(Death, Heaven, Purgatory, Hell)
Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults
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The
Catechism of the Catholic Church #1499
states:
"By the sacred anointing of the sick and the prayer of the priests
the whole Church commends those who are ill to the suffering and
glorified Lord, that he may raise them up and save them. And indeed she
[the Church] exhorts them to contribute to the good of the People of God
by freely uniting themselves to the Passion and death of Christ."
[quoting from Lumen Gentium, Vatican II.]
Anointing of the Sick
serves to strengthen those who are being tried by illness or advanced
age. The sacrament, though long relegated to the moments prior to death,
always sought also the recovery of the anointed person, according to
God's will. We understand the notion of being in danger of death in a
much more liberal but realistic manner than might have been the case 50
years ago. The reception of the sacrament presumes that the individual
is already baptized and at least seven years of age, that is, having
achieved the age of reason. Generally one would not anoint a child below
seven years of age. The Sign: the laying on of hands by a priest
or bishop, and anointing with blessed oil. The oil must come from olive
or another plant. Normally the oil is blessed by the bishop at the
yearly Chrism Mass, but may also be blessed by any priest for a given
ceremony. Instituted by Christ: found in all the many cures
enacted by Christ in the Gospels. Laying on of hands, or some other
touch was common in healing/miracle stories. The apostolic
recommendation is most clearly found in the Letter of James [James 5:
13-15.]
To give Grace:
Spiritual wellness, forgiveness of sins, and the possibility of physical
healing. One receives the particular gift of the Holy Spirit; one's
suffering is united to that of Christ; one receives the grace conferred
by the prayer of the Church; it confers spiritual strength and courage;
and it prepares one for the final journey ... death.
The Forms and Times for the Sacrament of Anointing the Sick
Combined Rites: Reconciliation, Anointing and Eucharist: The Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick may be given in various circumstances and in a variety of combinations with other Sacraments. In a home or hospital visit, it may be combined with the Sacrament of Penance or Reconciliation, and reception of the Eucharist. By itself, it may be given to a person no longer conscious. The Sacrament may also be offered communally as part of a Mass in which healing is central to the prayers of the community.
Repeatability of the Sacrament: The Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick may be repeated as is necessary. This is especially true where an illness becomes more serious or death more imminent, if the individual recovers and then becomes ill again, or in the case of a prolonged or lingering illness.
Viaticum: the true Last Sacrament of the Christian. Anointing of the Sick for those in danger of death is appropriate, but the most important sacrament is always the reception of the Blessed Sacrament. The Eucharist is truly the food for the last journey, and should be offered to the dying whenever possible. The Eucharist prepares us for our heavenly homeland ... the final journey in our early pilgrimage.