People who are going into the hospital for tests or surgery have a special need for spiritual care and support. Our Lord Jesus understood the fears and the worries of those who are ill (and of their families), and so He instituted in His Church a special sacrament called the Anointing of the Sick. We read in the letter of St. James 5:14-15, “Is anyone among you sick? He should summon the presbyters of the church, and they should pray over him and anoint him with oil in the name of the Lord, and the prayer of faith will save the sick person, and the Lord will raise him up. If he has committed any sins, he will be forgiven.” This gift of grace is for anyone who is facing surgery, experiencing a serious illness or becoming weak because of old age.

We encourage anyone who needs this spiritual consolation and divine assistance to speak to one of the priests as soon as this becomes a worry. If for surgery, do this before you are at the hospital so that here in our community, in the church or at your home, we can pray with you and administer this powerful sign of God’s healing love.

You may call the parish office to schedule an anointing in church, or at your home if you are unable to come to the parish, or at a nursing home or the hospital. If you would like to receive the Sacrament of the Sick when you come to Mass, mention your need to the priest before Mass, and you can receive the Anointing afterward.

If your loved one is actively dying and in urgent need of anointing, please call the parish office at 810-694-4891. Last Rites after hours emergency in the event death is imminent, please call (810) 356-3187.