Anointing of the Sick

SACRAMENT OF HEALING

 Anointing of the Sick

The Sacrament of the Sick is a common name used for one of the Seven Sacraments, the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick, which is administered both to the dying and to those who are gravely ill or are about to undergo a serious operation, for the recovery of their health and for spiritual strength.

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 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 once again, or if, during the same illness, the person's condition becomes more serious. A person should be anointed before surgery when a dangerous illness is the reason for the intervention (cf. Rite of Anointing, Introduction, nos. 8-10).

Moreover,  a person may be anointed if they are in weak condition even though no dangerous illness is present.  [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, not misusing the sacrament by putting it off.  For those who are about to depart from this life, the Church offers the person Penance, Anointing of the Sick and the Eucharist as Viaticum (food for the journey) given at the end of life.

Please contact the parish office, 481-7172.