Jesus is a healer. Jesus encountered hurting people in his midst and responded to them holistically—both to their bodies and spirits. Healing was a key indication of the coming of God’s Kingdom.
The sacrament of annointing is administered by the priest to those who have entered "old age" or are seriously sick ill or those who may be nearing death at the sick person’s home, hospital/nursing/rest home room or at Church. The celebration of this sacrament of healing attempts to include the prayerful support of the Christian community (family, friends, and the parish community of the sick person).
The rite underscores the need for the sick person to overcome the alienation caused by sickness and suffering. The Sacrament of the Sick urges the person to assume a more active role, by requesting the sacrament himself or herself or if they are unable to ask for the sacrament family members can contact our parish so we can respond by celebrating the sacrament at a convenient time for the sick person and their family.
Pain and suffering can make our life miserable and can weaken our faith in a loving, caring God. Through this sacrament the Lord, acting through the Christian community, assures of his care and concern.
Jesus extends his forgiveness and strengthens the sick person through spiritual healing and sometimes physical healing. Through this sacrament, the Lord invites us to integrate our sickness, even a mortal one, into the mystery of his own suffering, death, and resurrection—the paschal mystery that has won for us eternal salvation.