Who can receive the Sacrament of the Sick?

[MarieVeronica]

The Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC) says:

“The sacrament of Anointing of the Sick has as its purpose the conferral of a special grace on the Christian experiencing the difficulties inherent in the condition of grave illness or old age.” (1527)

At our parish, we have a “healing Mass” each Wednesday, where the Sacrament of the Sick is given. When our Pastor presides, he invites EVERYONE who wishes to receive the Sacrament, to do so. No “conditions” seem to apply.

However, when our Associate Pastor presides, he is very adament that only the sick and elderly may receive it. Now… when he says the “sick”… he doesn’t specify physical illness… but I THINK, that’s what he means.

The CCC doesn’t seem to clarify “grave illness”, either. Are we to assume that it means illness, such as a disease… like cancer? Or can the “grave illness” also include spiritual difficulties?

I would also like to know if a chronic disability (which isn’t the same thing, necessarily… as “grave illness”) could be included? I suffer from severe vision problems. Is that a valid reason to receive the Sacrament on a weekly basis?

Whatever your replies might be, I intend to be obedient to the Associate Pastor, because I believe when he says “only if you’re sick” that he means… like with cancer, or similar. So… when he presides… I won’t receive the Sacrament.

But I wanted to make sure it was ok, otherwise… with Church teaching. Thanks! Hope this wasn’t too long or confusing.

 

[Br.Rich_SFO]

The Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC) says:

“The sacrament of Anointing of the Sick has as its purpose the conferral of a special grace on the Christian experiencing the difficulties inherent in the condition of grave illness or old age.” (1527)

At our parish, we have a “healing Mass” each Wednesday, where the Sacrament of the Sick is given. When our Pastor presides, he invites EVERYONE who wishes to receive the Sacrament, to do so. No “conditions” seem to apply.

However, when our Associate Pastor presides, he is very adament that only the sick and elderly may receive it. Now… when he says the “sick”… he doesn’t specify physical illness… but I THINK, that’s what he means.

The CCC doesn’t seem to clarify “grave illness”, either. Are we to assume that it means illness, such as a disease… like cancer? Or can the “grave illness” also include spiritual difficulties?

I would also like to know if a chronic disability (which isn’t the same thing, necessarily… as “grave illness”) could be included? I suffer from severe vision problems. Is that a valid reason to receive the Sacrament on a weekly basis?

Whatever your replies might be, I intend to be obedient to the Associate Pastor, because I believe when he says “only if you’re sick” that he means… like with cancer, or similar. So… when he presides… I won’t receive the Sacrament.

But I wanted to make sure it was ok, otherwise… with Church teaching. Thanks! Hope this wasn’t too long or confusing.

It would be my opinion the your pastor is abusing the Sacrament by inviting "EVERYONE who wishes to receive the Sacrament, to do so. No “conditions” seem to apply. The Rite sugggests that the priest consult a medical professional if necessary to determine the seriousness of the persons condition.

 

[MarieVeronica]

Br. Rich, thank you for your reply. So… it is your opinion… that ALL should not receive the Sacrament on a weekly basis?

What about the latter part of my question; I DO have a chronic disability… a vision problem, which is getting worse… and will probably impede my ability to function normally, at some point. Would that validate my receiving the Sacrament of the Sick weekly? Or should I NOT receive it?

I’m still a bit confused… Thanks and God bless.

 

[ericka1701]

I have received the Sacrament of Anointing for my emotional and mental illness, right before I was to be admitted to the second long term treatment facility in 6 months. I have heard of others with things such as diabetes and heart disease who receive it on a yearly basis. I wouldn’t think it would be inappropriate (but keep in mind, I’m not an expert ) to receive the Sacrament for your vision problems.

God Bless!
Ericka

 

[Br.Rich_SFO]

Br. Rich, thank you for your reply. So… it is your opinion… that ALL should not receive the Sacrament on a weekly basis?

What about the latter part of my question; I DO have a chronic disability… a vision problem, which is getting worse… and will probably impede my ability to function normally, at some point. Would that validate my receiving the Sacrament of the Sick weekly? Or should I NOT receive it?

I’m still a bit confused… Thanks and God bless.

You have a right to ask for the Sacraments and your pastor has the obligation to determine if you can receive them and provide them. I in no way can determine that. My personal opinion in general is you have to ask yourself how life-threatening is you condition. Generally I have seen most people in several diocese in nursing homes who are in very fragile health receive the Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick once every few months or about 3 or 4 times a year and then just before death when possible.

