Suffering and illness have always been among the greatest problems that trouble the human spirit. Christians feel and experience pain as do all other people; yet their faith helps them to grasp more deeply the mystery of suffering and to bear their pain with greater courage. The Catholic Church has a long-standing and worthy tradition of taking care of her sick members. Indeed, this ministry is rooted in the ministry of Jesus himself who told his disciples that he did not come to heal those who are well, but those who are sick. This resource provides pastoral guidance for preparing the various rites found in Pastoral Care of the Sick: Rites of Anointing and Viaticum with particular attention to preparing communal celebrations, environment, music, and selecting from among the options in the ritual text.

As part of the Preparing Parish Worship™ series, this book includes:

• Theological reflections on illness and Christianity
• A historical overview of the development of the Rite of Anointing
• A walk-through the various rites for the ordained and lay ministers
• Answers to frequently asked questions with responses to difficult pastoral situations
• Assistance with best liturgical practices
• Inspirational and informative quotations from Scripture and Church documents