Pastoral Care
for the Sick & Elderly
“Heal me, Lord, and I will be healed; save me Lord, and I will be saved, for you are the one I praise.”
The Pastoral Care Ministry comes within the auspices of the Outreach Office at St Mary of the Angels. The Ministry caters to the sacramental and pastoral needs of the parish community at large, particularly to the sick and elderly within the community.
If you have family members who are sick and elderly, homebound or hospitalised in any of the medical institutions below, and would like to receive the Sacrament of Anointing, Reconciliation and Holy Communion, please contact us with the details below.
Anointing of the Sick & Elderly
The Anointing of the Sick is a Sacrament of healing, of spiritual comfort for the gravely ill, whose sickness entails danger of death, and of the encounter of Christ, who reaches out to bring comfort and relief to all. Catholics who are critically ill or dying are often comforted and strengthened by the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick.
It is important to note that the Anointing of the Sick is not just for those who are at their point of death, but also for healing and restoration to health. It can be administered to a family member or member of the parish who is confined to the home for a long period of time, or when they require hospitalisation, surgery or become frailer in health. This Sacrament can be repeated whenever the sick person falls into a grave illness again after convalescence, or should the situation worsen during the same illness. This Sacrament can only be administered by a Priest.
Communion for the Sick and Homebound
For the sick or elderly who are hospitalised or homebound, it is most beneficial to have the Holy Eucharist brought to them. As part of pastoral care of our parishioners, communion ministers bring Holy Communion to them as a sign of support and concern shown by the parish community for its members who cannot be present at the Eucharistic celebration.
Holy Communion is brought from the community’s celebration of Eucharist in the church to the person in the hospital or at home. If you have family members who are homebound or hospitalised, please contact us to request for Holy Communion to be brought to them.
Sacrament of Reconciliation (Confession)
For Catholics who are sick, seriously ill or dying, the Sacrament of Reconciliation is often requested before receiving the Holy Communion. In this Sacrament, the person relates their sins to a priest who then grants them absolution – forgiveness of sins in God’s name. It is often an opportunity for one to experience God’s healing through forgiveness. This Sacrament can only be administered by a Priest.
The Viaticum – Food for the Journey in Latin
Viaticum – the body of Christ given to the dying, and as part of the Last Rites. It is often administered by the Priest, but a lay person may also give Holy Communion as Viaticum.
Medical Institutions under the care of St Mary’s and served by the Ministry’s Pastoral Care Workers (PCWs):
St Luke’s Hospital (SLH)
Ren Ci Nursing Home (RC)
Ng Teng Fong General Hospital (NTFGH)
Jurong Community Hospital (JCH)
All Saints Home (ASH)
United Medicare Centre (UMC)
Bukit Batok Home (BBH)
Bukit Batok Care Home (BBCH)
If you would like to request for a visit or appointment for any of the above, please register here; or call the Parish Reception at 6567 3866 or email: pastoralcare.stmary@catholic.org.sg