 

[MarieVeronica]

You have a right to ask for the Sacraments and your pastor has the obligation to determine if you can receive them and provide them. I in no way can determine that. My personal opinion in general is you have to ask yourself how life-threatening is you condition. Generally I have seen most people in several diocese in nursing homes who are in very fragile health receive the Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick once every few months or about 3 or 4 times a year and then just before death when possible.

Ok, thank you both for your replies! God bless! :snowing:

 

[GilChrist77]

I know this has kind of already been said but just affirming. I have received the Sacrament twice, once at my baptism because I have heart defects and I received again just a couple of months ago before I went into surgery to have some cysts removed so I think it is fine to receive for vision problems, I will pray that you will get better if that is God’s will.

JMJ+
~Betsy

 

[Phemie]

It would be my opinion the your pastor is abusing the Sacrament by inviting "EVERYONE who wishes to receive the Sacrament, to do so. No “conditions” seem to apply. The Rite sugggests that the priest consult a medical professional if necessary to determine the seriousness of the persons condition.

We had this in our parish a few months ago and I was the only person who didn’t go up for the anointing. Even a 23 year old with absolutely no health problems went up because her mother sneered at her and said “Do you think you’re perfect and don’t need this??”

Well, I don’t think I’m perfect, I’m not even in perfect health but if I had to call for a priest to confer that sacrament I wouldn’t do it so why would I go and receive it just because it’s available?

 

[Br.Rich_SFO]

We had this in our parish a few months ago and I was the only person who didn’t go up for the anointing. Even a 23 year old with absolutely no health problems went up because her mother sneered at her and said “Do you think you’re perfect and don’t need this??”

Well, I don’t think I’m perfect, I’m not even in perfect health but if I had to call for a priest to confer that sacrament I wouldn’t do it so why would I go and receive it just because it’s available?

I think the first example is a somewhat common misunderstanding of the Sacrament. MANY believe that it is a substitute for Sacramental Confession. Most pastors do not announce that anyone intending to receive the Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick next Sunday at the “Healing Mass” must seriously consider coming to the Sacrament of Confession on the Saturday before or during the week prior.

 

[Elizabeth502]

How about for serious injuries?
And must it be combined with confession?

 

[Br.Rich_SFO]

How about for serious injuries?
And must it be combined with confession?

If your injuries are potentially life-threatening. If you are unable to Confess your sins first, such as being unconscious, then it is not necessary. If you are aware of having unconfessed Mortal sin and intentionally receive the Sacrament of Anointing of the sick without first Confessing the sin(s) you risk committing the additional grave sin of scarilege and receiving no benefit from the Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick…

 

[puzzleannie]

I hope the priest has made the point that all who are able must confess first, or be already in the state of grace, and provides the opportunity for confession first. Anyone who is seriously ill, and you are generally able to use your own prudential judgement, and should ask the priest if you are uncertain.

It does not have to be immediately life-threatening, but something that is impacting, or has potential to impact your life gravely–like diabetes with its progressive disabilities. You would normally get anointed once when first diagnosed or aware of adverse effects, and again if the condition worsened, if a chronic condition has acute flare-up. It is not for a hang-nail or a cold. But it could very well be for a person with a compromised immune system who gets the cold or flu, since their potential for grave complications is very high.

reminder for families, please call the priest as soon as the person enters the hospital or starts the treatment for an accident or grave condition. Do not wait until the patient is at the point of death, because sadly you may not be able to find a priest at the last minute.

Also for someone facing surgery, which always has risks associated with it, or someone whose advancing years have brought increasing frailty and disability. Not all old people fit that description, so age itself is not a criteria (although MIL who is pushing 90 and fit as a fiddle never misses a chance when this is offered).

The error if any should be on the side of giving and receiving the sacrament.

 

[FrDavid96]

The Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC) says:

“The sacrament of Anointing of the Sick has as its purpose the conferral of a special grace on the Christian experiencing the difficulties inherent in the condition of grave illness or old age.” (1527)

At our parish, we have a “healing Mass” each Wednesday, where the Sacrament of the Sick is given. When our Pastor presides, he invites EVERYONE who wishes to receive the Sacrament, to do so. No “conditions” seem to apply.

However, when our Associate Pastor presides, he is very adament that only the sick and elderly may receive it. Now… when he says the “sick”… he doesn’t specify physical illness… but I THINK, that’s what he means.

