Jesus Heals The Blind Man
Trained women and men journey with parishioners who are sick, grieving, home¬bound or hospitalized during times of serious illness or other significant life events, lending spiritual, emotional and physical support as needed.
Holy Communion is brought once a week to those who are sick or unable to go to church on a regular basis. If you or a family member wants to receive communion at home on a regular or temporary basis, please call the parish office.
Contact: Ray Viernes, Parish Director of Pastoral Care at 713-789-1250
INDIVIDUAL ANOINTING OF THE SICK
If you are planning to go to the hospital for surgery or extended care, contact the parish office before you go in order to arrange for the celebration of the Sacrament of the Sick.
This sacrament is for the sick or the chronically ill as well as for those who are near death. Individuals in hospitals should ask the chaplain there for the sacrament.
COMMUNAL ANOINTING OF THE SICK:
Periodically during the year the Sacrament of the Sick is celebrated at Mass for all of those who need the grace of healing and hope provided in this sacrament. Contact Mr. Ray Viernes at 713-789-1250 for more information.
Why You Should Be Anointed Before Going In To The Hospital
While patients and hospital staff can, very fortunately, call for the sacramental and pastoral services of a Catholic priest while in the hospital, a new fact of hospital life today is that patients are often very swiftly in and out of treatment. It is possible that the priest will not be able to see you as soon as you wish.
Therefore, it is better for you to contact the parish before you go to the hospital and receive those sacraments that are available for those facing surgery, serious illness, or old age: Penance, the Anointing of the Sick, and the Eucharist.
In addition, the priests as well as the members of our parish who are involved in our care giving ministry and home visitation will know about your illness and will be able to visit and support you through your recovery.
Many people tend to deny that they are sick and in need of prayers. This is a very human response. However, it keeps sufferers from receiving what they need and deserve – and what the Church is ready to offer. If you or a loved one is ill you may need to confront and replace the old idea that people should only be anointed with the Oil of the Sick at the hour of death. People once called these prayers and the sacramental anointing the “Last Rites”, as if these prayers were only for those who were already or very near to dying. This understanding and image is wrong.
There is a special communion rite, called viaticum, and special prayers reserved for people who are close to death, but the other rites of pastoral care for the sick are intended for those who are seriously ill, facing surgery, or struggling with the frailties of old age.
Finally, your attitude during sickness or suffering will be helped by your stronger identification with Christ. Sickness is not a total disaster. If we turn to God with our complaints and fears, letting God answer us in God’s own way, and if we cooperate with those who can help us, then any sickness can end in God’s glory and prepare us for greater happiness.