David Birchall SJ answers a query about the sacrament of the sick, when it should be received and they way to prepare for it.
My mother says that she doesn’t want the sacrament of the sick because she has no intention of dying soon. I thought it might be a nice thing for her to have before she goes into hospital for an operation on what she hopes is a benign tumour. When I had to go to hospital a while ago the hospital chaplain offered me sacrament and I felt it was a great support. How can I persuade my mother?
From the earliest times in the Church when people are sick it has been the custom to prayer for them and anoint them with oil. In the 1970’s the sacrament was renewed. Instead of being ‘extreme unction’ an anointing given only when death was expected, it was offered much more readily to anyone who was sick in any way. Obviously your mother was brought up to see the sacrament as only given to those in danger of death. Instead of being an aid to recovery, she sees it as a showing a lack of confidence that she will recover. For some people just the sight of a priest at the side of a sickbed is a sign that the end is nigh. Your mother might be convinced if you tell her of the changes, but if not, then perhaps she would be happy to receive Communion.
Who should receive it?
Any Catholic who is sick may receive the sacrament. It is appropriate, for example, before a person goes in for major surgery or a course of radio-therapy. The sacrament helps us put our trust in the loving God. It can bring peace at a very stressful time.
What it involves
The Sacrament, which is administered by a priest, involves the anointing of the sick person with oil, a symbol of strengthening. Appropriate prayers a short reading and a blessing are given. It doesn’t take more than a few minutes. If you wish to go to confession this may also be celebrated at the same time. You may also wish to receive Communion at the same time.
Organising the sacrament of the sick
If you want the priest to visit you with this sacrament when you are sick then telephone your local parish and arrange it. Be sure to let the priest know if the call is urgent i.e. there is danger of death or you have a date fixed for major surgery.
When you are making arrangements ask too if you would like confession or communion. Don’t worry if you have not been to church for a while this Sacrament is a great opportunity to set things right between you and God. You don’t really need to do anything before the priest comes. But if you have a clean table that you can place a candle and the cross then that will help the priest especially if you have asked for Communion. Any candle will do, it doesn’t have to be a blessed one. If you have a white cloth you can put it on the table, but don’t worry about such things, if they are easily to hand fine, if not its not important.
If you are arranging the Sacrament for someone else, don’t spring it on them. Make sure they are comfortable with the idea of the priest visiting them. Ask if they want Confession and Communion. Give them chance to prepare themselves spiritually. As in the old days the Sacrament was only given to those about to die, some older people might need to be reassured that you don’t expect them to die within the week. Stay with the person while the Sacrament is taking place. Obviously you may withdraw for Confession, but it is better if all who are in the house pray together for the sick person during the anointing and Communion. Where a few are gathered together there is more of a sign of the Church coming together to pray for the sick person.
Priests don’t expect an offering for a visit to a sick person.
Messenger, a publication of the Irish Jesuits.
This article first appeared in the
