Pastoral Care

Catholics who are seriously ill need the special help of God’s grace in this time of anxiety, lest they be broken in spirit, and feeling abandoned, perhaps weaken in their Christian Faith. In the celebration of the Anointing of the Sick, we Catholics believe that faith itself is manifested. The person is healed in personal faith and in the faith of the Church, which looks to the death, and resurrection of Christ, as the source of the sacrament’s power. (General Introduction: Pastoral Care of the Sick)

FIRST MINISTERS TO THE SICK AND DYING
By reasons of our BAPTISM, all Christians, especially family members, friends and fellow parishioners, have a special share in the ministry to the sick and dying.

Vocal prayers from the Christian tradition such as the Lord’s Prayer, silent presence, gentle touch and frequent reassurance, are all forms of pastoral care to the sick member of the family. This immediate pastoral care and presence need not be delayed while waiting for an ordained minister to be called.

RECIPIENTS OF THE ANOINTING OF THE SICK
* Persons whose health is seriously threatened by sickness or an accident.

* Candidates for surgery.

* Elderly persons notably weakened, or who suffer from chronic illness and pain.

ANOINTING OF THE SICK INSTEAD OF EXTREME UNCTION
There was a time when this sacrament was administered only in extreme danger of death and therefore was referred to as Extreme Unction. Today, except in the case of a serious accident, the Church encourages us to receive the Sacrament at the time of sickness, never delay until the person is unconscious or too feeble to participate in the celebration.

The patient or family members may contact the Holy Trinity Pastoral Care Office to arrange for an early celebration of the Anointing of the Sick.

ORDINARY CELEBRATION OF THE ANOINTING OF THE SICK

Ordinarily, the celebration of the Anointing of the Sick takes place in a prayerful setting in the parish community after a Mass, or at the home, with family members and friends present to offer prayer and support.

CHURCH CELEBRATIONS:

After the 5:00pm Mass on the first Saturday of each month. Family and friends are invited to join the candidate when possible.

HOME CELEBRATIONS:

Registered parishioners confined to their homes by illness or infirmity may receive the Sacrament of the Sick at home, along with Holy Communion.

Persons in nursing homes may request the anointing from the parish, which provides pastoral care to this facility.

CELEBRATION OF THE ANOINTING OF THE SICK IN A HOSPITAL EMERGENCY

An accident or a sudden illness propels a person into a hospital setting without warning. A Catholic of any age may request an Anointing of the Sick from the Pastoral Care ministers within the hospital setting. Whether the person is conscious or unconscious, a family member should ask the nursing staff to contact the hospital Pastoral Care Office to arrange for this celebration.

The Anointing of the Sick is not celebrated when the person has already died. In this case, an Ecumenical or Catholic minister can pray with family members and loved ones for the gift of forgiveness, and the reception of the deceased into God’s kingdom.

RECEPTION OF HOLY COMMUNION BY THE SICK

Holy Trinity parishioners who are unable to join us for Sunday Mass due to short or long term limitations, may receive Holy Communion at home on a regular basis from a lay Eucharistic minister.

On a periodic basis, parishioners who are confined to their home may also request a visit from a priest to celebrate the Sacrament of Penance.

The patient or a family member may arrange for a pastoral visit by calling the Pastoral Care Office.