‘Cure the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those suffering from virulent skin diseases, drive out devils. You received without charge, give without charge.’ (Matthew 10:8)
We have been entrusted with the ministry of praying for the sick and the dying. While visiting the sick, we share the Word of God and pray with them that they may receive consolation, healing and strength. We also prepare them for the Sacrament of Reconciliation.
Any one of you who is ill should send for the elders of the Church, and they must anoint the sick person with oil in the name of the Lord and pray over him. The prayer of faith will save the sick person and the Lord will raise him up again; and if he has committed any sins, he will be forgiven. So confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another to be cured; the heartfelt prayer of someone upright works very powerfully. (James 5:14-16)
We also visit the dying to assist them in their final moments by commending their souls to the Lord. We prepare them for a holy death by helping them to be reconciled to all and asking the Lord to help them receive the gift of sincere contrition.