A Liturgy For The Long-term Seriously Ill

This liturgy is designed as a communal celebration of the sacrament of the anointing to take place within the context of a eucharistic liturgy. Family, friends, and, if possible, caregivers are invited to gather with the seriously ill in a place suitable for worship. The primary community of worship, however, remains the ill persons themselves. Care should be taken that the liturgy not be celebrated in such a way that the sick persons become passive observers because of a pace set by the healthy. Care should be taken too that the sick persons gathered achieve some sense of relationship among themselves, in addition to their relationships with family and friends. Gathering for Worship As the people gather in the space set aside for worship, music which is soft and inviting and yet which proclaims the presence and comfort of God should be playing. It may be recorded music or music sung by a small group of singers. As the people gather, the presiding celebrant greets each of the sic…