Our priests and our Eucharistic Ministers can visit your home to pray with you, bring you Communion, and safely visit you.  We all need the strength that Eucharist provides now more than ever!
 
Would you like a visit to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation? Or are you ill or injured or will you be undergoing surgery or have a hospital stay?  Please contact the Parish Office to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation or the Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick.  These are both powerful Sacraments of Healing.
 
Our priests and a number of other Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion are happy to visit and bring you this beautiful Sacrament, so please do not hesitate to ask!  Just contact Marie Winterson in the Parish Office at 301-474-3920.
 
Are you feeling isolated or lonely?  Please let us know, and we will arrange for someone to safely visit you wearing masks and gloves.  We can even arrange for someone to sit on your front porch or in your yard for a visit.  We miss you, too!
 

A Catechesis: Anointing of the Sick vs. Last Rites

At times even some "seasoned Catholics" get stumped by the question "What is the difference between Anointing of the Sick and Last Rites?" Many of us get confused and believe it is the same thing just a different way of naming it. Well, there is a difference, and it is important for us to know these differences so that we can better understand and take full advantage of both sacramental signs.
 

The Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick

Most of us usually think of asking for this anointing only when we are nearing death through sickness or old age. However, if this is the case, we would be missing out on the opportunity for God to heal and help us at times when we might need Him the most - when we are having surgery, dealing with a physical, mental, emotional, or even spiritual affliction. It is during these difficult times that we need the Holy Spirit's gifts of strength, faith, peace, and courage. It is during these times, as well, that we should seek to receive this God given sacrament. And if you are still unsure, when in doubt... ask a priest!
 
The Anointing of the Sick is administered, by a bishop or priest, to bring spiritual and even physical strength during an illness. This sacrament, unlike some of our other sacraments, can be administered more than once, especially if a person has a chronic illness.  Does a person have to be dying to receive this sacrament? No.
 

Last Rites & Viaticum

Last Rites, on the other hand, is the final Sacrament received when death is near.  It includes the Sacraments of Anointing of the Sick and Viaticum, Holy Communion or “Food for the Journey”!
  
You are never a bother.  We are happy to come visit with these beautiful Sacraments.  Please don’t hesitate to contact Marie Winterson in the Parish Office at 301-474-3920 or by email at [email protected].