“By the sacred anointing of the sick and the prayer of the priests the whole Church commends those who are ill to the suffering and glorified Lord, that he may raise them up and save them. And indeed she exhorts them to contribute to the good of the People of God by freely uniting themselves to the Passion and death of Christ.” (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1499)
The Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick offers prayer for healing, hope, and strength and is intended for a Catholic at the beginning of a serious illness, before surgery or weakened due to age or chronic infirmity. Viaticum, “Food for the Journey”, is Holy Communion with special prayers for the dying and serves as the “last rites” for Catholics who are terminally ill and in the last stages of life.
Our parish clergy are always willing to visit hospitals to pray with and support those who are ill. Sacraments in the hospital are provided by the designated Catholic Chaplain. Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion generously make themselves available to bring Holy Communion to the home-bound of our parish. Please contact the Parish Office at (985) 643-4137 to arrange for any of these services.