The Sacrament of the 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

Jesus came in order to show God’s love; God wants us to become well in body and soul, and to believe in and acknowledge the coming of God’s kingdom.  Sometimes a person has to become sick in order to recognise our need for God – above all else. We have no life except in Him.

The Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick heals us spiritually, and unites us more closely to Jesus Christ. It gives us courage and hope during serious illnesses and when our health is seriously impaired by old age.  It can sometimes lead to a physical healing too – if that is God’s will. This sacrament can be received several times in a person’s life.

The sacrament is celebrated by the laying of hands by a Priest and by anointing with oil made Holy by God’s blessing. The Church encourages us not to delay requesting the sacrament; if you know you are expecting a stay in hospital we ask that you or your relatives to notify Parish Clergy, or the Hospital Chaplain.

COVID-19 Update:

With regard to Anointing of the Sick, it is not possible to make pastoral visits to anyone who is self-isolating, until the isolation period ends. We are able to offer phone support however; please contact Cathedral House on 0114-2722522 to speak to a member of clergy.

Visits to people in care homes or hospitals will only be possible on the advice from the staff on infection control.