Annointing of the sick right for me?

[ccmcmg]

I pray that your health improves soon. Your priest can answer your question best, especially as you are validly baptized. I don’t know if you have to have any other sacraments before receiving the anointing of the sick.

No, but you do need to be in danger of death. I went to the emergency because I thought I wasn having a heart attack. Once there, it was determined I wasn’t having a heart attack, but my health was very very poor and my tests were coming back positive for various serious things. I thought about calling my priest, since the hospital I was at wasn’t too far from our parish. I hesitated and didn’t call, but when I asked about if I would have qualified, he said that I must be in danger of death. If it wasn’t certain, then I should call, but it isn’t for people who are just really sick.

No, you don’t need to be in the danger of death. Severe illnesses can have other consequences than death that can be healed.

That’s not what they taught us in RCIA – my group was told that "if you are in need of healing, you qualify for “Anointing of the SICK” – in the past it was called “Extreme Unction” and it was only used if you were in danger of dying. Vatican II changed that.

Now, I’d expect that we’re talking serious illness or injury here, but you don’t have to be on Death’s doorstep to be eligible for the sacrament. Many people who are going to have major surgery have the sacrament the day before they go to the hospital.

Even if you aren’t ‘visibly ill’ (handicapped, serious, serious illness or injury), you can have invisible maladies that need healed.

The Catechism of the Catholic Church mentions that “over the centuries the Annointing of the Sick was conferred more and more exclusively on those at the point of death.” - (#1512) I can remember that many years ago (I’m old ) people would refuse to have the priest called in for the sacrament because they thought that meant they were goners for sure. And with good reason because that’s the only time they ever heard of the priest being called in.

The CCC does go on to say "the Anointing of the Sick “is not a sacrament for those only who are at the point of death. Hence, as soon as anyone of the faithful begins to be in danger of death from sickness or old age, the fitting time for him to receive this sacrament has certainly already arrived.” - #1514

Seeing as many/most illnesses, can, at worst, cause death or severe injury (even a simple sinus infection can infect your brain!!), you don’t need to wait for ‘obvious’ illnesses or signs for the sacrament.

I actually just spoke with my priest about this last week, and another this week. You don’t have to be on your deathbed, or even in surgery or hospitalization to receive the sacrament.

I’ve received it. It healed me.

 

[MJJean]

Thank you all for your prayers and concern. I spoke with Sister A and she said that I can receive the Anointing of the Sick after Mass this weekend if I am still in sorry shape.

I am starting to feel better. Less congestion and easier breathing, but still very tired and a bit sore. Looks like those prayers are working!

 

[Graceejou]

MJJean;1160181 gyou all for your prayers and concroke with Sister A and she said that I can receiveand see Anointing of the Sick after Mass this weekend if I am still in sorry shape.

I am starting to feel better. Less congestion and easier breathing, but still very tired and a bit sore. Looks like those prayers are working!

I hope you are feeling a lot better now since it’s been a couple of weeks since you posted this.

I am in renal failure and also a baptized RCIA candidate. Our parish is having a special mass in two weeks to coincide with World Day of the Sick. All of our priests will do anointing of the sick for “any faithful who is eligible to receive the sacraments of reconciliation and the Eucharist”. Since I am not yet confirmed, I am not allowed to go to confession or take communion, so I am not able to be annointed. I double checked with the parish pastor and the priest who teaches our RCIA class and they both told me that since I am NOT eligible for reconciliation or taking communion that I cannot be anointed, but could have a blessing after. my priest told me that if for some chance I ended up and ICU or was having a serious surgery then he would confirm and anoint me directly and immediately in my hospital bed. I am scheduled to see a surgeon on the 11th about removal of part of my kidney, so I think I might qualify then. But not now if we are not received into the church we’re not supposed to be receiving any sacraments that’s the rule. Part of the annointng includes reconciliation and a minor exorcism and we are not allowed to do reconciliation as RCIA candidates especially if in an irregular marriage because we’re not living in a state of grace. They were both really clear on this, so I am going to ask them how you would qualify but I wouldn’t and see how it all works out. Be well!

 

[Bookcat]

Even people who …are going to undergo an operation, also qualify.

They may.

If the surgery is for the reason of serious illness…

But not due to the surgery per se.

 

[Bookcat]

Well, I am not a Catholic yet. I am in RCIA and became a Candidate this summer. To make a long story short, I am awaiting an annulment and to have my marriage convalidated so that I can be fully received into the Church. It was my understanding that I could not receive Sacraments until my marriage situation was straightened out. Which I should have mentioned in my first post. It’s part of my concerns.

The larger difficulty is the state of your “marriage situation”.

And I should note that things can become “rectified” at times prior to an annulment (there are possibilities where they recognize that they are not yet married and repent of anything in the past and resolve to live according to their actual state in life (not married) etc --and avoiding scandal of course --there is a possibility of reception of the Sacraments)

 

[Bookcat]

As for the Annointing of the Sick per se --here is Canon Law on who may receive this Sacrament:

vatican.va/archive/ENG1104/__P3M.HTM

 

[MJJean]

I hope you are feeling a lot better now since it’s been a couple of weeks since you posted this.

