Anointing of the sick/forgiveness of sins

[victrolatim]

I have a neuromuscular condition and have been having a pretty rough week so I decided on Friday to muster all of my energy and go to mass where my parish does anointing of the sick following the liturgy. I’ve sat and prayed my rosary during the sacrament many times but this is the first time I’ve truly felt it was warranted for me. Before the anointing is administered, among other things, the lector announced “If you have committed any sins they will be forgiven”. I’m confused by this. I was planning to make it to confession as well. Should I still go? As I was going up for the anointing I said an Act of Contrition just in case.

 

[Vico]

I have a neuromuscular condition and have been having a pretty rough week so I decided on Friday to muster all of my energy and go to mass where my parish does anointing of the sick following the liturgy. I’ve sat and prayed my rosary during the sacrament many times but this is the first time I’ve truly felt it was warranted for me. Before the anointing is administered, among other things, the lector announced “If you have committed any sins they will be forgiven”. I’m confused by this. I was planning to make it to confession as well. Should I still go? As I was going up for the anointing I said an Act of Contrition just in case.

If there are any mortal sins, then individual confession is to be made.

Compendium of the Catechism
319 What are the effects of this sacrament? … It gives comfort, peace, courage, and even the forgiveness of sins if the sick person is not able to make a confession. …

 

[Cor_ad_Cor]

Anointing of the Sick does remove sin similar to Confession, however, it’s not intended to substitute if the individual receiving the sacrament is capable of confessing. (For example) One in a near-death hospital bed with a breathing apparatus may not have the ability to speak, thus, the Anointing is sufficient. If you can confess first, that should actually be part of the rite for receiving the sacramental anointing.

 

[Dovekin]

Ask the priest when you go to confession.

Ideally you would have confessed before the anointing. But ideally, you would not have a neuromuscular disorder. The sacrament exists for non ideal situations, and is adapted for the illnesses addressed.

 

[rosejmj]

Usually it is good for Confession to recieved with anointing of the sick and you should go to Confession if you committed a mortal sin. It does bring forgiveness of sins, and even mortal sins if you are unable to confess such as if you are unconscious.

 

[po18guy]

It is entirely appropriate to go to reconciliation after the anointing. After all, it is at the very least a cathartic experience, a very good habit, and you then hear the direct absolution of your sins. The Sacrament also covers those who are incapable of making their last confession. In a sense, since you are able to make another confession, you are twice-blessed.

 

[Cor_ad_Cor]

Reconciliation should come first, then anointing. The anointing ritual actually incorporates a time for confession near the beginning at the discretion of the priest and recipient.

 

[po18guy]

I would think that, if one is in the habit of confessing, the most recent confession (assuming no mortal sins since) would serve that purpose. Could be wrong.

 

[Cor_ad_Cor]

It would, which is why there’s discretion (in my words) to skip it.