Are non-sacramental anointings ok?

[Heartoftexas]

My parish is hosting a Parish Mission. On one evening the priest preaches about Confirmation. After the sermon, the preacher blesses some oil which was brought to the front. He then has some ministers anoint the congregation with the oil.

Since Catholics can only be confirmed once, is this against church teaching, or is it similar to blessing ourselves with (blessed) holy water, symbolizing baptism? Some members of our church have objections. Are they unfounded?

 

[Fr.Charles_Grondin]

While there is nothing inherently wrong about non-sacramental anointings, the questions you are raising are the reason that its best not to use oil outside the official rites of the Church. It only leads to confusion and bad theology.

You are 100% correct that confirmation is impossible to repeat. As with baptism, it leaves an indelible mark upon the soul. An anointing immediately following a homily about confirmation could lead to great confusion about what is happening.

You mention that “ministers” will be helping with these non-sacrament anointing, this is highly problematic if they are lay ministers:

Instruction on Certain Questions Regarding the Collaboration of the Non-Ordained Faithful in the Sacred Ministry of Priests

Article 9 § 1

In using sacramentals, the non-ordained faithful should ensure that these are in no way regarded as sacraments whose administration is proper and exclusive to the Bishop and to the priest. Since they are not priests, in no instance may the non-ordained perform anointings either with the Oil of the Sick or ony other oil.

Even if it is only priests performing these anointings extreme caution needs to be exercised to prevent any confusion that these are understood to be a sacrament in any way, shape, or form.