Sacrament
Anointing of the Sick
This sacrament is based on Scripture (as they all are) as in the Old Testament oil, a valuable commodity, was used for healing as well as protection and strength. Jesus sent his disciples out to anoint the sick. In the letter of St. James, he specifically says that we, as a community, are to gather one of our own who is struggling and lift the person up to God.
If you notice the 7 sacraments parallel the movements of our lives from birth, the growth that comes to us through food, the mercy needed to move ahead, and the call to serve and finally our struggles in sickness and our passing into eternal life. The Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick (once called "Extreme Unction" or "Last Rites") is a sacrament tailor made for each of us when we are struggling physically, emotionally or spiritually. The symbol of oil, used in the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and Holy Orders is used her also as a sign of peace, comfort and fortitude for the person. In this sacrament, only God knows exactly what the person is struggling with in life. We are the instruments of prayer and the channel that allows God to give the person the needed grace. The priest with the help of the community around him/her anoints on the forehead of the person asking God to free the person of anxiety and worry and for the Holy Spirit to flood the person with peace and comfort. The person is then anointed on the hands to remind the person of Jesus' words: "Come to me all who are burdened, and I will give you rest."
The beauty of this Sacrament is that it can be received alone with the priest or surrounded by family and friends. It can be received in the Church, in the hospital, wherever the sacrament is asked for. It is important to ask for the Sacrament or for you to ask for the Sacrament for a friend or family member. The priest may not be aware and needs to be.
If you notice the 7 sacraments parallel the movements of our lives from birth, the growth that comes to us through food, the mercy needed to move ahead, and the call to serve and finally our struggles in sickness and our passing into eternal life. The Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick (once called "Extreme Unction" or "Last Rites") is a sacrament tailor made for each of us when we are struggling physically, emotionally or spiritually. The symbol of oil, used in the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and Holy Orders is used her also as a sign of peace, comfort and fortitude for the person. In this sacrament, only God knows exactly what the person is struggling with in life. We are the instruments of prayer and the channel that allows God to give the person the needed grace. The priest with the help of the community around him/her anoints on the forehead of the person asking God to free the person of anxiety and worry and for the Holy Spirit to flood the person with peace and comfort. The person is then anointed on the hands to remind the person of Jesus' words: "Come to me all who are burdened, and I will give you rest."
The beauty of this Sacrament is that it can be received alone with the priest or surrounded by family and friends. It can be received in the Church, in the hospital, wherever the sacrament is asked for. It is important to ask for the Sacrament or for you to ask for the Sacrament for a friend or family member. The priest may not be aware and needs to be.
CommunalCommunal celebrations take place during Advent and Lent.
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Who to callPlease contact the Parish Office at any time to arrange to be anointed. If the parish office is closed, the answering service will direct you to a covering priest. If you are in a hospital, please inquire with the hospital chaplain.
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Map Us |
Contact UsParish Office Hours:
Monday - Thursday 8:00 am-12:00 pm sacredheart@sacredheartportland.org Mailing Address: 3910 SE 11th Ave, Portland, Oregon 97202 Phone: (503) 231-9636 Fax: (503) 231-1766 |