in body and spirit. If one member suffers in the Body of Christ, which is the Church, all the members suffer with that member. In times of frailty, sickness, treatment, or surgeries the parish family assures the infirmed of our care and support through our prayer, personal visits and the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick.

“Is anyone among you sick? He should summon the presbyters of the church, and they should pray over him and anoint [him] with oil in the name of the Lord, and the prayer of faith will save the sick person, and the Lord will raise him up.” James 5:14-15

This Sacrament is for the sick and not just for the dying, so please request the sacrament when illness is discovered. The presence of loved ones and friends who pray along with the priest is important at the anointing. This sacrament will be celebrated at any time upon request. Please contact the Parish Office at (630) 969-1063 concerning your reception of this consoling sacrament. In the event of an emergency or during non-business hours, please dial this number and Press 1 to notify the Priest on call.

The Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick

The Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick is for all who face a serious illness or surgery or who are impaired by old age. It is distinct from the “Last Rites,” or Viaticum, in which the Church offers Holy Communion as food for the journey to eternal life.

Ministry of Care

The Eucharist will also be brought to those who are ill, upon request. If you have a family member in the hospital or homebound, please notify the Parish Center at (630) 969-1063 and we will make arrangements, when possible, to have a Homebound Minister of Care come to administer the Eucharist.

Prayer Intentions

We do have a prayer list included in our weekly bulletin for those in need of special prayers. It is a way for us as a parish community to hold each other up in prayers during times of illness, suffering or difficulties. The person in need or a family spokesperson can simply call the Parish Office to have someone added to our prayer list.

Anointing of the Sick within the Mass

  • “The Church believes and confesses that among the seven sacraments there is one especially intended to strengthen those who are being tried by illness, the Anointing of the Sick” (CCC1511).

  • The Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick is for all who face a serious illness or surgery or who are impaired by old age. A person may receive the Sacrament more than once.

  • “The first grace of the Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick is strengthening, peace and courage” (CCC 1520).

  • “Like all the sacraments the Anointing of the Sick is a liturgical and communal celebration…It is very fitting to celebrate it within the Eucharist, the memorial of the Lord’s Passover” (CCC 1517).

At St. Mary of Gostyn we celebrate the Anointing of the Sick within the Mass on a quarterly basis. All are welcome. Sunday, February 12, 2023 and June 11, 2023.

The special grace of the sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick has its effects:

The strengthening, peace, and courage to endure in a Christian manner the sufferings of illness or old age.

The forgiveness of sins, if the sick person was not able to obtain it through the sacrament of Penance, and the restoration of health, if it is conducive to the salvation of his soul.

The uniting of the sick person to the passion of the Christ, for his own good and that of the whole Church and the preparation for passing over to eternal life.

“I have heard your prayer; I have seen your tears. Now I am healing you.” 2 Kings 20:5

A History of Many Parts, But One Body

With over 2,700 families at St. Mary of Gostyn Parish, we continue towards a bright future enriching faith life, educating on Catholicism, serving those in need, and enjoying our close community.