Anointing of the Sick

Every First Friday of the month, the priests of the parish bring Holy Communion to those who are housebound and also offer the Sacrament of Reconciliation, if desired. If you (or a family member or neighbour) are unable to attend Mass due to illness or frailty and would like to receive the sacraments at home, please contact the Parish Office at 01 288 2104.

What Is the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick 

The Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick brings God’s healing and loving presence upon the sick person. The sick person receives the grace to be able to accept God’s will and grow in holiness in the course of their illness, whatever its outcome.

Symbolism

The words of blessing over the oil say it all. It is “oil intended to ease the sufferings of your people”. Oil soothes and heals. Oil blessed for the sick is a sign of the Anointed One (Messiah) of God. The person so anointed receives the healing, saving power of the One who saves (Messiah).

Oil

The oil that is used is Olive Oil. The Bishop and priests bless it at the ‘Chrism Mass’ on Holy Thursday in the Cathedral.The holy oils are then taken each year to each parish and hospital for use throughout the year in the Sacrament of the Sick.

How?

A person is anointed on the forehead and the palms of the hands while the priest says: “Through this holy anointing may the Lord in his love and mercy help you by the grace of the Holy Spirit. May the Lord who heals you, save you and raise you up.”

Who Can Be Anointed?

Anyone in ’serious illness’, those who are infirm, in advanced years, or anyone prior to surgery. (It is not only for when a person is in ‘danger of death’)