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Sunday, February 11, 2024, 2:00 PMOn February 11th, the Feast of Our Lady of Lourdes, we also celebrate the 32nd World Day of the Sick, whose commemoration was introduced by Saint Pope John Paul II as a way for believers to offer prayers for those suffering from illnesses. On Sunday, February 11th we will offer a special Healing Prayer Service followed by the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick at 2pm at St. Mary Church.
The Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick is for all who face a serious illness
or surgery or who are impaired by old age. It is distinct from the “Last Rites,” or Viaticum, in which the Church offers Holy Communion as food for the journey to life eternal. Suffering and illness affect us in body and spirit. If one member suffers in the Body of Christ, which is the Church, all the members suffer with that member. In times of frailty, sickness, treatment, or surgeries the parish family assures the infirmed of our care and support through our prayer, personal visits, and the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick. One may celebrate the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick many times if needed for strength and healing in mind, body and spirit. In this sacrament
of anointing, Christ strengthens our faith and bestows God’s grace in a time of anxiety and pain.
