The Anointing of the Sick is administered to bring spiritual and even physical strength during an illness, especially near the time of death. It is most likely one of the last sacraments one will receive. It is a rite that is performed to convey God’s grace to the recipient, through the power of the Holy Spirit.
The Anointing of the Sick conveys several graces and imparts gifts of strengthening in the Holy Spirit against anxiety, discouragement, and temptation. It conveys peace and fortitude. Mark refers to the sacrament when he recounts how Jesus sent out the twelve disciples to preach, and “they cast out many demons, and anointed with oil many that were sick and healed them.” In his epistle, James says, “Is any among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord; and the prayer of faith will save the sick man, and the Lord will raise him up; and if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven.”
The Church offers this sacrament to all members who are seriously ill. This sacrament may be received more than once but should not be received frequently. If you or one of your family members desires the sacrament, please call the parish office at (402) 934-7706.
HIPPA legislation does not permit hospitals to inform the parish office when members of our parish have been admitted, so please contact the office personally or have a member of your family contact the office if you would like to receive the sacrament or a visit from a priest or deacon.