We pause again for our discussion of the Mass in my column this weekend for a “special announcement.” “Are there any who are sick among you? Let them send for the priests of the Church & the Priests of the Church will pray over them.” One of the crosses that we may find ourselves carrying during the course of our lives is the cross of illness, pain, & suffering. Next weekend we will pray in a special way with those among us who are carrying that cross right now as we celebrate the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick at both of our Sunday Masses. Fr. Misenko & I will join together at both Masses on Sunday, October 15th to celebrate the Sacrament.

  In times past, the Sacrament used to be thought of more as Last Rites, only to be received when death was imminent. In fact, I remember once being asked to leave a nursing home room where I had gone to anoint someone. The reason? “I’m not dying yet.” While certainly you can be anointed as the moment of death draws near (I’ve done it many times), the sacrament is meant for more than just the last moments of life. Next weekend, we invite those who are in need of God’s healing mercy & love due to physical or mental challenges, or those who are preparing for serious surgery, or those who are elderly, or those who struggle with a chronic condition to be anointed.

  Following the homily, we will offer prayers for our sick brothers & sisters & then those who are carrying the cross of illness & suffering will be anointed on the forehead & then on the palms of their hands. If you wish to be anointed, please try to sit towards the end of the pew to make it easier for the Priest to get to you. Let us pray for all of our sick brothers & sisters, begging the healing mercy of God to be with them & to strengthen them as they carry a share of Jesus’ cross.