Church of the Little Flower
Anointing of the Sick
“Is anyone 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 will save the one who is sick, and the Lord will raise him up. And if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven.” (James 5:14-15)
Upcoming Anointing Masses
May 31, 2025 - 12 PM
Please contact:
Parish Center to be anointed by a priest
908-464-1585 after hours dial 9
What is the Sacrament?
The Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick is based upon Jesus’ special concern for the sick and His instructions to the Apostles to carry on His healing presence. The primary focus of this Sacrament is a healing of spirit and ability to deal with the particular illness in a positive fashion, giving strength to a person to grow in holiness. It is this strengthening of spirit that is most important. When Christ cured the sick, He emphasized this aspect most of all. The sick person is consecrated to be more like Christ, who bore our infirmities and healed our wounds.
Anointing of the Sick in the Catholic Church
When the Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick is given, the hope is that, through the power of the sacrament and if it be God's will, the person be healed of illness. Even if there is no physical healing, the primary effect of the sacrament is a spiritual healing by which the person receives the Holy Spirit's gift of peace and courage to deal with the difficulties that accompany the illness or the frailty of old age.
Who can be anointed?
The care of the sick and the elderly is always a loving concern to the Christian community. The Sacrament of the Sick proclaims and makes real the healing and gentle love of Christ. It is available to those who are seriously ill (of any age), the aged, the infirm, and those facing surgery. It is inclusive of mental illness such as PTSD, depression, or anxiety. This is a sacrament that can be repeated.
How is it performed?
Anointing of the Sick can be received on an individual basis by a priest or at a Mass/Service where the sacrament will be given. Those receiving the sacrament will be anointed on the palms of their hands and on their forehead. The priest will offer special prayers for those receiving the sacrament as well.
When do you call a Priest?
In the event of imminent death, please call 908-464-1585 to ask for a priest to administer the sacrament. If the offices are closed dial 9 to be connected to the priest on duty. Priests will come to individual homes, nursing homes/rehab facilities or the hospital. You can also make an appointment with a priest at any time to receive the sacrament on an individual basis.
