Extreme Unction

The Anointing of the Sick, is the ultimate healing sacrament, available whenever our health is seriously impaired by sickness or old age.  God is always with us in our illness, loving us into health of mind, body and soul.  Through our faith we know that we will have life forever.

Some people have the idea that this sacrament is rather like the sign of death or approaching death – it is only offered when all hope is lost.  In fact the reverse is true; it is a sign of life, the eternal life promised by Jesus Christ, here and now as well as in the future.

This Sacrament may be celebrated at the Church either during a celebration of the Eucharist or at a service for those who are sick. More frequently, it is celebrated at home, during a House mass or in a hospital or nursing home.

Holy Cross Parish celebrates the Sacrament of the Sick every third Tuesday of the month in the Church, 11.30am.  In some months, wherein the Caring Community runs a luncheon for senior parishioners, it is sometimes celebrated at that time.  This is often advertised in the weekly Parish Bulletin.