Anointing of the Sick
"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." — James 5:14
Sacrament of Healing & Comfort
The Anointing of the Sick is a sacrament of healing, comfort and spiritual strength for those facing serious illness, advanced age or major surgery. Through prayer and the anointing with blessed oil, Christ brings grace, peace and sometimes physical healing to the sick person.
Who May Receive This Sacrament?
Seriously ill individuals - those with significant health concerns
Elderly members - weakened by age or chronic conditions
Surgery patients - before major medical procedures
Those with chronic illness - living with ongoing health challenges
Spiritual Benefits & Graces
Strength and peace to endure suffering with faith
Forgiveness of sins if the person is unable to confess
Union with Christ's Passion - joining suffering to His cross
Preparation for passing to eternal life when death is near
The Rite of Anointing
Understanding what happens during the sacrament
Prayers & Scripture
The priest prays with the sick person and reads Scripture passages about healing
Laying on of Hands
The priest silently lays hands on the head of the sick person
Anointing with Oil
Blessed oil is applied to the forehead and hands with a prayer for healing
Prayer of Anointing
"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."
How to Request the Sacrament
Contact the parish office as soon as possible when illness is serious or before scheduled surgery.
Emergency requests are prioritized - we have a priest on call for urgent situations.
Location options: The sacrament can be administered at home, in the hospital or at the church.
Preparation: No special preparation is needed, though receiving Confession beforehand is encouraged if possible.
Ongoing Pastoral Care
Regular visits to the homebound and hospitalized by our pastoral care team
Communion to the sick brought weekly to those unable to attend Mass
Support groups for those dealing with chronic illness or caring for sick family members
Prayer requests - our parish prayer chain lifts up the sick in daily prayer
Frequently Asked Questions
No, the Anointing of the Sick is for anyone experiencing serious illness or the weakness of old age, not just those in immediate danger of death. The Church encourages receiving this sacrament at the beginning of a serious illness and it can be received multiple times if the condition worsens or recurs.
Yes, the sacrament can be received each time a person falls seriously ill or when their condition worsens. The elderly may receive it periodically as their strength declines. It is appropriate before major surgery and if a person recovers and then falls ill again, they may receive the sacrament again.
The Anointing of the Sick is one part of what is traditionally called "Last Rites." The complete Last Rites include three sacraments: Confession (if possible), Anointing of the Sick and Viaticum (Holy Communion given when death is near). The Anointing can be received separately from the other sacraments and is not exclusively for the dying.
Need Emergency Anointing?
For urgent hospital or home visits, please contact the parish immediately. We are here to provide spiritual comfort and sacramental grace in times of need. Check the emergency contact below