Anointing of the Sick

There is no need to wait until a person is near death to receive this Sacrament.

A careful judgment about the serious nature of the illness is sufficient. The Sacrament may be repeated if the sick person recovers after the anointing, but becomes ill again, or if, during the same illness, the person's condition becomes more serious. A person can be anointed before surgery when a dangerous illness is the reason.

Moreover, "elder people may be anointed if they are in weak condition even though no dangerous illness is present. Sick children may be anointed if they have sufficient use of reason to be comforted by this sacrament. . . . [The faithful] should be encouraged to ask for the anointing, and, as soon as the time for the anointing comes, to receive it with faith and devotion" (Rite of Anointing, nos. 11, 12, 13).

Only priests may be ministers of the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick. A penitential rite followed by a Gospel reading begins the sacrement. Scripture awakens the faith of the sick and family members to pray to Christ for the strength of his Holy Spirit. The priest lays his hands on the head of the sick person. He then proceeds to anoint, with the blessed Oil of the Sick, the forehead and hands of the sick person .

For those who are about to depart from this life, the Church offers the person Penance, Anointing of the Sick, and the Eucharist as food for the journey given at the end of life.  Holy Communion becomes the opportunity to unite one's own suffering and dying to that of Christ with the hope of life eternal with him. The special words are added: "May the Lord Jesus protect you and lead you to everlasting life. Amen."

Those who are seriously ill, anticipating surgery, or weakened because of prolonged illness or advanced age are encouraged to receive the Sacrament of the Sick. 
 

Please contact our pastor at the office or rectory to make arrangements for a visit to your home, hospital or extended care facility.