Annointing of Sick and Chronic Illness

[Mary3]

Need advice about the appropriateness of receiving the sacrament of the sick in the case of chronic (not immediately life-threatening) illness. Our parish offers annointing of the sick during the daily Mass on First Fridays of each month. I have a chronic, progressive autoimmune disease that is sometimes better, sometimes worse. Depending on the priest I consult, I get conflicting instruction about whether I am eligible to receive the sacrament, and if so, how often. I have tended not to receive the sacrament, even at times when I’m feeling awful and would really like to receive. Can anyone help clarify this for me?

 

[LittleDeb]

I could be mistaken on this one but I think you can receive it as often as it is offered. The advice you are getting might be from priests who are concerned about overly scrupulous people, or those seeking a “magic” cure. A wonderful priest I know said, “Keep coming until you are better.” He often gives annointing of the sick to those of us who suffer infertility. The joke at his parish is, “There’s something in the water over there,” because of all the pregnancies and large families.

If priests or their staff have encountered people who are calling for individual annointing too often for chronic illness, it may make them cautious. I remember that the priest in the other parish was annoyed that I had to come to him for annointing. He asked, “why isn’t Father <> at your parish doing this?” I said, “He’s not available.” Father grumbled under his breath, gave me a big smile, went and gathered a bunch of people who suffered infertility too, and gave me the Sacrament.

Our old priest used to offer annointing once a month too after all the Masses (during my single years.). I used to go every time my chronic autoimmune disease flared up. It could be the workload on the priest that is the concern. I would say that if your parish doesn’t offer it monthly then call every time your disease flares. Maybe they will get the point?

I am praying for you.

 

[Walking_Home]

I could be mistaken on this one but I think you can receive it as often as it is offered. The advice you are getting might be from priests who are concerned about overly scrupulous people, or those seeking a “magic” cure. A wonderful priest I know said, “Keep coming until you are better.” He often gives annointing of the sick to those of us who suffer infertility. The joke at his parish is, “There’s something in the water over there,” because of all the pregnancies and large families.

If priests or their staff have encountered people who are calling for individual annointing too often for chronic illness, it may make them cautious. I remember that the priest in the other parish was annoyed that I had to come to him for annointing. He asked, “why isn’t Father <> at your parish doing this?” I said, “He’s not available.” Father grumbled under his breath, gave me a big smile, went and gathered a bunch of people who suffered infertility too, and gave me the Sacrament.

Our old priest used to offer annointing once a month too after all the Masses (during my single years.). I used to go every time my chronic autoimmune disease flared up. It could be the workload on the priest that is the concern. I would say that if your parish doesn’t offer it monthly then call every time your disease flares. Maybe they will get the point?

I am praying for you.

---

It is my understanding that annointing of the sick --is for those persons who are gravely ill or in danger of death. I have never heard of it being used for infertility—or if this is a proper use for it.

 

[rwoehmke]

Forty plus years after some of the changes after Vatican II we still struggle with the idea of what was call extreme unction which included three sacraments, penance, holy communion, and anointing which was used only in extremis( very near death). The unconscious of course could only be anointed which should they die without regaining consciousness would have their sins forgiven. Anointing is a sacrament for anyone who is ill in any way, mental, physical, and/or chronic. Of course if chronically ill one could abuse the previledge by constantly pestering the priest, but when Anointing is offered on a regular basis anyone with illness of any kind should freely make use of the Sacrament which if one is unconscious still leads to forgiveness of sin. Read all about in in your CCC.

 

[LittleDeb]

---

It is my understanding that annointing of the sick --is for those persons who are gravely ill or in danger of death. I have never heard of it being used for infertility—or if this is a proper use for it.

Infertility is often caused by grave illness. Endometreosis is one example. It nearly killed my cousin.

In and of itself unnatural infertility is a sign that the body is broken and in need of healing. I find it completely appropriate to annoint. That our society takes a healthy body and breaks it through hormonal contraception shows how grave it is.

