ANOINTING OF THE SICK Tuesday 18th March 2008

In the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick we reach out to our sisters and brothers who are sick or infirm, to comfort and strengthen them in their times of need.  We pray over them, anoint them with oil and invoke the Holy Spirit to bring them healing and peace.  In so doing we are acknowledging that the sick are an integral part of the Christian community who need our special care and attention. 
Rather than leaving them isolated in their illness and infirmity the Christian community cherishes them as the priest lays his hands on them and anoints them. 
It is the task of all of us who are Christian to continue this work of healing through our words and actions.