“Both the sacrament of Reconciliation and the sacrament of Anointing of the Sick celebrate and carry out the healing ministry of Jesus,” states Celebrating Sacraments from Saint Mary’s Press. “The sacrament of Anointing of the Sick, however, offers persons strength, peace, and courage to overcome the hardships of serious illness or the increasing frailty of old age.”

The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops states that the “Rite of Anointing tells us there is no need to wait until a person is at the point of death to receive the Sacrament. A careful judgment about the serious nature of the illness is sufficient. The Sacrament may be repeated if the sick person recovers after the anointing but becomes ill once again, or if, during the same illness, the person’s condition becomes more serious.”

Appointments for the sacrament may be made by contacting the rectory at 201-384-0557. In light of recent changes concerning the Patient Privacy Act, it is becoming difficult to visit those hospitalized. If you or someone you know would like a visit from the clergy during a stay in the hospital, please contact the rectory and leave the name, hospital, room number and approximate length of stay.

As a parish, we would like to stay connected to our homebound. Please let us know of anyone who would like to receive Holy Communion or of any lonely person who would appreciate a visit.