The Lord Jesus Christ, physician of our souls and bodies, who forgave the sins of the paralytic and restored him to bodily health, has willed that his Church continue, in the power of the Holy Spirit, his work of healing and salvation, even among her own members. This is the purpose of the two sacraments of healing; the sacrament of Penance, the sacrament of Anointing of the Sick. —Catechism of the Catholic Church

Penance and Reconciliation

The sacrament of Penance and Reconciliation offers to the Christian the mercy and forgiveness of God. It heals relationships with God, self and others broken or weakened through sin. It has many names Penance, Reconciliation, Confession; the sacrament of conversion but it is all the same reality. Members of our parish are invited to approach this sacrament to receive the healing and strength flowing from it. Twice yearly, in Advent and in Lent, parishioners are encouraged to gather for a communal reconciliation service. Coming together highlights that our actions impact not just our own life of faith but the life of the whole Church of God.

The sacrament of Penance is available weekly on Saturdays: 3 PM to 4:45 PM in the Church.

Anointing of the Sick

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. [cc.1499]

In his life Jesus reached out to those who were in need of healing. The Church continues this mission of Jesus through its ministry to those who are sick. It accompanies them with her prayer of intercession. If you or any member of your families is seriously ill, the Church offers you this sacrament of grace and healing. The sacrament can be celebrated in the midst of the community, if the sick person is able, or may be celebrated within the home or sick room of the person. When possible it is celebrated within the Mass.

The Anointing of the Sick is not the sacrament of the dying. The Church teaches that viaticum [Eucharist] should always be the last sacrament of the earthly journey. [cc.1517]

This sacrament is for the journey of illness and may be received more than once during the passage of the sickness. Death is a transformative moment in Christian life. It is at such a moment that the church desires to extend comfort, consolation and hope to the family and friends of the deceased. Normally, the funeral home will arrange with the parish for the times of the vigil service and funeral. Pastoral staff is available to help families in preparing the services. Our bereavement committee can assist in preparing refreshments for the community after the funeral Mass.