The Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick
Catholic theology sees in the Letter of James (5:14-15) the Biblical foundation for the sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick. The author of the Letter, after giving various counsels regarding Christian life, presents a norm for the sick:
"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".
(Stained glass window at left, in St. Martin of Tours Church, depicts the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick.)
For information about the Oil of the Sick, see this article by Paul Turner.
PARISH CELEBRATIONS OF THE SACRAMENT
In 1992, Pope John Paul II introduced the celebration of the World Day of the Sick on the Feast of Our Lady of Lourdes. This annual celebration give people a chance to pray for and deepen their solidarity with the sick and injured among us.
Each year, on a weekend close to the Feast of Our Lady of Lourdes (February 11th), parishes are encouraged to schedule opportunities for parishioners to celebrate the sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick.
Our parish will celebrate the Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick at all the Sunday Masses on the weekend of February 14/15, 2009.
We also celebrate a Mass of Anointing at our annual Celebration of Life in April, when we invite the residents of the seven Convalescent Homes in our parish to come for the Mass, lunch and entertainment. Please call the Pastoral Care Office (289-9617) for more information about this special event.
FAMILY CELEBRATIONS OF THE SACRAMENT
Many people may remember a time in the Church when a priest would be called to administer the sacrament when someone was at the brink of death. Since Vatican II, our understanding of the Sacrament of Anointing the Sick has grown, and we have come to realize the importance of celebrating this sacrament at the onset of a serious illness, with family members and friends surrounding the person who is sick. The sacramental celebration helps to strengthen the sick person with God's grace, to help them through the illness.( At the end of a person's life, when possible, a person may receive the Eucharist, as food for their journey home to God.)
When you, or someone you love, is struggling with illness or about to undergo surgery or difficult treatments, please call the Rectory (294-8953) or the Pastoral Care Office (289-9617) to request the Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick.
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OTHER PARISH SACRAMENTAL CELEBRATIONS
CONFIRMATION (Youth) Bishop Patrick McGrath has granted permission for our parish to modify the ages (14 - 18) when the Sacrament of Confirmation can be conferred upon the youth of our parish.
Destination Confirmation is St. Martin of Tours' self-paced Confirmation preparation process. It's a holistic and representative view of the Universal Church where students live their faith while preparing for the Sacrament of Confirmation.
For more information, you can call the Catechetical Office at 289-9608 or email Liz Schoenwetter, the parish Director of Catechetical Ministry. (For Adult Confirmation, see below) |
BAPTISM (infants) Baptism of infants and children under the age of seven is celebrated twice a month at our church at our regularly scheduled weekend Masses. Parents are required to attend a preparation session before the baptism of their child. For more information, contact the Catechetical Ministry Office at 289-9617 or email them at catecheticalministry@stmartin.org
BAPTISM of ADULTS and CHILDREN over the age of 7 is coordinated through the R.C.I.A. Unbaptised adults and children who complete this process will celebrate the three sacraments of initiation at the Easter Vigil: Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist. We warmly welcome all those inquiring about becoming Catholic. For more information, please contact Joy Aspenall in the Catechetical Office listed above. |
CONFIRMATION (Adults) This process is for those over 18 years old, no longer in High School, who have been baptized and received Eucharist. There are 6 sessions, and Confirmation is held at the Cathedral on Pentecost Sunday. Contact Joy Aspenall in the Catechetical Office at 289-9608. |
RECONCILIATION
- Communal Reconciliation Services are celebrated during Advent and Lent each year.
- Individual reconciliation is available each Saturday at 3:30 p.m. or by appointment.
- For infomation about First Reconciliation, go to the Catechetical Ministry page
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MARRIAGE Couples who are planning to be married should call the rectory to make an appointment with a priest at least six months in advance of the wedding date.
The rectory number is (408) 294-8953 and Holly Schoppe is our parish Wedding Coordinator. |
EUCHARIST
- For information about First Communion, go to the Catechetical Ministry page.
- For information about Communion for the Sick and Homebound, go to the Pastoral Care page.
- For information about the parish Schedule of Masses, go to the Mass Times page.
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