Dear Parishioners,

Next Sunday during all the Masses in our Pastorate we will celebrate the Sacrament of the Sick. As the name indicates this Sacrament is about the healing power of Christ. “Last Rites” is a misnomer for this Sacrament. It is not only for people who are at death’s door, although some people receive the Sacrament shortly before death. We frequently anoint people in their homes or in hospitals or nursing homes. Celebrating the Sacrament of the Sick during Mass is an opportunity for Catholics who are experiencing illness but do not feel the urgency to call a priest to receive this Sacramental grace. It is fitting to anoint Catholics who have celebrated the Sacrament of Reconciliation [we do not anoint children who have not yet gone to confession because the Sacrament concerns spiritual as well as physical healing.] Any Catholic who fulfills one or more of the following criteria can receive this Sacrament. 1.) Soon undergoing surgery; 2.) Significantly affected by chronic illness; 3.) Experiencing the weaknesses/disabilities which accompany aging. We chose next Sunday because the Scripture passages we will hear during Mass speak of God’s healing power. I hope that many parishioners will take advantage of this opportunity.

Fr. Richard Weisenberger