Is anyone among you sick? He should summon the priests 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.

(James 5:14-15)

Anointing bestows God’s grace upon a sick person. One of the titles given to Jesus is “Divine Physician”. Christ healed many who were sick during his earthly ministry. This was not only to relieve physical suffering, but to affirm His role as spiritual savior and healer of the world. Thus, the prayers of this Sacrament beseech God to heal the sick person, physically, if that is His will, but especially spiritually. Often—though not necessarily—Anointing of the Sick is administered near the time of death, to help the sick person to prepare to meet their Savior and Redeemer.

If you, or someone you love, are ill and/or in need of a priest please contact the rectory at 412-766-6660. Also call to make arrangements for Eucharistic Ministers to deliver communion to the ill and infirm residents of our Catholic community at home, hospital or nursing home.