"Any of you who is ill should send for the elders of the church, and they must anoint the sick person with oil in the name of the Lord and pray over him. The prayer of faith will save the sick person and the Lord will raise him up again; and if he has committed any sins, he will be forgiven." James 5: 14-15

Illness itself, as well as problems associated with aging, takes its toll on us physically and psychologically. New feelings and anxieties accompany strong pain or loss of independence. Often a person suffering in this way questions the value of life.

Illness may even trigger a crisis in faith wherein feeling sorry for ourselves, we begin to question God. Depression can set in. Health is a precious gift from God. Thus the Sacrament of Anointing which touches the whole person provides comfort for the soul, spiritual health, peace, forgiveness of sin, and sometimes even helps with physical healing.

Suffering helps us realize how powerless we are without God and the help of our fellow Christians who are members of his body. We need their support, fellowship and understanding to be able to join our suffering with that of Christ. Jesus shared his healing power with his church.

From the earliest days, the Sacrament of Anointing has served as God's healing touch reaching out to comfort the sick, suffering and dying.

To request an anointing, click here.