One of the Church’s Sacraments of Healing, the Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick has had a long and confusing history. Some, unfortunately, still think of it as something the Church does just moments prior to physical death as a sort of “last rites”. This is far from the truth.
In the Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick, the Church prays that the person be freed from illness, or, if that is not possible, that the person receive the strength of faith to endure the suffering they are experiencing. In identifying with the suffering of Jesus on the cross, we pray that the person will also identify with the resurrection of Jesus from death to life. Also, there is strength and comfort present for the person to feel connected to the community of God’s people, who pray with and for them.
Please contact Saint Charbel Parish Office if a loved one is hospitalized, in the care of a nursing facility, or confined at home, and would like to receive the Sacraments.