S
sugarmouse
Guest
I recently joined my parish choir. Last week there was a “healing Mass” for the sick, which the choir attended to sing at. I’d never been to a healing Mass before, so was a bit unsure what was going on.
When it came time for the anointing, the priest began with those who were “obviously” sick (in wheelchairs, very elderly etc.) in the front pews. He then stood at the front of the church, and the congregation formed a queue to go up and receive. I’m not exaggerating to say that everyone in the pews was joining the line.
Meanwhile, I was sitting at the end of the row in the choir stands. The other choir members (who are mostly elderly, I am the youngest member and in my 20s) ushered for me to get up and join the line. I tried to get out and let them pass by, but they continued to whisper, “on you go,” etc.
Eventually I joined the line and received the anointing on my forehead and hands. Partly it was because I felt uncomfortable in turning back, partly because I was encouraged by the choir members (who have been to healing masses before and have more experience) that it was okay to go up (likewise the priest, who knows me pretty well, didn’t give any indication that there was a problem). I also DO have issues with anxiety/depression, although they’re not as serious as they once were and I no longer need medication for them, so I knew I did have something to be “healed” from.
When I took my seat again, I suddenly became worried that I’d done something wrong. I started thinking, “wait, that was THE anointing of the sick, that’s a whole other sacrament I’ve never received before”. When I got home and checked the catechism, etc. it said that it’s supposed to be for those in danger of death or with very serious conditions (although it looks like all the people who were just elderly shouldn’t have been receiving it either? unless they were ill with something else as well).
So now I’m a bit worried that I’ve done something wrong. Like I said, I DID hesitate before receiving, and I’m not sure how much of it was due to pressure and how much because I genuinely thought it was okay (I think I thought something like, “Well, I wasn’t going to receive, I don’t think I’m really sick enough, but everyone else seems to be fine with it, and depression is a disease - oh, Father isn’t questioning it, I guess it’s fine” - and was validated by one other member of the choir in his 20s likewise receiving)
If this has to be confessed (although I guess it wouldn’t have to be, since it can’t be a mortal sin only venial), that would be awkward - my only regular opportunity for confession is with that same priest who okayed the anointing!
(posted this in AAA a few days ago, I know they can’t reply to every question)
When it came time for the anointing, the priest began with those who were “obviously” sick (in wheelchairs, very elderly etc.) in the front pews. He then stood at the front of the church, and the congregation formed a queue to go up and receive. I’m not exaggerating to say that everyone in the pews was joining the line.
Meanwhile, I was sitting at the end of the row in the choir stands. The other choir members (who are mostly elderly, I am the youngest member and in my 20s) ushered for me to get up and join the line. I tried to get out and let them pass by, but they continued to whisper, “on you go,” etc.
Eventually I joined the line and received the anointing on my forehead and hands. Partly it was because I felt uncomfortable in turning back, partly because I was encouraged by the choir members (who have been to healing masses before and have more experience) that it was okay to go up (likewise the priest, who knows me pretty well, didn’t give any indication that there was a problem). I also DO have issues with anxiety/depression, although they’re not as serious as they once were and I no longer need medication for them, so I knew I did have something to be “healed” from.
When I took my seat again, I suddenly became worried that I’d done something wrong. I started thinking, “wait, that was THE anointing of the sick, that’s a whole other sacrament I’ve never received before”. When I got home and checked the catechism, etc. it said that it’s supposed to be for those in danger of death or with very serious conditions (although it looks like all the people who were just elderly shouldn’t have been receiving it either? unless they were ill with something else as well).
So now I’m a bit worried that I’ve done something wrong. Like I said, I DID hesitate before receiving, and I’m not sure how much of it was due to pressure and how much because I genuinely thought it was okay (I think I thought something like, “Well, I wasn’t going to receive, I don’t think I’m really sick enough, but everyone else seems to be fine with it, and depression is a disease - oh, Father isn’t questioning it, I guess it’s fine” - and was validated by one other member of the choir in his 20s likewise receiving)
If this has to be confessed (although I guess it wouldn’t have to be, since it can’t be a mortal sin only venial), that would be awkward - my only regular opportunity for confession is with that same priest who okayed the anointing!
(posted this in AAA a few days ago, I know they can’t reply to every question)
