Anointing of the Sick

In the Anointing of the Sick, the Church commends the dangerously ill to the suffering and glorified Lord in order to heal and save them (can. 998).

BustedHalo.com's fantastic introduction to the Sacraments series: Who can receive the Anointing of the Sick? How often? Where is it done? These questions and more are answered in this edition of "Sacraments 101," a web video series geared for those who'd like an introduction or refresher course on these important, tangible Catholic experiences of God.

The Lord himself showed great concern for the bodily and spiritual welfare of the sick and commanded his followers to do likewise. Those who are seriously ill need the special help of God’s grace in this time of anxiety, lest they be broken in spirit and, under the pressure of temptation, perhaps weakened in their faith. This is why, through this Sacrament, Christ strengthens the faithful who are afflicted by illness, providing them with the strongest means of support (Pastoral Care of the Sick). Those whose health is seriously impaired by sickness or old age should receive this sacrament. It may be repeated if the person’s illness becomes more serious.

We encourage families especially to be conscious of this for the sick among their families and friends, especially if they are advanced in age. Please call the rectory office at 434-1878 to have a priest come for Anointing and the Sacrament of Penance for these situations. The sacrament is not merely reserved for those in immediate danger of death, but those who are seriously ill or advanced in age.