Basically, the OP has been turned away from some annointing because she doesn’t appear at death’s door. Our diseases can kill us at any time. They probably won’t, but they can. The earlier use of Extreme Unction only for signs of visible impending death was found to be an incorrect limiting of this amazing Sacrament. That is why its common name was changed from, “Last Rites” only to “Annointing of the Sick” which can include additional prayers for the dying.

I hope that helps clarify.

 

[LittleDeb]

Forty plus years after some of the changes after Vatican II we still struggle with the idea of what was call extreme unction which included three sacraments, penance, holy communion, and anointing which was used only in extremis( very near death). The unconscious of course could only be anointed which should they die without regaining consciousness would have their sins forgiven. Anointing is a sacrament for anyone who is ill in any way, mental, physical, and/or chronic. Of course if chronically ill one could abuse the previledge by constantly pestering the priest, but when Anointing is offered on a regular basis anyone with illness of any kind should freely make use of the Sacrament which if one is unconscious still leads to forgiveness of sin. Read all about in in your CCC.

Wow I post slowly! Yours hadn’t even posted when I started!

Great information!

 

[puzzleannie]

the sacrament is appropriate at the onset of a new condition that is grave or life-threatening, or that threatens to seriously hamper quality of life. During a chronic illness, it can be repeated for a reoccurence following a remission, or for a severe flar-up of symptoms that requires a new hospitalization or course of treatment, for example. I have attempted several times to attend such healing Masses with the sacrament, but the crowd has been such that physically I could not manage it. Twice when crises have occured in my chronic illness I have asked a retired priest who lives nearby to anoint me.

 

[Walking_Home]

Infertility is often caused by grave illness. Endometreosis is one example. It nearly killed my cousin.

In and of itself unnatural infertility is a sign that the body is broken and in need of healing. I find it completely appropriate to annoint. That our society takes a healthy body and breaks it through hormonal contraception shows how grave it is.

Basically, the OP has been turned away from some annointing because she doesn’t appear at death’s door. Our diseases can kill us at any time. They probably won’t, but they can. The earlier use of Extreme Unction only for signs of visible impending death was found to be an incorrect limiting of this amazing Sacrament. That is why its common name was changed from, “Last Rites” only to “Annointing of the Sick” which can include additional prayers for the dying.

I hope that helps clarify.

---

So can crossing the street. Getting into a car and driving to the grocery store. The way it going—we will need this sacrament just to get up in the morning.

 

[Br.Rich_SFO]

Need advice about the appropriateness of receiving the sacrament of the sick in the case of chronic (not immediately life-threatening) illness. Our parish offers annointing of the sick during the daily Mass on First Fridays of each month. I have a chronic, progressive autoimmune disease that is sometimes better, sometimes worse. Depending on the priest I consult, I get conflicting instruction about whether I am eligible to receive the sacrament, and if so, how often. I have tended not to receive the sacrament, even at times when I’m feeling awful and would really like to receive. Can anyone help clarify this for me?

“Serious” illness is determined by your doctor. The Rite itself says that priests should speak with medical professionals to determine the “seriousness” of an illness. Anointing of the Sick can be repeated every few months or more often if the illness gets worse.

 

[Mary3]

“Serious” illness is determined by your doctor. The Rite itself says that priests should speak with medical professionals to determine the “seriousness” of an illness. Anointing of the Sick can be repeated every few months or more often if the illness gets worse.

Br. Rich, can you guide me to that reference? Seems odd that one would need a “doctor’s excuse” to receive a sacrament.

 

[Br.Rich_SFO]

Br. Rich, can you guide me to that reference? Seems odd that one would need a “doctor’s excuse” to receive a sacrament.

In the Book of Rites, Pastoral Care of the Sick, Pg771-774 and 779-781. Specifically in the note it says that the Sacrament may not be given indiscriminately or to any person whose health is not seriously impaired, above this it says if necessary a doctor may be consulted about the seriousness of the illness.

