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 even 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 also be anointed before surgery when a dangerous illness is the reason.

Moreover, "elderly people may be anointed if they are in weak condition, even though no dangerous illness is present. Sick children may be also anointed if they have sufficient reason to be comforted by this sacrament. . . . [The faithful should be encouraged to ask for the anointing, to receive it with faith and devotion" (Rite of Anointing).

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.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.  The special words are added: "May the Lord Jesus protect you and lead you to everlasting life. Amen."

Please contact the office at 919-479-1001 x304 to make arrangements for a visit to your home, hospital or extended care facility.