I am in renal failure and also a baptized RCIA candidate. Our parish is having a special mass in two weeks to coincide with World Day of the Sick. All of our priests will do anointing of the sick for “any faithful who is eligible to receive the sacraments of reconciliation and the Eucharist”. Since I am not yet confirmed, I am not allowed to go to confession or take communion, so I am not able to be annointed. I double checked with the parish pastor and the priest who teaches our RCIA class and they both told me that since I am NOT eligible for reconciliation or taking communion that I cannot be anointed, but could have a blessing after. my priest told me that if for some chance I ended up and ICU or was having a serious surgery then he would confirm and anoint me directly and immediately in my hospital bed. I am scheduled to see a surgeon on the 11th about removal of part of my kidney, so I think I might qualify then. But not now if we are not received into the church we’re not supposed to be receiving any sacraments that’s the rule. Part of the annointng includes reconciliation and a minor exorcism and we are not allowed to do reconciliation as RCIA candidates especially if in an irregular marriage because we’re not living in a state of grace. They were both really clear on this, so I am going to ask them how you would qualify but I wouldn’t and see how it all works out. Be well!

Thank you, I am feeling much better. I am not congested anymore and nearly healthy. Just still a little tired and drained still. I am so sorry for your health troubles and will pray for you.

Are you baptized? I was baptized as an infant, so maybe baptism makes the difference?

Also, all the candidates in my RCIA group have been encouraged to go to Confession. Those that will be baptized this year have also been told they will be baptized on Holy Saturday, but not Confirmed until Pentecost, so they will be going to Confession and having their first Communion before Confirmation.

So, before I hit “Submit Reply” I went and looked…

Canon 844
§ 1. Catholic ministers may lawfully administer the sacraments only to Catholic members of Christ’s faithful, who equally may lawfully receive them only from Catholic ministers, except as provided in § 2, 3 and 4 of this canon and in canon 861 § 2.

§ 2. Whenever necessity requires or a genuine spiritual advantage commends it, and provided the danger of error or indifferentism is avoided, Christ’s faithful for whom it is physically or morally impossible to approach a Catholic minister, may lawfully receive the Sacraments of Penance, the Eucharist and Anointing of the Sick from non-Catholic ministers in whose Churches these sacraments are valid.

§ 3. Catholic ministers may lawfully administer the Sacraments of Penance, the Eucharist and Anointing of the Sick to members of the Eastern Churches not in full communion with the Catholic Church, if they spontaneously ask for them and are properly disposed. The same applies to members of other Churches which the Apostolic See judges to be in the same position as the aforesaid Eastern Churches so far as the sacraments are concerned.

§ 4. If there is a danger of death or if, in the judgment of the diocesan Bishop or the Bishops’ Conference, there is some other grave pressing need, Catholic ministers may lawfully administer these same sacraments to other Christians not in full communion with the Catholic Church,who cannot approach a minister of their own community and who spontaneously ask for them, provided that they demonstrate the Catholic Faith in respect of these sacraments and are properly disposed.

§ 5. In respect of the cases dealt with in §§ 2,3 and 4, the diocesan Bishop or the Bishops’ Conference is not to issue general norms except after consultation with the competent authority, at least at the local level, of the non-Catholic Church or community concerned.

Maybe your priest isn’t allowed by the local Bishops or something?

 

[CB_Catholic]

I hope you are feeling a lot better now since it’s been a couple of weeks since you posted this.

I am in renal failure and also a baptized RCIA candidate. Our parish is having a special mass in two weeks to coincide with World Day of the Sick. All of our priests will do anointing of the sick for “any faithful who is eligible to receive the sacraments of reconciliation and the Eucharist”. Since I am not yet confirmed, I am not allowed to go to confession or take communion, so I am not able to be annointed. I double checked with the parish pastor and the priest who teaches our RCIA class and they both told me that since I am NOT eligible for reconciliation or taking communion that I cannot be anointed, but could have a blessing after. my priest told me that if for some chance I ended up and ICU or was having a serious surgery then he would confirm and anoint me directly and immediately in my hospital bed. I am scheduled to see a surgeon on the 11th about removal of part of my kidney, so I think I might qualify then. But not now if we are not received into the church we’re not supposed to be receiving any sacraments that’s the rule. Part of the annointng includes reconciliation and a minor exorcism and we are not allowed to do reconciliation as RCIA candidates especially if in an irregular marriage because we’re not living in a state of grace. They were both really clear on this, so I am going to ask them how you would qualify but I wouldn’t and see how it all works out. Be well!

