"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.

 

 

LENT

We are in the Church Season called Lent characterised by the priest  (usually) wearing purple vestments at Mass.


"I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full."

John 10:10


+click here for an explanation of what happens at Mass

 

 

God's Dream for me

Before
the world was made,
I was
in the mind of God.
God knew me.
God chose me.
God loved me.
God designed me
and desired me
just as I am.

God has a dream
for me now,
now for my life
and growth,
for my holiness
and wholeness.
No-one else
in the entire universe can fulfil
that dream of God,
except me.

To become myself,
my true self,
that is my life's work.
To grow is to change,
to be perfect
is to change often,
and
as long as I live
inner strength is possible.

To allow to shine forth
in all the world
that unique image of God that I am,
that hidden beauty
deep within my soul,
that truth which
I alone speak,
that love which
only my heart
is capable of giving.

To become myself
my true self....
my best self...
in Jesus...
open to God...
to live
to the world.
That is my vocation.
That is what I desire.
That for me is holiness.

(Source unknown)
 

 

 
     
St Michael's Parish  -  6 Beatrice Road  -  Remuera  -  Phone 520 1226  -  stmichaels.remuera@clear.net.nz