 

[arewethereyet]

Need advice about the appropriateness of receiving the sacrament of the sick in the case of chronic (not immediately life-threatening) illness. Our parish offers annointing of the sick during the daily Mass on First Fridays of each month. I have a chronic, progressive autoimmune disease that is sometimes better, sometimes worse. Depending on the priest I consult, I get conflicting instruction about whether I am eligible to receive the sacrament, and if so, how often. I have tended not to receive the sacrament, even at times when I’m feeling awful and would really like to receive. Can anyone help clarify this for me?

]

I have multiple sclerosis. Most likely I won’t die from it but it is an progressive disease none the less. I always get annointed. Hey, I figure I am sick and there is no cure even. I have thanked the priests at my parish and they are very gracious when I do. You have a disease. That is enough as far as I am concerned. There is a man at my parish who has real bad knees. He gets annointed everytime. I would take the advice of the priest who tells you to get annointed. Hey as loing as you’re sick, I think you have a right, y’know?

 

[Br.Rich_SFO]

]

I have multiple sclerosis. Most likely I won’t die from it but it is an progressive disease none the less. I always get annointed. Hey, I figure I am sick and there is no cure even. I have thanked the priests at my parish and they are very gracious when I do. You have a disease. That is enough as far as I am concerned. There is a man at my parish who has real bad knees. He gets annointed everytime. I would take the advice of the priest who tells you to get annointed. Hey as loing as you’re sick, I think you have a right, y’know?

I would take the advice of the priest who tells you to get annointed. As opposed to not taking the advice of the priest who tells you not to?

The Rite and Canon Law are really pretty clear:

Can. 1004~1 The anointing of the sick can be administered to any member of the faithful who, having reached the use of reason, **begins to be in danger of death **by reason of
illness or old age.

~2 This sacrament can be repeated if the sick person, having recovered, again becomes seriously ill or if, in the same illness, the danger becomes more serious.

The Rite itself spends quite a bit of ink covering what **“seriously ill”**means and warns that the Sacrament is NOT to be celebrated indiscriminately.

Bad knees are an abuse of the Sacrament.

It should also be noted. Many people seek the Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick to avoid the Sacrament of Reconciliation. The Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick should always be received by a person in a state of Grace. So usually a trip to the confessional should first be made before receiving the Anointing of the Sick. The Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick will forgive sins only if a person is unconscious and dies without being able to approach the Sacrament of Reconciliation.

 

[arewethereyet]

I would take the advice of the priest who tells you to get annointed. As opposed to not taking the advice of the priest who tells you not to?

The Rite and Canon Law are really pretty clear:

Can. 1004~1 The anointing of the sick can be administered to any member of the faithful who, having reached the use of reason, **begins to be in danger of death **by reason of
illness or old age.

~2 This sacrament can be repeated if the sick person, having recovered, again becomes seriously ill or if, in the same illness, the danger becomes more serious.

The Rite itself spends quite a bit of ink covering what **“seriously ill”**means and warns that the Sacrament is NOT to be celebrated indiscriminately.

Bad knees are an abuse of the Sacrament.

It should also be noted. Many people seek the Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick to avoid the Sacrament of Reconciliation. The Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick should always be received by a person in a state of Grace. So usually a trip to the confessional should first be made before receiving the Anointing of the Sick. The Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick will forgive sins only if a person is unconscious and dies without being able to approach the Sacrament of Reconciliation.

