Sacraments of Healing
RECONCILIATION (Penance)
Sometimes called the Sacrament of Penance or indeed the Sacrament of Conversion it makes sacramentally present Jesus’ call to conversion, the first step in returning to the Father from whom one has strayed by sin. In a profound way, it is the acknowledging of the holiness of God. It is the Sacrament of Forgiveness since by the priest’s sacramental absolution God grants the penitent pardon and peace.
The call to conversion is an essential part of the proclamation of the kingdom of God. (See Mk: 1:15) St Peter’s conversion after he had denied Christ three times bears witness to the infinite mercy of God.
The spiritual effects of the Sacrament of Penance are:
- Reconciliation with God by which the penitent recovers grace
- Reconciliation with the Church
- Remission of the eternal punishment incurred by mortal sins
- Remission, at least in part, of temporal punishments resulting from sin;
- Peace and serenity of conscience, and spiritual consolation.
- An increase in spiritual strength for the Christian battle.
Confessions
Details of times for Confessions are available on the Parish Calendar which is distributed each year and at Mass Times /Devotions.
ANOINTING OF THE SICK
The Sick have a special place in our parish community. Indeed, it is a special vocation. It shows us all that we are ultimately weak and vulnerable. The Church therefore believes and professes that among the seven Sacraments there is one especially intended to strengthen those who are being tried by illness. This Sacrament is not only part of the tradition of the Church, it was instituted by Christ himself (see Matthew 10:8).
In the Letter of James we read:
“If one of you is ill, he should send for the elders of the Church, and they must anoint him with oil in the name of the Lord and pray over him. The prayer of faith will save the sick man and the Lord will raise him up again; and if he has committed any sins, he will be forgiven.” (Jas. 5:14-15)
The Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick is not only intended for those who are at the point of death. Those who suffer from serious and recurring illness or from old age may receive the Sacrament. The Sacrament may be administered more than once, though normally a person is not anointed more than once a month.
Family members are encouraged to call a priest to administer the Sacrament to a member of the family who is ill or in danger of death.
It is the mission of the Church to bring hope and healing to a broken world. In the ministry of Jesus, healing came through the spoken word and the laying on of hands. Words of forgiveness, hope and comfort, spoken honestly, are worth speaking, even in the most harrowing of situations. The Sacrament of the Sick brings both words and touch together in a very profound way.
To seek the Sacrament of the Sick for yourself or an ill family member just call one of the priests.
