Anointing of the Sick
In times of lengthy illness, it is very important that the Anointing of the Sick not be delayed until the final stages. If at all possible, the sacrament should be requested as soon as possible after the discovery of the ailment. If at all possible, it should also be arranged that family members and friends be present when the sacrament is taking place.
We encourage any member of Holy Angels who would like to receive, or knows of someone who needs to receive this sacrament, to please call the Church Office at (626) 447-1671 to make an appointment with one of our priests.
The introduction to the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick states that "through the Apostle James, [Christ] has commanded us: 'Are there any sick among you? Let them send for the priests of the Church, and let the priests pray over them, anointing them with oil in the name of the Lord; and the prayer of faith will save the sick persons, and the Lord will raise them up; and if they have committed any sins, their sins will be forgiven them.'"
Our faith tells us that suffering and illness are part of the human condition and should not necessarily be regarded as punishment for personal sin (John 9: 1-3). We also believe that these tragic situations do not have to be meaningless. For Christ himself, who is without sin, suffered and died so that we might live. We believe that illness and suffering can have meaning when united with the community of the Church and the passion of Christ.
Those who are suffering illness should seek the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick, so that their faith and hope might be strengthened and restored. "This sacrament gives the grace of the Holy Spirit to those who are sick; by this grace the whole person is hekped and saved, sustained by trust in God, and strengthened against the temptations of the Evil One and against anxiety over death. The sick person is able not only to bear suffering bravely, but also to fight against it." (Pastoral Care of the Sick, pg. 20)