What Is the Anointing of the Sick?
The Sacrament of the Sick is one of the Sacraments of healing in our Church. Throughout the life and ministry of Jesus, he would care for the sick and the dying in our comfort and even heal them. This ministry was passed on to the Apostles and earliest leaders of the Church and, then, to the priests. As is read in the Anointing ritual (taken from James 5:14-15): “Are there any who are sick among you? Let them send for the priests of the Church, and let the priests pray over them, anointing them with oil in the name of the Lord; and the prayer of faith will save the sick persons, and the Lord will raise them up; and if they have committed any sins, their sins will be forgiven them.”
While this Sacrament, often formally referred to as “Extreme Unction” or “Last Rites,” has been thought of only as one meant for those in immediate danger of death, the document Sacrosanctum Concilium of the Second Vatican Council expanded this understanding, recognizing the need and use of the Anointing of the Sick for all those in danger from sickness, old age, or even major surgery (Sacrosanctum Concilium, 73). This Sacrament, therefore, offers not only a final moment of prayer for the dying but a truth opportunity for healing, comfort, and strength to those who are willing to call upon their priests for this gift of grace. This can be a true blessing for the person being anointed and for the family members and friends who are experiencing the difficulty of preparing for the death of someone they love.
Anointing of the Sick at Our Churches
Our priests are willing to visiting parishioners in need of the Sacrament of the Sick at their houses, in nursing houses, in assisted living facilities, in hospitals, or wherever they might be in need. In emergency situations, the families of members of our parish communities can call the Parish Office to try to request a visit as soon as possible. Appointments can also be set up to have an anointing take place at a later date, either at the residence of the individual to be anointed or at the church.
It’s important to note, however, that our priests are not always immediately available to come and provide an anointing. As this is the case (and with the Church’s shift away from seeing this Sacrament as “Last Rites”), families are encouraged to not wait until the final possible moment but, instead, to call upon a priest earlier. In addition to avoiding the problem of a priest not being available until it’s too late, this earlier call can often allow the man or woman being anointed with the opportunity to be more alert and conscious of the beautiful Sacrament being provided to them.
If you or your family would like to request an Anointing or have questions about what can be done, please reach out to our Parish Office.