anointingThe Anointing of the Sick offers prayers for possible recovery, but the more important intention is to give strength to the soul of the sick person. The Church believes that the sacrament offers a special grace to calm and strengthen the spirit. This can be of great comfort in time of illness. This sacrament has its origin based on St. James’ Epistle: “Are there any sick among you? Then let them send for the priests and let the priest pray over them, anointing them with oil” (James 4:14).

Those who are elderly and whose frailty is becoming more pronounced. Those adults and children who are suffering from a major illness, are facing surgery, serious medical tests or have suffered a serious accident. Those who suffer from chronic illness such as arthritis or diabetes, or who suffer from a serious mental illness.
You may receive this sacrament more than once. In fact, all Catholics of any age are encouraged to ask for this sacrament any time a new condition or surgery arises. Please contact the parish office to speak with a priest about receiving this sacrament.

This sacrament of Last Rites was called Extreme Unction (last anointing), not because it was the last sacrament a person received before he/she died, but because it was the last anointing that person received. Baptism and Confirmation are the first two times we are anointed. Many older Catholics are under the mistaken impression that they can only receive the sacrament on their death bed; quite literally “Last Rites”. This may have seemed true in years past, but with modern medical advances today improving our recovery from illness, this sacrament is rightly received by anyone suffering a serious injury or illness and can be received as often as needed.