Sacrament of the Sick

“Is any among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the Church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord; and the prayer of faith save the sick man…”
– James 5:14-15a

One need not be dying to celebrate this sacrament of healing with the Church, though there must be a threat to one's long-term health.  Call the rectory at 315-393-3930 if you or a loved one would like to receive this sacrament.

Jesus Christ expressed compassion and love for the sick as He taught the disciples about healing through the power of the Holy Spirit.  Through the example of His suffering and death, Jesus shows us how to follow Him by taking up our cross each day.

The Lord Himself commanded the Church to “Heal the sick!” (Matthew 10:8).  The Church has faithfully obeyed this command by taking care of the sick and by accompanying them with her prayer of intercession. “[The Church] believes in the life-giving presence of Christ, the Physician of souls and bodies”(CCC1509).

The Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick, established by Christ, is given to people who are seriously ill.  This Sacrament is not only for those persons who are near death.  If someone receives this Sacrament and recovers, they are able to receive the Sacrament again in case of a grave illness in the future.

The effects of this holy Sacrament are:

• the forgiveness of sins
• a particular gift of the Holy Spirit: the first grace is one of strength, peace, and courage
• Union with the passion of Christ: consecration and participation in the saving work of Christ
• Ecclesial grace:  the Church intercedes for the sick person, and grace sanctifies the Church
• A preparation for the final journey: completes our conformity to the death and Resurrection of Christ

At the time of need please call 393-3930. When registering at the hospital, it's wise to register as a Catholic. HIPPA (privacy laws) require that you affirm you wish to be seen by a priest. Otherwise, we won't know you are there.

Read more about this Sacrament here.