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Anointing of the Sick

Anointing of the Sick

The sacrament of Anointing of the Sick is given to those who are seriously ill by anointing them on the forehead and hands with duly blessed oil—pressed from olives or from other plants—saying, only once: "Through this holy anointing may the Lord in his love and mercy help you with the grace of the Holy Spirit. May the Lord who frees you from sin save you and raise you up." (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1513)

Anointing of the Sick includes (CCC 1519):

  • The laying on of hands by the priest.
  • Prayer over the person “in the faith of the Church.”
  • Anointing with oil blessed by the bishop.

This sacrament has a powerful effect upon the sick person (CCC 1520-21):

  • Strengthening, peace and courage to overcome the difficulties that go with the condition of serious illness or the frailty of old age”
  • “Healing of the soul, but also of the body if such is God's will.
  • Forgiveness of sin.
  • “Union with the passion of Christ.”  One’s suffering becomes “a participation in the saving work of Jesus.”
  • Allows the sick person, by their suffering, to "contribute to the good of the People of God," building up the holiness of the Church and all people.
  • “A preparation for the final journey.”

The Sacrament of Anointing is meant for those Christians whose health is seriously impaired by sickness and old age. Through the anointing the Church supports the sick in their struggle against illness, continuing Christ’s work of healing.

If possible, the sacrament should be requested at the beginning of a serious illness so the person can participate actively and fully. The presence of family members and others from the community highlight this prayer of the Church as a healing encounter with the Lord. Anointing may be repeated as dictated by the condition of the person, whether during the same or a different illness.

If you would like to celebrate the Sacrament of Anointing, or know of someone who would benefit from it, just call the parish office and ask to speak to the priest. If this is an emergency, please make sure you communicate that at the time of your call.

Individual Anointing

If you are scheduled to go to the hospital for surgery or extended care, contact the rectory BEFORE you go, in order to arrange for the celebration of the Sacrament.

In Case Of Death

Although the Church does not anoint one who has already died, priests may be invited to minister to the family and lead the prayers at the time of death as provided by the Church.

"Is any among you sick? Let him call for the presbyters of the Church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord; and the prayer of faith will save the sick man, and the Lord will raise him up; and if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven".  
--James 5:14-15