The CCC doesn’t seem to clarify “grave illness”, either. Are we to assume that it means illness, such as a disease… like cancer? Or can the “grave illness” also include spiritual difficulties?

I would also like to know if a chronic disability (which isn’t the same thing, necessarily… as “grave illness”) could be included? I suffer from severe vision problems. Is that a valid reason to receive the Sacrament on a weekly basis?

Whatever your replies might be, I intend to be obedient to the Associate Pastor, because I believe when he says “only if you’re sick” that he means… like with cancer, or similar. So… when he presides… I won’t receive the Sacrament.

But I wanted to make sure it was ok, otherwise… with Church teaching. Thanks! Hope this wasn’t too long or confusing.

MarieVeronica,
Only those who are experiencing a serious life-threatening illness/condition should be anointed. This is not the same thing as “danger of death” which is, of course, more serious, and makes the Sacrament even more urgent. Age itself (strictly speaking) is not a reason for the Sacrament, but it’s more a matter of the condition of the person which accompanies aging (a person could be 90 years old and in excellent health for example, or approaching death at age 50).

One preparing for serious surgery, or one who is so advanced in age or condition that a lesser form of surgery could be life-threatening should also be anointed.

It is an abuse of the Sacrament to anoint those who are not “eligible” for it–such as a general invitation for anyone to receive it, or to extend it to the family and friends of the ill person. It is likewise an abuse to administer the Sacrament too often to the same person. The reason why these are abuses is because they diminishes the meaning and people’s understanding of it.

Being “sick” is not a reason for receiving the Sacrament–or to put it another way, not a reason for the priest to administer it. An otherwise healthy young person might have a simple cold, and we might use the word “sick.”

Priests do know better, and have a responsibility to administer this Sacrament properly. Priests who abuse the Sacrament by extending it to those who should not be anointed are acting irresponsibly and are doing serious harm to the genuine meaning of the Sacrament.

 

[SuscipeMeDomine]

I would also like to know if a chronic disability (which isn’t the same thing, necessarily… as “grave illness”) could be included? I suffer from severe vision problems. Is that a valid reason to receive the Sacrament on a weekly basis?

The Catechism says:

1515
If a sick person who received this anointing recovers his health, he can in the case of another grave illness receive this sacrament again. If during the same illness the person’s condition becomes more serious, the sacrament may be repeated. It is fitting to receive the Anointing of the Sick just prior to a serious operation. The same holds for the elderly whose frailty becomes more pronounced.

I would not interpret the bold section as meaning the sacrament can be repeated weekly.

 

[MarieVeronica]

The reason why these are abuses is because they diminishes the meaning and people’s understanding of it.

Fr. David… thank you, for sharing your wisdom and for helping me to fully understand what has been happening here. I appreciate your words, deeply. And I will cease to “receive” the Sacrament of the Sick… should we continue to attend the Wednesday daily Mass. I’m thinking, though… that maybe we should not attend that Mass any longer, but move to another day.

From what you’ve said… I’m beginning to wonder, also… about this whole perception of a “healing Mass”. This is what people in my parish refer to the Wednesday daily Mass… as. I guess there is no such thing as a “healing Mass”?

I would like to say a word in defense of my Pastor; that he is an extremely caring, holy and “fatherly” man. He obviously takes his role as a priest and pastor… very seriously. Praise God! He has a great charism for reaching out to everyone. No one is excluded, in this wonderful man’s mind. He loves everyone and plays no favorites (which, sadly… in some parishes, is not always the case). And I believe that this is the reason that he is offering the Sacrament each Wednesday. He is attempting to do “everything” he can, for his flock. Just like many a doting dad… he is maybe a bit prone to spoiling his kids?

I do pray for him… but I will make it a point to offer more prayers for my Pastor… whom we love, dearly.

Thank you again, dear brothers and sisters… for taking the time to reply to this thread. God bless.

 

[Elizabeth502]

If your injuries are potentially life-threatening. If you are unable to Confess your sins first, such as being unconscious, then it is not necessary. If you are aware of having unconfessed Mortal sin and intentionally receive the Sacrament of Anointing of the sick without first Confessing the sin(s) you risk committing the additional grave sin of scarilege and receiving no benefit from the Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick…

Injuries not life-threatening. Not in a state of mortal sin.
However, I thought the conditions you describe refer to Viaticum, whereas conditions are supposedly looser (in terms of physical danger) with regarding to Annointing of the Sick.

