Anointing of the Sick
“At sunset, the people brought to Jesus all who had various kinds of sickness, and laying his hands on each one, he healed them.” Luke 4:40
For those who are ill or suffering, anointing of the sick offers the comfort of God’s healing gifts and strengthening grace. The sacrament helps to provide spiritual and sometimes physical, emotional and mental healing, in accordance with God’s will. It also allows the sick person to join his or her sufferings to Christ and in the case of terminal illness to prepare for death.
The essential rite of this sacrament for the sick involves the laying on of hands and anointing with oil.
Through the sacrament of anointing, Christ strengthens the faithful who are afflicted by illness and poor health, by providing them with the strongest means of support, Himself.
Jesus showed great concern for the spiritual and bodily welfare of the sick, and commanded his followers to do the same. The celebration of this sacrament is hence an opportunity for the deepening of the faith of the community, who are able to witness the faith and devotion of those being anointed.
If you would like to be anointed or have a loved one who is ill or facing surgery anointed, please contact the Parish Office on 09-520 1226 or email office@remueracatholic.org.nz.