This Anointing of the Sick lesson plan gives an overview of this important of this particular Sacrament of healing. The discussion points help foster an understanding of the role of gestures in Sacraments.
Key Goal:
Name and describe the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick and understand how Jesus is present to us through the Sacraments. Read the story of Jairus’s daughter and reflect on its meaning.
Opening: The Meaning of Gestures
Special gestures are used to make when we make contact and interact with other people. The gestures we use help us feel connected.
What are some gestures you use with your family and friends? Possible answers:
- Hugs and kisses
- Hand-shake
- Thumbs up
- Smiling
What are some gestures that keep us in touch with Jesus and his profound love for us? Possible answers:
- love from others
- sacrificial love experienced in the Eucharist at Mass
- a rainbow
- the Sacraments!
Intro to the Seven Sacraments:
- What is the purpose of Sacraments?…..[Signs/gestures of receiving God’s grace]
- Which Sacraments can you name?…..[Answers will vary]
- Which have you received?…..[for many children this list will be only Baptism, Eucharist, Reconciliation]
Discuss Anointing of the Sick:
Watch this short video on the Anointing of the Sick and then answer these questions together:
- Who can receive this Sacrament?…..[someone in danger of dying or someone with chronic sickness]
- Who administers this Sacrament?…..[priest]
- What does the priest use in this Sacrament?…..[wears a stoll & anoints with oils]
- Is this a Sacrament of Initiation, Healing or Service?…..[Healing]
- Do we need it to get into heaven?…..[No]
- Why are the gestures and/or signs of the Anointing of the Sick so powerful?…..[because they show us God is with us during our sickness]
Scripture: The Raising of Jairus’ Daughter
Look at this on-line picture together. Ask whether anyone knows the story.
Then open your Bibles or use the on-line Bible to read the story in Mark 5: 21-24, 35-42 . Answer these discussion questions.
- Look at the picture. What emotions are being experienced in this artwork? How does Jesus look?
- In the Scripture passage, why wasn’t Jesus concerned that the girl had died?
- What are the most important words of the passage? Many say, they are “Do not fear, only believe.”
- What are you scared of? How can your faith in Jesus help you handle your fears better?
- What situation in your life can Jesus heal as he healed Jairus’ daughter?
- a wound from someone’s snide comment?
- the hurt from being excluded from a lunch table gathering?
- a broken heart from being laughed at in front of your entire class?
Activity: Make a Card for Someone Who is Sick
Read the list of the people that are sick from the church bulletin. Jesus calls us to comfort them! Make a card and give to the church office to send to them.
Game: Play Sacrament Toss Sort
To review all the 7 Sacraments, play Sacrament Sort Toss Game. This is a fun cooperative learning game. Teams race to toss foam disks labeled with the 7 sacraments into the appropriate containers. Can they make the appropriate target? All details on how to make and play or in this post.