The Anointing of the Sick

Lesson Information

Subject: Religious Education
Year Group: 10 (Age 13-14)
Lesson Duration: 60 minutes
Lesson Focus: Introduction to the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick
Curriculum Area: Catholic Christianity – Practices (AQA Religious Studies B)
Level: Key Stage 4

Lesson Objectives

By the end of the lesson, students will be able to:

1. Understand what the Anointing of the Sick is and its significance in Catholic Christianity.
2. Explain the key elements and rituals involved in the sacrament.
3. Analyse why this sacrament provides comfort and spiritual healing.
4. Reflect on how illness and suffering are viewed in religious and personal contexts.

Resources Needed

• Whiteboard and markers
• Printed Bible extracts (James 5:14-15)
• Small bowl of olive oil (for demonstration purposes)
• Video clip of a priest administering the sacrament (optional)
• Student worksheets with discussion prompts

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Lesson Breakdown

Starter Activity – 'Healing Hands' (10 minutes)

• Begin by asking students: “What do you think of when you hear the word ‘healing’?”
• Write their responses on the board (expect answers like medicine, doctors, miracles, etc.).
• Introduce the idea that healing isn’t just physical—it can also be spiritual.
• Briefly display a small bowl of olive oil and ask: “Why might oil be linked to healing?” (Collect initial thoughts).

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Main Teaching – Understanding the Sacrament (15 minutes)

1. Biblical Basis:

   • Read James 5:14-15 aloud:
     "Is anyone among you sick? Let them call the elders of the church to pray over them and anoint them with oil in the name of the Lord."
   • Ask: “What do you think this passage is telling us about sickness and faith?”

2. Key Features of the Sacrament:

   • Use direct teaching to explain:
     • The essential elements of the sacrament: anointing with oil, prayers for the sick, and laying on of hands.
     • Its purpose in Catholic belief: to offer spiritual strength, forgiveness of sins, and, if it is God's will, physical healing.
     • Who can receive it: any baptised Catholic who is seriously ill or nearing death.

3. Video Clip (if available):

   • Show a short video of a priest performing the sacrament in a hospital or church.
   • Ask students to note: What words and actions stood out to you?

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Discussion – Why Does It Matter? (15 minutes)

• Divide students into small groups and give each group one discussion question:
  • Why do you think the Church offers a sacrament specifically for the sick?
  • Do you think prayer and rituals can provide comfort to people who are suffering? Why or why not?
  • How might someone feel after receiving this sacrament?
• Groups discuss for 5 minutes, then share thoughts with the class.
• Teacher-led discussion to emphasise how faith, suffering, and hope are interconnected.

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Creative Reflection – 'Letters of Comfort' (15 minutes)

• Ask students to imagine they are writing a letter to someone who is ill and about to receive this sacrament.
• The letter should include:
  • Words of encouragement
  • A reference to the sacrament and how it offers spiritual strength
  • A short Bible quote (provided on the worksheet)
• Volunteers can read their letters aloud at the end.

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Plenary – Quickfire Quiz (5 minutes)

• Teacher asks five quick questions to check understanding:
  1. What is the Anointing of the Sick?
  2. What substances are used in the sacrament?
  3. Where does the practice come from in the Bible?
  4. Who can receive this sacrament?
  5. What are its effects on the person receiving it?

Challenge Question: If you were going to explain this sacrament to someone who had never heard of it before, how would you do it in just one sentence?

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Assessment for Learning (AfL) Strategies

• Formative: Observing student participation in discussions and reflection activity.
• Summative: Checking quiz responses and evaluating depth of thought in letters.

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Differentiation Strategies

• For Higher Ability Students: Encourage deeper analysis by asking whether non-religious people might still find value in sacred rituals.
• For Lower Ability Students: Provide sentence starters for the letter-writing activity.
• Visual Learners: Use images and video clips to illustrate key concepts.
• Kinaesthetic Learners: Allow a volunteer to hold the oil for a tactile connection to the ritual.

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Teacher Reflection (Post-Lesson)

• Did students engage with the topic on a personal or emotional level?
• Were they able to connect the ritual to broader ideas of comfort and healing?
• Would any activities need adjustment for the next lesson?

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Next Lesson Preview

In the next lesson, students will explore real-life case studies of Anointing of the Sick and discuss how faith communities support the dying and their families.