I think somebody has misunderstood something here. Confirmation is not required for either Reconciliation or receiving the Eucharist. Baptism is. The Catholic Church routinely administers the sacraments of Reconciliation and Eucharist to children before their Confirmation. Most Latin Catholics receive these sacraments before Confirmation. I believe the reason the priest will not anoint you is because you are not yet a member of the Catholic Church. Although being in immediate danger of death is not required for Catholics to receive the sacrament, I believe non-Catholics have to be in that position. You are not immediate odanger of death.

 

[Graceejou]

You are right. I am not on my death bed. I am living with 5% kidney function, but I am not required to be in the hospital overnight most of the time. I sleep all day to get the energy enough to go to my class once a week, it’s a very painful disease, I hate it. But I know that even if I’ve been Christian my whole life and baptized 30 years ago, I still have to follow the rules to be received and pray every day that I will be. I’ve obviously taken communion a lot since I was Protestant until this past fall, so I know I can take it. Just not in the Catholic Church. I did ask about confession since I am really struggling with this disease and have some sinful thoughts and anger, but I was told I have to wait for that as well. I really hoped I could have the anointing before I got to the point of death so I could maybe have some healing now when I desperately need it, but it seems I need to wait for that as well. Maybe this is to teach me faith? To truly believe in the graces of the sacraments but at the same time not be allowed those graces until I am eligible. It is a really different process from my Protestant upbringing where if I needed the grace and comfort, I could talk personally with the pastor who would be able to allow me to be received sooner so I could have the grace and healing sooner. Suffering is part of learning faith I think. I’m just feeling a bit sorry for myself right now I guess :imsorry: Thank you for your response

 

[quiet52]

Dear Grace,

I’m sorry for your distress and suffering – you are carrying a heavy cross.

I am not in the health profession, but your 5% level of kidney functioning sounds very serious.

Is your pastor aware of the danger of your medical condition?

In unusual circumstances, for pastoral reasons, a pastor can receive a candidate into the Church, confirm him or her, and give the person the Holy Eucharist, outside of the scheduled time.

Please forgive me if I’m unnecessarily pushing an alarm button, but if you fear for good reason that you won’t make it to Pentecost to be received into the Church and fully initiated, why don’t you make an appointment with the pastor to discuss this with him?
Maybe he can allow you to make your first Confession, at least, and schedule you for full initiation sooner instead of later – and of course, administer the Anointing of the Sick.

If you’re awaiting a decree of nullity, maybe he will allow you to vow to live as a sister with your husband (unless/until nullity is granted), if this is okay with your husband.

Dear Saints Benedict and Marina, patron saints of kidney disease sufferers, we ask for your intercessions for our sister in Christ, who so earnestly longs to be in full communion with our Lord and His holy Church. Please pray that she may be strengthened in mind and body, that she may know the healing comfort our Divine Physician, and that she will rejoice in the Lord in spite of her suffering.

Sacred Heart of Jesus, grant your mercy to our sister in Christ. Draw her heart ever closer to your heart. Help her to unite the crosses she bears each day to your Cross of Redemption. Help her to rest in you. Help her to give you glory each day with every thought, word and deed. Help her to know your glory. Amen.

 

[Graceejou]

Dear quiet,

Thank yus better answer esponse and prayer. It means a lot to me that you listened and understand a little.

I have spoken the priest, he is aware of my condition, but I don’t think he thinks it’s that important since I’m not in the hosI ital all the time right now. I’ve asked to live as brother and sister because I so much want to confess, but he just keeps saying he is busy and that he has been in touch with “people who can give us a better answer” but it’s been several weeks and we haven’t heard anything. I don’t know how else to get anyone to understand. I love God even when I feel like I can’t ever be closer to him and hope that He knows my heart even if i can’t be fully in communion with Him. Thank you again, so much for your prayer.

 

[Graceejou]

Dear quiet,

Thank you for your kind words and prayers. Of course I always hold hope that I will live many more years. But I am also realistic about what options my doctor has given me. I knew I was having rapid decrease in kidney function as early as November. I spoke with the priest then and he told me about the whole immediate danger of death required to move things along and about the brother and sister with my husband (who supports it 100%). But having an invisible illness means that people often discount your suffering and how poor your health is. All he sees is me there talking to him, not everything I go through just to survive another day. All of my medical care providers have made it very clear that I am in fact seriously ill. I think because I am pretty stoic, they thought maybe I didn’t get it. But I do and that’s why I want the graces I could be given from anointing of the sick so much. It’s difficult for a new Catholic in training to comprehend that actually healing comes from the sacraments and at the same time be told that because of a situation that happened many years ago that I wasn’t even involved with is preventing the Church from helping me with this, when I know that others have had the rules relaxed even though they are in the same state as I am. It makes me believe that it really depends on the parish and the priest more than the actual law, if that makes sense? I’m still learning and will continue with rcia for at least another month before those of us in irregular marriage have to stop anyway and hope that it will all work out eventually. Again, thank you so much for your kind response. After hearing people who don’t even know me tell me I’m “not that sick” or “you created this problem yourself” or “those are the rules, sorry”, it warmed my heart to read your words