"I WAS SICK AND YOU CAME TO VISIT ME."

It is not easy to be sick or in hospital.  And we don't always feel on top of things when we are getting a little older. We can be reluctant to accept the extra help me might need.

Certainly it is very obvious from the Gospel that Jesus had a special care for the sick.  He told his disciples that they were to be aware of the sick in society. "Jesus called the twelve disciples together and sent them out to preach the kingdom of God and to heal the sick." Luke 9:1-2,6

From that time onwards, ministry with the sick became an important part of the church's life.  A letter to early church members instructs them as follows: Is there anyone who is sick?  Let them send for the church elders, who will pray for them and anoint them with oil in the name of the Lord.  The prayer of faith will save the sick person and if they have committed sin they will be forgiven." James 5:14-15

This passage introduces us to the Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick.  Through this sacrament, the church continues Jesus' healing in a special way.

In general, the Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick may and should be celebrated with people who :

• are seriously ill

• are seriously weakened by advanced age

• are scheduled for serious or life threatening surgery

• "take a turn for the worse" or develop a new sickness.

Serious illness does not mean terminal illness.  Nor does it mean an illness that puts a person in immediate danger of death.  Serious illness means any illness that impairs the health of a person in a noticeable way.

Priests need to be told about a person who needs anointing.  Don't hesitate to make contact with a priest if you or a member of your family would like to receive this sacrament.