Anointing of the Sick

What We Offer

Contact Fr. Andrew or the hospital Catholic chaplain.

 

The Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick is given to those whose health is seriously impaired by sickness or old age.  Most frequently, this sacrament is celebrated at someone’s home or in hospital.  Wherever possible, this sacrament should be celebrated when the sick person is conscious and able to take part through listening, responding and prayer.  It is very appropriate, wherever possible, that members of the family are present to join in the prayer of the Church for this person. Within this short service, the priest will anoint the forehead and hands of the sick person with an oil blessed by the bishop for use by himself and his priests throughout the diocese. The central prayer calls on” the Lord in his love and mercy to help the sick person with the grace of his Holy Spirit. May the Lord who frees you from sin save you and raise you up”. This sacrament continues the healing work of Jesus and brings God’s grace and, very often, great comfort for those who receive it.

 

Sometimes families delay arranging for this sacrament to be celebrated.  They do not think of this sacrament of healing, of peace and confidence in the Lord’s goodness until a person is too sick to appreciate and take comfort from its message of hope.  The sacrament can be celebrated even before a serious operation.  This delay may be linked to very old misconception that this sacrament was only for the dying and was an “extreme unction” (anointing). That said, however, it is never too late to ask for this sacrament whilst the sick person is still alive.

 

If you or a relative is seriously ill or about to undergo major surgery or in need of the healing grace of God due to infirmity, please contact Fr. Andrew, as parish priest here or (for someone at a distance) either their own parish priest or the Catholic chaplain of the hospital they are in.  At Northern General and Hallamshire hospitals the Catholic chaplain is on 271 4999 and Stephen.parker@sth.nhs.uk or via the hospital switchboard (243 4343) asking for the Catholic chaplain.