Sacraments : Pastoral Visits and Homebound Ministry
Pre-Hospital Anointing
Little in life is as precious to us as our health. It is necessary for our wholeness and well-being, as we all continue to answer the call of God in our lives. For this reason, we need and long for Christian support, comfort, and assurances if we are undergoing a major surgical procedure and/or hospitalization. Throughout the history of the Church, the ministry to the sick has been a major part of the works of mercy in parish life. If you or a family member is scheduled to enter the hospital and you wish to be anointed prior to being hospitalized, please contact the parish office at 740-587-3254 to arrange a date and time.
Hospital Visits
If you or a family member is hospitalized and wishes to have a member of the Pastoral Staff visit and bring Communion, please contact the parish office at 740-587-3254 with the name of the person hospitalized, the name of the hospital, the date of hospitalization, and a contact name and phone number.
Today, the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick includes all who need healing, especially the sick and the chronically ill as well as the dying. The priest prays over the one to be anointed and then anoints the forehead and palms with oil that were specially blessed by the bishop of the diocese on Holy Thursday. The sacrament, as the continuing healing power of Christ, may at times effect a physical cure or improvement, but more often it provides spiritual strength to bear sickness and trust in God. The Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick is a reminder of the saving value of suffering in union with Jesus. If the sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick is needed, please let the parish office know when you call.
Homebound Parishioners
Volunteer Ministers of Holy Communion make pastoral visits to homebound parishioners on a regular basis. Please contact the parish office at 740-587-3254 to arrange these visits.
Nursing Home Visits
The Holy Mass is offered on a regular basis at some of the nursing homes in the area. If a nursing home resident is unable to attend Mass, please notify the parish office at 740-587-3254 to arrange individual pastoral visits.