Ethan Walker
Sick call sets are a Catholic tradition that involves a priest administering the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick to a seriously ill, injured, or hospitalized Catholic. The ritual, also known as Extreme Unction or Last Rites, was historically reserved for those near death but now extends to anyone facing serious illness or surgery. The sick call set, comprising a crucifix, candles, holy water, and a stand, transforms the bedside into a sacred space, providing inspiration, comfort, and hope to the ailing Catholic. While the tradition is regaining popularity, many Catholics are unfamiliar with it.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Purpose | To facilitate the Anointing of the Sick at the bedside of a Catholic in need of the sacrament |
| Who is it for | Catholics who are seriously ill, injured, or hospitalized |
| What it consists of | A wooden Crucifix with hollowed spaces in the interior, white taper candles, a holy water bottle, a small bell, a white cloth |
| How it is used | A small table is brought close to the bedside, a white cloth is placed on the table, the Crucifix is set up, the candles are placed in the holders, the holy water bottle is placed on the table |
| Symbolism | Reminds Catholics that this world is not their home and that their bodies are only part of who they are as children of God |
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What You'll Learn
The sick call set is a Catholic tradition
The sick call set itself is a wooden crucifix with hollowed interior compartments containing white taper candles and a bottle of holy water. The crucifix can be placed in a standing position on a small table or nightstand by the bedside, with the candles positioned in the base. The white cloth laid on the table evokes the altar cloth at Mass, enhancing the reverence of the sacrament.
This tradition originated when most people passed away at home, and these sets were kept on hand to provide the necessary items for the Anointing of the Sick. The act of anointing is described in the Bible, James 5:14-16: "Is anyone among you sick? He should summon the presbyters of the church, and they should pray over him and anoint [him] with oil in the name of the Lord..."
The sick call set holds symbolic significance, reminding Catholics that their bodies are only part of their identity as children of God and that sickness and death are part of the journey towards eternal life. These sets are often given as meaningful gifts to Catholic families, serving as a source of inspiration, comfort, and hope during challenging times.
In addition to the anointing, the priest may also administer the Eucharist and offer confession, providing spiritual solace and preparation for the soul's transition to the afterlife.
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The set includes a crucifix, candles, and a vessel for holy water
The sick call set is a beloved Catholic tradition and a meaningful gift for Catholic families. It is used to facilitate the Anointing of the Sick at the bedside of a Catholic who is seriously ill, injured, or hospitalized and in need of the sacrament. When a Catholic falls seriously ill, a priest is called upon to administer the sacrament.
The crucifix is placed on a small table or nightstand by the bedside, with the candles and holy water placed in their respective holders in the base. The priest then lays his hands on the head of the sick person and anoints their forehead and hands with the blessed Oil of the Sick, invoking God's aid and healing powers.
The sick call set is a reminder of the Catholic belief that this world is not their eternal home and that their bodies are only a part of who they are as children of God. It is a symbol of hope, comfort, and inspiration for the sick, reminding them that Jesus is with them in their suffering.
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The set is used for the Anointing of the Sick
Sick call sets are a beloved Catholic tradition and a meaningful gift for Catholic families. They are used for the Anointing of the Sick, a sacrament that invokes God's aid for those who are seriously ill, injured, or facing death. The tradition originated when most people died at home, and it is still used today to provide comfort and hope to the sick.
A sick call set consists of a wooden Crucifix with hollowed interior compartments that can be accessed by sliding the lid, which is the face of the Crucifix, downward. Inside, there are white taper candles and a bottle of holy water. The Crucifix can be placed in a standing position on a small table or nightstand by the bedside, with the candles and holy water beside it. The setup creates a sacred space that inspires and comforts the sick individual.
When a priest visits a Catholic who is unwell, the sick call set is used to facilitate the Anointing of the Sick. The priest brings the Oil of the Sick, which is used for the anointing, and may also bring a cloth to wipe their fingers. The holy water from the sick call set can be used to bless the individual. The taper candles are lit when the priest arrives, mirroring the altar at Mass and symbolizing Christ's presence in the Eucharist.
The sick call set is not just a functional item but also holds symbolic value. It serves as a reminder of Christ's presence during challenging times and inspires hope in the life to come. The ritual of the Anointing of the Sick, facilitated by the sick call set, provides solace and spiritual support to Catholics facing illness or injury.
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The ritual is performed by a priest
The sick call set is a Catholic custom that developed when most people died in their homes. It is used to facilitate the Anointing of the Sick, a ritual performed by a priest at the bedside of a Catholic in need of the sacrament. The set consists of a wooden crucifix with hollowed spaces in the interior, white taper candles, and a holy water bottle. The ritual is performed by a priest who visits the sick person's home.
The priest will open the celebration with a penitential rite followed by the Liturgy of the Word. Family members and friends are asked to pray to Jesus for the strength of his Holy Spirit. The priest then lays his hands on the head of the sick person and anoints the forehead and hands with blessed Oil of the Sick. The priest will say:
> Through this holy anointing may the Lord in his love and mercy help you with the grace of the Holy Spirit. May the Lord who frees you from sin save you and raise you up.
The sick call set is placed on a small table, such as a nightstand or folding table, close to the bedside. The table is covered with a white cloth, similar to the altar cloth at Mass. The crucifix is removed from the set and placed in the centre of the base, with the candles in the two additional spaces in the base. The standing crucifix serves as inspiration, comfort, and hope for the sick Catholic. The holy water bottle can be placed on the table, although the priest may bring their own.
The sick call set is a meaningful gift for Catholics and a reminder of Jesus' healing powers. It adds solemnity to the occasion, reminding all in the room of God's presence.
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The set is a meaningful gift for Catholic families
Sick call sets are a beloved and traditional Catholic gift, perfect for Catholic families. They are a meaningful present, rich in symbolism, and a reminder of God's presence. The sets are used when a Catholic is seriously ill, injured, or hospitalised and a priest is called to administer the Anointing of the Sick.
The sets consist of a wooden crucifix, with a hollow interior, taper candles, and a bottle of holy water. The crucifix is designed to stand upright, with the candles placed in holders on either side, and the holy water placed on a table. This creates a sacred space for the sacrament, with the crucifix as a focal point. The sick person is reminded of Jesus' healing powers and is encouraged to unite their suffering with Christ on the cross.
The sick call set is a beautiful ritual, adding solemnity and comfort to the occasion. It is a reminder of God's aid and the hope of life after death. The sets were once a common feature in Catholic homes, especially in the past when most people died at home. They were also popular wedding gifts, symbolising a couple's commitment to each other "in sickness and in health".
The sick call set is a thoughtful gift for Catholic families, providing comfort and inspiration during difficult times. It is a reminder of God's love and the promise of eternal life, a meaningful present to be cherished.
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Frequently asked questions
A sick call set is a Catholic tradition consisting of a crucifix, two candles, a vessel for holding holy water, and a stand. It is used by priests to administer the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick when they visit someone who is seriously ill or homebound.
The purpose of a sick call set is to facilitate the ritual connected to the Anointing of the Sick, making the bedside a sacred space for the sacrament. It adds a sense of solemnity to the occasion, reminding all in the room of God's presence.
A sick call set is a traditional part of Catholic culture, used when a priest is called to visit a sick Catholic. It is a meaningful gift for Catholic families and is often given as a wedding present.
