Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick - Sunday 4th October

As we begin the Marian month of October, once more, following October Devotions of Sunday 4^th October we will celebrate the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick for all those who wish to receive it.  Sickness in life and in families can halt us all in our tracks and sadly every family is affected by the ill health of someone they love.  Yet sickness often brings the best out in us all – an extra softness and care towards the suffering, an extra bravery from those who ail, and the example of courage from so many sides that inspire us all.   The bravery of those who suffer most in life is often very humbling and even though we would all wish them well again and do anything to bring their health back, the dignity of their lives is such a lesson to us all.  In life we can all get a tad distracted and slip easily into moaning and complaining, and yet most times we have so little to moan about.  Yet others in their forbearance of pain, their courage in the face of the saddest of circumstances, the grace they live on with, the smile they give can be a lesson for us all about how good life really is for most of us.  This Sunday we pray for all the sick, in body or in mind, that God may help them always and surround them with care and love.  We pray for all those who tend to the sick and who live daily with the sick, may God reward their every kindness.  We pray for ourselves that we might always appreciate the gift of life, the beauty of life and every blessing of our every day.  If you or someone you know would like to receive the Sacrament of the anointing of the Sick, everyone is welcome to do so.  It is a Sacrament that offers God’s grace and strength to all those who ail in any way, and form part of your own private relationship with God.  Please do join us at St Mary & St Joseph’s Church, Brackaville on Sunday 4^th October and please let those whom you think would and could benefit from the Sacrament know how welcome they are. 

With every blessing – Fr O’Neill