 

[benedictgal]

About 16 years ago, my beloved, late mother was diagnosed with ovarian cancer. She was given a year or so to live. When she started her chemotherapy, I made sure that she always received the Sacrament of the Annointing of the Sick. The treatments would take a lot out of her and she found great comfort in the sacrament.

WHen she was dying and unconscious (I wasn’t there; I missed her by half an hour–she will have been dead 15 years on January 7)), our pastor (who is now deceased) gave her the last Rites. Had she been conscious, I am sure she would have been grateful.

About a couple of months ago, my migraines increased in their severity to the point that I almost couldn’t walk. The pain hit me profoundly after Mass. My PV was kind enough to give me the Sacrament of the Annointing of the Sick. I was in a lot of pain. By some miracle, I was able to get home.

My old parish in Austin would have these communal services, but, I didn’t go up during most of them because I thought that it was for those who were profoundly ill. One of our priests, a newbie, did tell me to go up because he said that emotional distress (I had just lost my mother) was taking its toll on me, mentally and spiritually, that, in his judgment, I needed the sacrament. He said that emotional and mental infirmities were just as much a sickness as physical ailments.

I do agree with those who have noted, not in these exact words, that it should not be applied wholesale. This is a serious sacrament that was designed for those who are genuinely sick. It’s not something that all of us should go up and receive. Certain parameters have to be met. In hindsight, maybe I should not have gone up when our priest told me to go. But, there was comfort at that moment.

 

[Jimdandy]

It is my understanding that serious, chronic, illnesses of mind, body or soul may qualify a person in their particular situation for the reception of this sacrament (we are all, after all terminal from birth)

Open invitations may cause some to appear to be abusing the privilege, but may also open someone who is reticent in asking for this sacrament to step forward and receive it.

Perhaps you could suggest a notice be written in your Bulletin and a brief explanation of the sacrament and the criteria needed for its reception be given before each anointing.

In order for Sanctifying Grace to be given, the recipient must acknowledge and be repentant of one’s sins-and this Sacrament must never be received as just a substitution for the Sacrament of Reconciliation.

However, as with most things, a lot depends on the intimate knowledge of the person receiving the sacrament.

Make your best effort and leave the rest in God’s hands.

 

[Elizabeth502]

Recently this sacrament was offered very informally & spontaneously during Mass. The presiding priest invited all those who wanted to receive the sacrament to come forward (“all those who felt a need for healing” – is I think the very broad way he put it). I was very confused. About fifty amazingly healthy-looking, strapping people came forward, with vigorous strides, mostly in their 20’s - 40’s. This was despite some in the congregation who were at least partially lame, or who were elderly, carried a cane, etc. The healthy ones crowded out any hope of the frail coming forward, as there remained no room in the sanctuary after the sanguine participants practically leapt forward. (“Seriously ill?”). Privately I thought to myself, “Gee, what prevents me from joining these people?” However, I felt it would have been usurping the needs of others for me to be yet one more person to crowd out the ill. I suspect that the physically healthy ones rationalized that they “needed” spiritual healing. (Don’t we all? !)

Both in the way this was handled (announced) and in the response of the congregation, I did consider it an abuse of a sacrament. I also thought it did not provide A Teaching Moment, so to speak. Liturgical catechetical announcements have been part of the Mass now since Rome made that decision, I think. I have enjoyed those descriptions. The “sacramental moment” seemed to reverse that trend that evening. I didn’t resent the ones who were there to receive; I was just bewildered & confused.

 

[Jimdandy]

Catholic theology sees in the Letter of James (5:14-15) the Biblical foundation for the sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick. The author of the Letter, after giving various counsels regarding Christian life, presents a norm for the sick: “Is anyone among you sick? He should summon the presbyters of the Church and they should pray over him and anoint him with oil in the name of the Lord; and the prayer of faith will save the sick person, and the Lord will raise him up. If he has committed any sins, he will be forgiven”. In this text, the Church, guided by the Holy Spirit, has, in the course of the centuries, identified the essential elements of the sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick, which the Council of Trent (Sess. XIV, cap. 1-3, can. 1-4: DS 1695-1700, 1716-1719) sets out in systematic form: a) subject: a gravely ill baptized person; b) minister: “omnis et solus sacerdos”; c) matter: anointing with blessed oil; d) form: the prayer of the minister; e) effects: salvific grace, forgiveness of sins, relief of the sick person.

see: www.usccb.org/deacon/cdfsacrament.shtml