Anointing of the Sick

[RicknTpa]

Hi,

I recently went up to our deacon in church after mass to ask him about the possibility of the anointing of the sick for my wife. She will be undergoing cesarian section this coming week and under anesthesia for the surgery.

When he went over to do it, he simply said a prayer over her and the baby (in the womb) and a blessing. No oils, or anything else… Is is possible to get the sacrament w/o the oils?? I’ve read other places it is okay to receive this sacrament when you are undergoing anesthesia, is this correct?

I’m very thankful for him taking the time, but it doesn’t seem like he took care of our original request…

God bless,
Rick

 

[Pax_Vobiscum_57]

The deacon should not have done any anointing in the first place. The Sacraments of Healing are exclusively reserved for the priest.

I think you should call the pastor tomorrow, and arrange for the appropriate Sacrament.

 

[PhilotheaZ]

Yes, it is appropriate for anyone undergoing surgery with general anesthesia to receive the Anointing of the Sick, because of the real (although small) risk of the anesthesia itself.

Only a priest can administer the Anointing of the Sick, because it is a sacrament of forgiveness (it removes the guilt of sin for persons properly disposed who are unable to confess, e.g., if they are unconscious or unable to speak). That is probably why the deacon only offered a prayer and a blessing; he simply cannot administer the Anointing of the Sick.

If your wife wants to be anointed, ask a priest to do it. And she should make a good confession immediately prior; the two sacraments are meant to be administered together for anyone who is able to confess (not unconscious, etc.).

God bless you, your wife, and your baby.

 

[Br.Rich_SFO]

Hi,

I recently went up to our deacon in church after mass to ask him about the possibility of the anointing of the sick for my wife. She will be undergoing cesarian section this coming week and under anesthesia for the surgery.

When he went over to do it, he simply said a prayer over her and the baby (in the womb) and a blessing. No oils, or anything else… Is is possible to get the sacrament w/o the oils?? I’ve read other places it is okay to receive this sacrament when you are undergoing anesthesia, is this correct?

I’m very thankful for him taking the time, but it doesn’t seem like he took care of our original request…

God bless,
Rick

Well it’s not possible for a deacon to celebrate the Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick. Call and speak with the priest at your parish ASAP.He should be able to hear her Confession and celebrate the Sacrament of Anointing of the sick for her.

 

[benedictgal]

As others have posted, the deacon is not the ordinary minister of the Annointing of the Sick. I would call your pastor and ask him to administer the sacrament to your wife.

If your pastor cannot come, contact the pastoral services division of the hospital and ask if they can arrange for a priest to come and see your wife.

One of our local hospitals is very good about asking the patient’s religious afilitation. There is a Catholic deacon on staff and he makes sure that one of the priests will visit the sick and administer the sacraments to them.

 

[Lepanto]

Only a priest can administer the Anointing of the Sick, because it is a sacrament of forgiveness (it removes the guilt of sin for persons properly disposed who are unable to confess, e.g., if they are unconscious or unable to speak).

It is true that only a priest can administer the Anointing of the Sick, but not for the reason given. Note that the sacrament of Baptism also remits sin, even for those unable to speak (like babies) – yet even atheist laymen can administer it if they use the proper matter and form.

 

[puzzleannie]

Hi,

I recently went up to our deacon in church after mass to ask him about the possibility of the anointing of the sick for my wife. She will be undergoing cesarian section this coming week and under anesthesia for the surgery.

When he went over to do it, he simply said a prayer over her and the baby (in the womb) and a blessing. No oils, or anything else… Is is possible to get the sacrament w/o the oils?? I’ve read other places it is okay to receive this sacrament when you are undergoing anesthesia, is this correct?

ck

the deacon has no authority to confer anointing of the sick, he should have sent the priest. in the circumstances he did the right thing.