Why is it Anointing of the sick and not last rites anymore? And when did it change? -Colleen Kelly
Anointing of the Sick in the past inherited the name 'Last Rites' or 'Extreme Unction' because over the centuries the anointing was given at the moment closest to death. After the Second Vatican Council the Church established (in a document called Sacram unctionem infirmorum), that the Sacrament should be given to those who may be in danger of death from sickness or old age, but a person does not have to wait until they are 'taking their last breath' - so it is not just reserved for the point closest to death.. When people are going in for surgery the often get anointed b/c you never know what could happen in a surgery. The sacrament brings healing (sometimes physical, but not usually physical healing) and also comfort from God during a period of illness so that the person can deal with that illness and be aware that God is there with them during that difficult period.. It is a great Sacrament to receive when one is seriously ill - i have given the Sacrament many times and God always works so powerfully in those moments.. Let's keep praying for Colleen's mom.. The Catechism of the Catholic Church has lots of things to say about this Sacrament.. Pax Christi..
Fr. Jakub
Was the Blessed Mother baptized? Although Jesus and her were born without sin, Jesus still was baptized. Did Mary also go through this? -Vincent Gonzalez
Our Lord was baptized not because he needed to have His sin forgiven (He had no sin) but because He made holy the waters of Baptism so that when we were baptized the water of Baptism had the power to forgive our sins. That's how the ancient Church Fathers understood it.
The Baptism also began His public ministry.. Mary did not get Baptized b/c she did not need forgiveness of sin (being Immaculately Conceived and all), and she also did not make the waters of Baptism holy since Her Son already did that.. There is more in the Catechism of the Catholic Church on this - see paragraphs 535 - 537 and 1223 - 1225. If you don't know about the Catechism it rocks....
You guys ask the best questions....... I don't know what i'm doing as part of this group...
Pax Christi..
FJ
Why is is so important to stay till the end of Mass? I noticed when we were selling Palm Crosses that so many people leave right after receiving communion. - Colleen Kelly
When the first Mass was celebrated (the Last Supper) only one person left early and that was Judas, he did not leave the best example for us to follow. The Mass really is a communal celebration and so the community leaves together after the final blessing and dismissal.
Pax Christi..
FJ