Lay Healing Services

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sjangelini

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Hello All,

I have a question. I asked in the Ask an Apologist Forum, but no dice.

Does anyone know the Church’s position on lay people performing healing services, such as laying on hands, praying over people, invoking the Holy Spirit, etc? Is this something that anyone, not just a priest, is allowed to do?

I ask because a family member is interested in going to see Frank Kelly, a lay man who got struck by lightning and now claims to see visions of Jesus and various other saints and who lays hands on people and performs healing services. He has a book (Short Circuit To God. He doesn’t make any heretical statements per se, that I can see, but I am I unsure.

Any help or advice would be great!

Thanks!
 
I suggest that you contact your diocesan office and find out if Frank Kelly’s ministry has been given approval by his bishop. I can’t find anything indicating that on Google.
 
Yes, and if you have ever come upon a group of Charismatic Catholics, they will do that for you or anyone who needs healing.

As long as there is nothing heretical, accept the laying on of hands, blessing and prayers in good faith.

But only a priest can give the Sacrament of the Sick, anointing with oil, and forgiveness of sin.
 
As a general principle, there is nothing wrong with laying hands on people and praying for them, even invoking the Holy Spirit. This is, of course, provided that the person is not portraying this type of healing service as a substitution for the Sacraments of Healing.

Beyond that, it depends upon the person who is claiming to be a healer. Some of them may be authentic. Some may be deluded. Others may be charlatans. Calling the diocesan office would be a good step to finding out which category this particular gentleman belongs to.
 
sjangelini said:
Hello All,

I have a question. I asked in the Ask an Apologist Forum, but no dice.

Does anyone know the Church’s position on lay people performing healing services, such as laying on hands, praying over people, invoking the Holy Spirit,

Thanks!
Click to expand...
I would suggest you contact someone within your Church. I’m aware of the laying of hands and when performed by the proper people of it working. However, there are many scam artists, etc and to me… The miracle of being able to heal after being struck by lightning sounds like something to gain more attention or sell more books… I’m not aware of anyone that is truly involved in things like this that go around writing books about it… I would definitely investigate first, but will add… I will be praying for you and your family member while on this journey and healing as well.
 
Thank you for your prayers and everyone for their good advice. I don’t know why I didn’t think to ask the diocese, but I will call them and ask. That is a really good idea.👍

Thanks everyone and I will let you know what I find out, in case Frank Kelly ever comes up as an issue again.
 
Hi
I am interested in finding out about Frank Kelly. Did you ever get an answer…

Thanks Pattianne.
 
I noticed that here in the small town where I live they have been advertising a Miracle Healing Crusade at the local Pentecostal church. I know this isn’t the same as a Catholic Lay Healing Ministry but I just thought I’d mention it. I personally don’t trust them.
 
Cardinal O’Malley has given permission for any parish in the archdiocese of Boston to invite Frank Kelly for healing services. So he is approved of by the archdiocese’s bishop to hold his services at any parish that invites him.
 
As long as they don’t do anything that is reserved for ordained clergy and are not heretical or acting against the wishes of the pastor and bishop, it is fine.
 
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