Anointing of the Sick

“They cast out many demons, and anointed with oil many that were sick and healed them.” Mark 6:13

“Is there any among you sick?  Let him call for the elders 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

“By the sacred anointing of the sick and the prayer of the priests the whole Church commends those who are ill to the suffering and glorified Lord, that he may raise them up and save them.  And indeed she exhorts them to contribute to the good of the People of God by freely uniting themselves to the Passion and death of Christ.” (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1499)

The Rite of Anointing tells us there is no need to wait until a person is at the point of death, to receive the Sacrament.  A careful judgement about the serious nature of the illness is sufficient.

When the Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick is given, the desired effect is that, if it be God’s will, the person be physically healed of illness.  But even if there is not physical healing, the primary effect of the Sacrament is a spiritual healing by which the sick person receives the Holy Spirit’s gift of peace and courage to deal with the difficulties that accompany serious illness or the frailty of old age.  (United States Conference of Catholic Bishops).

If there is a perceived need for the Sacrament of Anointing you should contact the parish office.