Jesus commissioned his disciples to ‘Heal the sick’ (Matthew 10.8) and promised that if ‘they will lay their hands on the sick’ then the sick ‘will recover’ (Mark 16.18). The Anointing of the Sick is the sacrament (a holy and visible sign of an invisible reality) in which this healing takes place. Such healing is not necessarily physical. Instead, the grace of this sacrament consists in welcoming Christ the healer into our lives. So Christ eases our suffering by coming to dwell within those who receive the Anointing. This strenghtens then and helps them to bear the weight of their suffering, as he shares their burden of pain.

The Anointing of the Sick was first written about by the Apostle St James in his Letter, (James 5.14-15). Following his instructions, the sacrament consists in two actions, the laying on of hands, and the anointing of the person (usually their forehead and hands) with holy oil, by a Priest. The Church teaches that as part of the healing which is brought about in this sacrament, the sick person is freed from sin.

Anointing used to be associated just with the end of life, and was often referred to as “the Last Rites”. However, you do not have to be at the point of death to be anointed, although it is still very good to receive the sacrament at this point. At any point, when facing illness (of any kind), we can approach the Lord Jesus through Anointing.

Holy Communion at Home
Holy Communion is always available even for those who cannot attend church because of illness. If this applies to you or someone you know, get in touch with us. The Parish Priest, or a member of All Saints', will be happy to arrange a visit and bring Holy Communion to you.

If you are sick or you know someone who is, and you or they would like to receive the sacrament of Anointing and Holy Communion, please contact the Parish Office.

'Are any among you sick? They should call for the elders of the church and have them pray over them, anointing them with oil in the name of the Lord. The prayer of faith will save the sick, and the Lord will raise them up; and anyone who has committed sins will be forgiven.'
- James 5:14-15

The oil used in administering the Anointing of the Sick is pure olive oil and it is called Oil of the Sick. It is one of the three Holy oils blessed by the bishop of St Albans on Maundy Thursday at the Chrism Mass.