Pastor’s Letter: May 3, 2026

Pastor’s Letter: May 3, 2026

30 Apr 2026 | Posted by: chadmin

Dear St. Philomena Parish Family,

This week I was set to be back at the seminary for my continuing education.  I got derailed by allergies and ended up with a couple extra rest days—I was sorry to miss some of the week!  It is always such a wonderful opportunity for me to pray, learn, and talk with priests from around the country. One thing I’m sorry to have missed this week was our Hunger Feast. Our school 6^th graders have been focused on hunger for their service this year, including doing some fundraising to help support those in need. This week, during their celebration, our 6^th graders presented checks of $700 to Sophia’s Kitchen and to Fr. Albert for helping his home area villages in Tanzania. Great job 6^th grade!

As we continue our look at the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick, today we look at how the Sacrament comes to us, along with some practical questions. Quoting the Council of Trent, our Catechism states: “This sacred anointing of the sick was instituted by Christ our Lord as a true and proper sacrament of the New Testament. It is alluded to indeed by Mark, but is recommended to the faithful and promulgated by James the apostle and brother of the Lord” (CCC, 1511). Some might be familiar with this passage from James 5:14-15…“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.”

We see in the Scriptures that the Apostles (and successors) share in the ministry of healing through the gift of Priesthood. This gift is continued through the ordination and ministry of priests. Like our other Sacraments, we believe that through the hands and words of the priest, Jesus is present to those who are suffering and brings His healing graces as needed.  When Jesus sent out the Twelve Apostles on mission, St. Mark tells us, “they went off and preached repentance. They drove out many demons, and they anointed with oil many who were sick and cured them” (Mk 6:12-13). Jesus says at the Commissioning of the Apostles, among other wonders, “They will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover” (Mk 16:17-18).  We also see this healing action at work in the Acts of the Apostles, “Peter said to him, ‘Aeneas, Jesus Christ heals you. Get up and make your bed’” (Acts 9:34). Perhaps there are some parents who would like the result of this grace! =)

For some practical questions…

Who can receive the Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick? Can it be repeated? Quoting from the Second Vatican Council, the Catechism teaches that Anointing “is not a sacrament for those only who are at the point of death. Hence, as soon as anyone of the faithful begins to be in danger of death from sickness or old age, the fitting time for him to receive the sacrament has certainly arrived” (CCC, 1514). Continuing, “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” (CCC, 1515).

What are the form and the matter of the Sacrament? During Anointing of the Sick, the priest will lay hands on the head of the person, followed by an anointing on the forehead and hands with the blessed holy oil. As he does this, he says the words of the form of the Sacrament: “Through this Holy Anointing may the Lord in his love and mercy help you with the grace of the Holy Spirit. Amen. May the Lord who frees you from sin save you and raise you up. Amen.”

Which blessed oil is used? There are actually three specially blessed oils which we use for the sacraments. Our Church uses olive oil that is specially blessed each year by the Bishop at the Chrism Mass. For Anointing of the Sick, we use what is called the Oil of the Infirm (often abbreviated OI).  This oil is blessed with the specific purpose of use for the Sacrament of Anointing. As a review, our other two specially blessed oils are the Oil of Salvation (OS, sometimes also called Oil of the Catechumens, OC) and the Sacred Chrism (SC). The Oil of Salvation is used before Baptisms as a sign of strengthening and readiness for life in Christ. The Sacred Chrism, which also contains a perfume called balsam that reminds us of the sweetness of life in Christ, is used for the Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and Holy Orders.

Who are the proper ministers of the Sacrament? From the above Scripture passages (and others) and the life of the early Church, it is clear that this ministry is carried out by Bishops and priests. The Catechism reminds us we should encourage people in need to call for a priest to receive Anointing. If you ever find yourself or a loved one in need of the Sacrament, please always feel free to ask us after Masses or call the office to arrange a good time. We are always happy to share the graces of Anointing of the Sick when needed! Know of my ongoing prayers for everyone, especially those who are suffering with illness this day.

In Christ,
Father Luke