A Note From Our Pastor: May 10, 2026

Anointing of the Sick is a sacrament, commonly misunderstood. Perhaps a brief explanation is helpful. It’s rooted in Jesus’ ministry, Jesus, the divine healer. The Church upholds this sacrament for the purpose of strengthening those tried by illness. The priest anoints in the name and power of Christ himself. There are three principal ritual actions that take place: the prayer of faith (see James 5:15), laying on of hands (see Luke 4:40), and anointing with oil (see Mark 6:13).

It supports the sick in their struggle against illness and continues Christ’s messianic work of healing. While it doesn’t suddenly make all things pleasant or easy, it unites us with Christ the healer in a powerful way, in a time of particular need.

Who is it for? Unlike Extreme Unction of former times, which was administered only at the point of death, as the guidelines from our Archdiocese explain, it is for the living faithful who have reached the age of reason, whose health is seriously impaired; those who are weakened by advanced age; and those who will be undergoing surgery in response to a serious condition. Further, it should be administered at the beginning of one’s illness yet may be repeated when the serious condition remains or worsens.

As you likely know, our parishes currently schedule monthly communal services. What I’ve observed is that some are being anointed month after month, which is contrary to what the Church intends for this Sacrament. Even with genuinely good intentions, and a beautiful desire to be united to and strengthened by Jesus, it’s an unintended misuse.

It’s important for us to understand that Jesus comes to us in various ways to unite himself to us, and to bring healing, including through the Holy Eucharist and Confession, and prayers for healing. Anointing of the Sick is not the only source of grace, the only way that Jesus comes to be our strength in times of need and weakness.

Beginning in July, it is our plan to cease administering communal anointing each month. I have prayed about this for many months, because I realize this decision will be a disappointment to some. In trying to balance my genuine love for the people of these parishes, while being a responsible steward of the sacred mysteries entrusted to me, I believe this is the right decision.

Please know, Anointing of the Sick is still availed to you. You need only contact Fr. Ben or myself. We will meet with you and pray with you individually. The intent is not to be stingy with a powerful source of grace, or to keep anyone from Jesus the Divine healer, but instead, to administer it as the Church asks of us.

Yours in Christ,

Father Todd O. Strange