The Sacrament of the Sick is offered in Athenry on a monthly basis at the 10 Mass on Saturday mornings as follows:
2024: Aug 17th, Sept 14th, Oct 12th, Nov 9th, Dec 9th
It is also offered to the housebound on the first Fridays and by appointment to those who are preparing for surgery.
What is the Sacrament of the sick?
The Sacrament if anointing if the sick is a sacrament of the church which is given to strengthen people in their infirmity through its grace. It is not a sign that someone is dying as it was perceived in olden times. It is not a magical ritual; the person doesn’t automatically get better immediately after an anointing. God’s healing and loving presence are called upon that the sick person might be raised up and restored to health.
Symbolism
The words of blessing over the oil say it all. It is “oil intended to ease the sufferings of your people”. Oil soothes and heals. Oil blessed for the sick is a sign of the Anointed One (Messiah) of God. The person so anointed receives the healing, saving power of the One who saves (Messiah).
Oil
The oil that is used is Olive Oil. The Bishop and priests bless it at the ‘Chrism Mass’ on Holy Thursday in the Cathedral. The holy oils are then taken each year to each parish and hospital for use throughout the year in the Sacrament of the Sick.
Who can be anointed?
Anyone in ’serious illness’, those who are infirm, in advanced years, or anyone prior to surgery. (It is not only for when a person is in ‘danger of death’.
How?
A person is anointed on the forehead and the palms of the hands while the priest says: “Through this holy anointing may the Lord in his love and mercy help you by the grace of the Holy Spirit. May the Lord who heals you, save you and raise you up.”