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THE SACRAMENT OF ANOINTING OF THE SICK

“By the sacred anointing of the sick and the prayer of the priests the whole Church commends those who are ill to the suffering and glorified Lord, that he may raise them up and save them. And indeed she exhorts them to contribute to the good of the People of God by freely uniting themselves to the Passion and death of Christ” (CCC #1499). Through the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick, the Church continues the ministry of Jesus — compassion and healing. It is the Prayer of the Church for the sick.

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This sacrament was formerly known as Extreme Unction — the name of which gave the impression that it should be received only at the moment of death. Following the Second Vatican Council, the sacrament was renamed and clarified so that a sick person would be eligible to receive this sacrament if he or she was facing a severe illness, even if he or she is not in immediate danger of dying. 

Conditions that render a person eligible for the Sacrament:

  • Diagnosis of a grave illness, condition, or injury which poses an immediate danger to the person.

  • Prescribed blood pressure, arthritis, or diabetes medicines.

  • Suffering from heart or bronchial or diabetic conditions.

  • Suffering from any nervous condition.

  • Suffering from chronic pain.

  • No longer mobile or unable to care for oneself because of old age or any form of illness.

  • No longer conscious due to accident, heart attack, diabetic coma, or old age

Any Catholic or the family member of a Catholic are encouraged to call the pastor for this sacrament if a loved one is seriously ill in the hospital or is confined to a nursing home or at home. Families should not assume the parish is aware of the medical condition of a person, and medical facilities are unable to provide this information to the parish due to HIPPA laws.

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A person who is in good health is not eligible to receive this sacrament. The sacrament is not administered before a surgery unless the surgery is to address a condition which meets the requirements given above.

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MISSION STATEMENT

St. Mary Basilica Parish is a community of believers united by faith in Jesus Christ and committed to bringing about the kingdom of God. Parish members are encouraged to grow in faith through the celebration of the Eucharist and sacraments, by the study of the Sacred Scriptures and the Catholic Tradition, and by active participation in the ministries of the parish. Parish members are expected to be witnesses for their faith by loving support of one another and through service to the needy, the wider community, and the world mission of the Catholic Church.

CONTACT

Basilica Parish Office:

613 Main Street

Natchez, Mississippi 39120

phone 601.445.5616

fax  601.445.9631

email secretary@stmarybasilica.org

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For inquiries regarding weddings and baptisms, please contact the office.

SAFE ENVIRONMENT

The Basilica of Saint Mary is committed to providing a safe environment for all persons of every age, race, and state of life. In accordance with the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People promulgated by the U.S. Bishops, the Diocese of Jackson encourages any victim of abuse by Clergy or Church Staff or Volunteers to come forward and begin the healing process. We encourage any victim to contact Erika Rojas, Victim Assistance coordinator at 601.326.3736.

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