In the sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick, Jesus carries on in His Church his ministry to the ill in body, mind and spirit which he exercised in the towns and villages of Judea. The loving compassion which Jesus showed to the sick, the lame and the anguished, He shows through the ministry of his priest. Illness and infirmity are part of the human condition and often bring with them a sense of powerlessness, hopelessness and depression. Illness can give us a glimpse of death and make us realize our limitations and the finitude of this life. Christ does not abandon us in our physical, psychological and emotional weakness, but through the mediation of His Church in the sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick, gives us the grace to embrace our infirmity and, at times, brings physical healing to us.

This sacrament is given to those who are seriously ill or infirm by anointing them on the forehead and hands with blessed oil, saying: “Through this holy anointing may the Lord in his love and mercy help you with the grace of the Holy Spirit. May the Lord who frees you from sin save you and raise you up” (cf. Sacram unctionem infirmorum). This sacrament can only be administered by a priest.

Please call the parish at (814) 226-7288 if you or a family member is in need of the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick.