Recently a new translation of the Rite of Anointing and Care of the Sick was promulgated by the Dicastery for Divine Worship and Discipline of the Sacraments in Rome.  One of the elements that was not new but was emphasized anew is that priests should not be administering the sacrament until there is a fairly imminent danger of death

When asked for clarification, the Dicastery allowed that advanced age could constitute that danger, as could preparation for a serious operation.

This is not really a new understanding.  We have known this for a long time, but we have gotten into the habit of offering the sacrament more broadly than that.  In the past, here at St. Thomas More, we have offered the sacrament after all the weekend Masses once a year.  We are rethinking that in order to comply with the Church’s mandate.

This year, we will be offering the sacrament after the 5:15 Mass on Monday, October 5.  We invite people in advanced age to avail themselves of the Anointing of the Sick.  We generally discourage younger people and even those of advanced age who are in general good health from participating, though we leave that up to your prayerful discretion.  No one who presents him/herself will be turned away.

If there are any people who need assistance to and from the church for this anointing, please contact the parish office to make arrangements.  Of course, if any individual cannot be at the church for the Anointing of the Sick, please call the parish office to request a home visit.