Catholic Anointing

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seem realistic”. (Geertz, 1993), pp. 87-125 One such symbol is the Christian cross. When we see the cross we are reminded of the crucifixion. This changes our mood and perhaps even our behavior. Baptism is another symbol reminding us of the spiritual washing that takes place. The holy sacrament of communion is also a symbol. The United Methodist (UMC) call the sacrament of communion a means of grace. The sacrament reminds us of the body and the blood of Jesus Christ. Catholics have 7 sacraments of which anointing of the sick is one. The UMC only have two and they do not consider anointing of the sick an sacrament. However, they do believe in anointing of their members for various reasons including during a time of prayer for a special work …show more content…

To the Catholic during times of antiquity anointing with oil meant setting the person apart for a particular mission. Jesus does not have the last name Christ. Christ means the Anointed. (NATIONAL CATHOLIC EDUCATION COMMISSION) there are three holy oils used in Catholic sacraments and they are the oil of “catechumens”, “chrism” and “sick”. The names imply their purpose. All three oils are extracted from olives, but the Chrism is distinguished from the others by having balm or balsam mixed with it. Each oils is blessed by the Bishop with a special form of prayer. The Catechumens, sacred oil is used in the ceremonies of Baptism. A catechumen is an instructed convert who is about to receive the Sacrament of Baptism. The Sick, sacred oil, in Latin "Oleum Infirmorum," is the "matter" a necessary substance for the Sacrament of the sick. It was used in Apostolic times very similar as how it us used today. “Are any among you sick? They should call for the elders of the church and have them pray over them, anointing them with oil in the name of the Lord”. (James 5:14, 2017) NRSV The Chrism usually for the administration of the Sacrament of Confirmation as it is place by the Bishop in the shape of a cross of the person who

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