Guidelines for Masses for the Sick and Church Healing SessionsCircular 2012-06

To: All Parishes

Rationale and Scope:

The undersigned is setting these guidelines for all Masses for the Sick and Church Healing Sessions in the Diocese so as to avoid abuses in their observance, while helping Parish Priests deal with the so-called “Healing Masses” conducted in their territory by priests or lay healers, which theythemselves provide in accordance with Can. 392, § 1. These include alsohealing services through devotion to Saints.

It intends to clarify the position of the undersigned Bishop and implement agreements among the Clergy on this matter. It also intends to provide for zealous administration of the Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick so the Faithful recognize their inherent connection and value; promoting, atthe same way, the value of the Holy Eucharist as the Sacrament of Healing.

Specific Guidelines:

1. Masses for the Sick and Church Healing Sessions are those Masses wherein Anointing of the Sick is administered by priests to a group of sick persons, or where Church Healing Sessions are performed before, during or after the Mass, by the laying on or imposition of hands of priest or lay healer, whose healing ministry is recognized by ecclesiastical authority.

2. Parish Priests are encouraged to hold these Masses regularly so that healing of both body and soul maybe made more accessible to the Faithful entrusted to their care. Aside from this, Parish Priests are to zealously administer the Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick to those who request it according to Can. 1001. Whether in periculo mortis or even when such danger is not imminent, Parish Priests must see to it that this is administered without undue delay.

3. Such Masses are opportunities for communal celebration of the Anointing of the Sick and for ministering to the needs of the sick. As long as the sick have been suitably prepared and properly disposed, several sick people may receive anointing at the same time according toCan. 1002. This is the purpose of the Healing Ministry in parishes.

4. Conscious of the spiritual benefits of these Masses the charism of healing which comes from the hands of the Lord is somehow manifested. The Diocese is open to priests or lay healers who are in good moral standing, with ministerial faculties, or are expressly recognized as legitimate by the ecclesiastical authority.

5. Except for such Masses conducted by Parish Priests in their parishes or priests incardinated in the Diocese, explicit permission of the Local Ordinary is to be obtained when such Masses are performed by priestsor lay healers outside the Diocese, whether these are held in the parish, in other religious or civil institutions or in some other place.

6. When permission is granted by the Local Ordinary, the parish priest will coordinate directly with the priests or lay healers so that the parish priest may set the proper conditions.

7. Church Healing Sessions are to be held in connection with the Mass, whether before, during or after it, so that the Faithful may realize that the Holy Eucharist is Sacrament of Healing. As much as possible and when the situation allows, Anointing of the Sick may be administered during Healing Masses. It is preferable that these are held in parish churches or oratories (Chapels).

8. The parish priest and priests or lay healers must come to an agreement before such Masses are held concerning the following:

a. Date and time (When)b. Venue (Where)c. Manner (How? Whether through Anointing of the Sick or

Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament)d. Members of Healing Ministry (Team) and Scope of Their

Involvement (Who), e. Stole Fee or Remuneration for the Priest or Lay Healer (How

Much is to be given to the priest or lay, and the manner of collecting offerings of the faithful)

9. So as not to vest these Masses with semblance of mercantilism, and that these primarily benefit the poor, offerings are voluntary on the part of the Faithful. These offerings are collected by and for the parish and shall be receipted as part of Mass Collections for the day. For purposes of transparency, the collection shall be reported to the Local Ordinary and reflected in the Monthly Statement of Income and Expenses. In the same breath, fund raising activities and selling of items are not allowed on this occasion.

10. Justice dictates that the parish shall donate an amount that is proportionate to the ministry of healing done by the priests or lay healers. But generosity calls for a more equitable honorarium for personal support for his healing ministry or project. This is aside from the usual stipend for Mass offered the priest healer.

These Guidelines will be effective immediately in all parishes in the Diocese. The parish priest applies the implementation of these Guidelines. The Local Ordinary may give exemption to some items in the guidelines on a case-to-case basis. Please be guided accordingly!

Given in the Chancery in Fairview, Quezon City, 30 April 2012.

Most Rev. Antonio R. Tobias, DDBishop

Attested by:

Rev. Fr. Jerome U. RosalindaChancellor