The Sacrament of Anointing
“Are there any who are sick among you? Then let them send for the priests of the church, and let them pray over the sick, anointing them with oil in the name of the Lord. “ – The Apostle St. James
Suffering and illness have always been among the greatest problems that trouble the human spirit. Christians feel and experience pain as all other people. Although linked with the human condition, sickness cannot as a general rule be regarded as a punishment inflicted on each individual for personal sin (see John 9:3).
The sick person is not the only one who should fight against illness. Doctors and all who are devoted in any way of caring for the sick should consider it their duty to use all the means in their judgment to help the sick, both physically and spiritually. The Lord himself showed great concern for the bodily and spiritual welfare of the sick and commanded his followers to do likewise.
The celebration of this sacrament consists especially in the laying on of hands by the priests of the Church, the offering of prayer of faith, and the anointing of the sick with oil. This sacrament gives the grace of the Holy spirit to those who are sick. Thus the sick person is not able not only bear suffering bravely, but fight against it.
The Letter of St. James states the sick are to be anointed — those whose health is seriously impaired by sickness or old age. A person may be anointed before surgery, elderly people if the have become weakened even though no serious illness is present, and those who are near death. (NCCB 1983)
We invite anyone who suffers from sickness of any form that places your well-being at risk, to receive this healing sacrament. The sicknesses we present may be physical or mental conditions due to aging, or persons of any age with afflictions that continue to trouble you.
If you are unsure if your affliction makes you a candidate for reception of this sacrament, please contact a member of our pastoral team:
- Fr. Kevin Boucher – Pastor
701-232-2414 ext 123 kevinb@nativitycatholicchurch.net - Fr.Tom Feltman – Parochial Vicar
701-232-2414 ext. 122 gary.luiten@fargodiocese.org - Sr. Sharon Houle – Pastoral Minister
701-232-2414 ext. 126 sharonh@nativitycatholicchurch.net
