1st Sunday of Lent: Anointing of the Sick

Greetings in the name of the Lord:

At the writing of this bulletin article, Pope Francis has been in the hospital being treated for double pneumonia, and Archbishop Schnurr has been recovering from lumbar surgery due to a fall. Also of importance is the number of parishioners with various illnesses. Personally, I am starting to return to active ministry in our Family of Parishes, but I am to be on light duty. These illnesses and recoveries from surgery are a reminder to all of us to keep all of our beloved sick in our prayers.

This Holy Season of Lent is an excellent opportunity to pray for the sick, especially by name when possible. Also, one of the corporal works of mercy is to visit the sick. For those who are struggling with illness, please prayerfully consider uniting your suffering to Christ on the Cross and offer up your suffering for a particular family member or friend who is struggling in some way. Finally, the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick is to be given at the first signs of serious illness or before surgery. The Anointing of the Sick is not to be delayed. Furthermore, it is right and just to go to confession before receiving the Anointing of the Sick. When someone is entering the dying process, Confession, Anointing of the Sick, and the Eucharist is to be given before unconsciousness occurs. Again, we do not want to delay the Anointing of the Sick. You can contact your Parish Office to seek an anointing, or call the after-hours sacramental emergencies line at St. Vivian (513-728-4331 x3). We seek the intercession of Mary Help of the Sick.

Yours in Christ:
Fr. Haft