St. Mary of Vernon Catholic Church

As a sacrament of spiritual and physical healing, the rite of anointing of the sick conforms to the ancient Catholic practice of affirming the value of health and life in the face of grief and death.

“The purpose of the sacrament is to bring spiritual strength to those who are physically ill, not only by reminding them that they are loved and forgiven by God but also by reassuring them of God’s concern for their physical well-being. The meaning of the sacrament is that God is offering the anointed person the grace to overcome anxiety and despair, to find comfort in an uncomfortable situation, to be healed and whole even if their body is diseased and broken. The effect of the sacrament should therefore be a personal encounter with God as a transcendent source of strength and power, and a trusting cooperation with the grace of inner and outer healing. It is a sacrament that calls for awareness and so it may be offered to children and even to the mentally ill who can understand and acknowledge God’s desire for their recovery. It is a sacrament that calls for faith, which can find meaning in suffering and hope even in death. It is a sacrament that calls for a response, and so it can be a means of personal growth and even physical recovery.”

Joseph Martos, Doors to the Sacred

To arrange for anointing, please call the parish office.