“Is there anyone among you sick? He should summon the presbyters of the church, and they should pray over him and anoint him with oil in the name of the Lord, and the prayer of faith will save the sick person, and the lord will raise him up.”
James 5:14-15
Christ, understanding human illness, gave his Church the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick so all the baptized can access and experience his healing Spirit. This sacrament of mercy and healing is administered to the dying as well as to those who are gravely ill or about to undergo a serious operation. The Sacrament of Anointing offers prayers for recovery, but primarily gives spiritual healing and the Holy Spirit’s peace and courage for the difficulties of illness or the frailty of old age.
Anointing is not to be delayed for any serious illness or operation. A person who has been anointed does not need to be anointed again within the same illness. It is also important to be prepared to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation when receiving the Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick (if they are able).
When to call a priest:
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Diagnosis of serious disease: call parish to come in and meet with priest.
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Terminal Diagnosis: call parish to come in and meet with priest.
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Homebound: call parish to schedule a visit within a given week.
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For the integrity of the sacrament the priest will hear the confession of the person to be anointed.
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Emergencies
For all emergencies requiring the presence of a priest (those situations involving someone who is ill, coming to end of life, or has just passed away) please call our main number 303.756.3083, and a staff member will contact a priest immediately.
If you call after regular office hours, or during lunch, you will reach the answering service. Simply dial 6 and you will be connected with an operator who should be able to connect you directly to a priest. Please let them know you can hold for a moment while they reach him, as this is always quicker than leaving information and waiting for a return call.
Last Rites
“Last Rites” in the Catholic Faith is a historic phrase given to three sacraments that are generally celebrated in the final moments of life or in moments where there is a perceived “danger of death.”
In such times we connect a person to the entire community of faith through the celebration of:
1
Anointing of the Sick
2
The Sacrament of Reconciliation
3
The Celebration of the Eucharist
(historically referred to as “viaticum”, or sustenance “for the journey”).
In modern times and with modern medical care, we often find that an individual may not be able to receive all of the elements of last rites. They may not be aware enough to participate in confession. They may no longer be able to take solid food (including the Eucharist). In such occasions we still celebrate the liturgy of anointing and say prayers. When the situation arises and any or all of the “last rites” need to be requested, please call the parish office at 303.756.3083. If you call after hours (or during lunch hour) please dial 6 to get to our answering service and ask the operator to allow you to hold the line while he or she connects you directly with a priest.
In such times we connect a person to the entire community of faith through the celebration of: