The Church believes and confesses that among the seven sacraments there is one especially intended to strengthen those who are being tried by illness, the Anointing of the Sick.
The sacrament is not just for the terminally ill. Anyone who is about to have an operation or who is long term sick may ask for it.
Like all the sacraments the Anointing of the Sick is a liturgical and communal celebration.
The sacrament of anointing can be administered to an individual whether at home, in a hospital or institution, or in church. The celebration may also take place during a Catholic Mass.
Only priests and bishops are ministers of the Anointing of the Sick.
It is the duty of pastors to instruct the faithful on the benefits of this sacrament. The faithful should encourage the sick to call for a priest to receive this sacrament. The sick should prepare themselves to receive it with good disposition, assisted by their priest, and the parish community which is invited to surround the sick in a special way through their prayers and fraternal attention.
If you wish to receive this sacrament, please contact the Parish priest on 01932 562375.