Ministry to the Sick & Home-Bound

"Is anyone among you sick? He should summon the presbyters of the church, and they should pray over him and anoint him with oil in the name of the Lord, and the prayer of faith will save the sick person, and the Lord will raise him up."  James 5:14-15a

The Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick is available for those who have a serious illness, are about to undergo serious surgery or are elderly in age.  Formerly called Extreme Unction, the faithful were usually not anointed until they were about to pass away. However, especially since the Second Vatican Council,  the Church emphasizes that there are various times in the course of a person's life in which they can be anointed. 

The minister of the Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick is a priest or bishop and, as all sacraments, a celebration of the community.  The Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick is normally celebrated with a short Liturgy of the Word consisting of a scripture reading and prayers followed by the anointing. Holy Communion may also be administered as appropriate to the situation.

Viaticum is the Last Sacrament of the Christian.  Eucharist received as Viaticum has a particular significance and importance as the soul is passing over to the Father.  "It is the seed of eternal life and the power of the resurrection, according to the words of the Lord: 'He who eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day.'" (Catechism of the Catholic Church 1524, John 6:54)

The effects of the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick give the sick person strength, peace and courage to overcome the difficulties that come with sickness or the frailities of old age.  This sacrament unites the sick person with the passion of Christ as the Lord brings healing to this person. For those about to depart from this earthly life, this "last anointing fortifies the end of our earthly life, like a solid rampart for the final struggles before entering the Father's house." (Council of Trent)

Please notify the Parish Office as soon as a person becomes gravely ill to schedule a visit from one of the parish's priests.  Quite often the priests of the parish have numerous commitments such as celebrating Mass and hearing confessions that preclude them from responding immediately to the bedside of a patient about to die.  Therefore it is crucial for the family not to wait until the last hours, but rather notify the Parish Office as soon as a person becomes gravely ill. However, a priest is on call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and may be reached by calling (813) 988-1593.  If the Parish Office is closed, please follow the instructions to leave a message and the priest on call will respond as soon as possible.

If a person has already passed away, the priest and/or members of the faith community can offer Prayers of the Dead as the soul is commended to Our Lord.  All of the sacraments of the Church, including Anointing of the Sick, are intended for the living. Once we have passed from this life into the next, our souls are entrusted into the hands of our God. The United State Council of Catholic Bishops offers suggestions for those who have passed away.

Are you interested in bringing Holy Communion to the Sick or Homebound members of your spiritual home? Or are you or a loved one sick or home-bound and would like to receive Holy Communion at home?  Call the parish office (813)988-1593.