I didn’t mean to offend you. It sounds like this person does have a disease. And one that can even be potentially dangerous. I am a little sensitive when it comes to my multiple sclerosis. Like I said, most likely I will not die from it though in rare cases people do die from ms. I have had a few people tell me there is nothing wrong with me. None of them doctors by the way. Well, I just got off track and I apologize for that. I guess I am misunderstanding what you said. Did you mean to say if someone is not dying they shouldn’t get annointed? I don’t read much with my bad vision and don’t know if I have the right book to look up what the church says about this.
Thanks.
Karen

 

[Br.Rich_SFO]

I didn’t mean to offend you. It sounds like this person does have a disease. And one that can even be potentially dangerous. I am a little sensitive when it comes to my multiple sclerosis. Like I said, most likely I will not die from it though in rare cases people do die from ms. I have had a few people tell me there is nothing wrong with me. None of them doctors by the way. Well, I just got off track and I apologize for that. I guess I am misunderstanding what you said. Did you mean to say if someone is not dying they shouldn’t get annointed? I don’t read much with my bad vision and don’t know if I have the right book to look up what the church says about this.
Thanks.
Karen

I do not in any way wish to minimalize anyone illness or condition. My point is that the Church says that a person should have a “Serious” illness and be in danger of death, not at the point of death however. This Sacrament is abused quite often, in communal Anointing. Especially by people approaching the Sacrament of Anointing without first considering the Sacrament of Reconciliation.

 

[arewethereyet]

Okay…I hear what you’re saying now.
Thanks…
Karen

 

[LittleDeb]

I do not in any way wish to minimalize anyone illness or condition. My point is that the Church says that a person should have a “Serious” illness and be in danger of death, not at the point of death however. This Sacrament is abused quite often, in communal Anointing. Especially by people approaching the Sacrament of Anointing without first considering the Sacrament of Reconciliation.

These distinctions are very good and do help to clarify. The wonderful pastor I was referring to is very good about making sure that people have gone to confession whenever possible. His annointings are almost always after Mass. They will have just received Communion while in a state of grace.

Your clarification does not, however, address the issues of infertility in annointing. Mine is not in question because my endometreosis is severe enough for any qualification. But a very strict interpretation of canon law would prevent annointing to those suffering infertility, including repeated miscarriage because they themselves might not be in danger of death. Their children are though. I have never even blinked that infertility was considered serious enough to warrant the Sacrament.

I think this interpretation of canon law is bothering me because of how many years I spent being misdiagnosed by doctors. By the definitions presented, one would have to prove a “near fatal” case like mine to receive the Sacrament.

 

[Br.Rich_SFO]

These distinctions are very good and do help to clarify. The wonderful pastor I was referring to is very good about making sure that people have gone to confession whenever possible. His annointings are almost always after Mass. They will have just received Communion while in a state of grace.

Your clarification does not, however, address the issues of infertility in annointing. Mine is not in question because my endometreosis is severe enough for any qualification. But a very strict interpretation of canon law would prevent annointing to those suffering infertility, including repeated miscarriage because they themselves might not be in danger of death. Their children are though. I have never even blinked that infertility was considered serious enough to warrant the Sacrament.

I think this interpretation of canon law is bothering me because of how many years I spent being misdiagnosed by doctors. By the definitions presented, one would have to prove a “near fatal” case like mine to receive the Sacrament.

It’s not my interpretation and instruction on this Sacrament but the Catholic Churches. It is an individual pastoral decision.

 

[LittleDeb]

It’s not my interpretation and instruction on this Sacrament but the Catholic Churches. It is an individual pastoral decision.

Yes I did understand that. I’m sorry I didn’t make that clearer. But an individual pastoral decision is still then open to that priest’s interpretation. So some might annoint for infertility and some might not. There does not seem to be a clear answer. Maybe I should try to read the rite itself to understand further?

And on topic with the OP, the definition of “chronic illness” is very hard to define.

 

[Mary3]

I do not in any way wish to minimalize anyone illness or condition. My point is that the Church says that a person should have a “Serious” illness and be in danger of death, not at the point of death however. This Sacrament is abused quite often, in communal Anointing. Especially by people approaching the Sacrament of Anointing without first considering the Sacrament of Reconciliation.

Your point about abuse of the Sacrament without Reconciliation is a good one. But that was not really the source of my confusion…it was the serious illness/ danger of death point. Thanks for bringing some clarity to that issue. I feel better that I have not abused the Sacrament on any of those grounds, and will feel more confident about approaching it when necessary in the future.:tiphat: