The Sacrament of the Sick finds its origin in Jesus’ ministry amongst the sick. Constantly He heals their wounds, opens eyes, and strengthens weak bones. The Anointing of the Sick is explicitly described in the Letter of St. James which states, “is anyone among you sick? He should summon the priests of the church, and they should pray over him and anoint him with oil in the name of the Lord” (James 5:14).
Each of us encounters sickness and suffering in our life. One of the ways that Christ answers this need and strengthens us is through the Anointing of the Sick. Sometimes through the Sacrament miraculous healings happen, but that is not its primary goal. Primarily, the Anointing of the Sick gives us the strength of the Holy Spirit to bear difficulties associated with sickness and unite us to the sufferings of Jesus Christ.
The Sacrament of the Sick is for those with grave illness. Situations in which someone may receive this sacrament include: before a surgery, difficulties associated with old age, serious medical diagnosis, or near death. The sacrament is not for less serious illnesses such as the common cold, the stomach flu, or sports injuries.
For more information about the Anointing of the sick, click here. (Click “Next” to navigate through the pages and read the full section in the Catechism on Anointing of the Sick.)
Near the point of death, the Anointing of the Sick is given with the Last Rites. If you or someone you love is near this point, including being under the care of hospice, please call the parish office during business hours. If there is an emergency after business hours, please call 937-419-1137.
Also, the Anointing of the Sick is offered within the context of Mass on First Saturdays, which is at 8am at St. John.
The Anointing of the Sick is also offered during Nursing Home Masses with the following schedule (subject to change):
- The Gardens of Wapakoneta – 10:30am on Second Thursdays
- Otterbein in Cridersville – 2:00pm on First Fridays
- The Wapakoneta Manor – 2:00pm on Third Thursdays
If you or a loved one would like to receive the Anointing of the Sick at other times, please call 419-738-2115 and we can schedule a time for you to come in to the office or to meet a priest at a specific time and location.
