Anointing & Care of the Sick
The Anointing of the Sick is available not only for those in danger of death, but for all who are suffering from serious chronic illness, those of advanced years who are experiencing the fragility and decline of health, and those who are soon to undergo serious surgery.
Receiving This Sacrament
We celebrate this sacrament in October and in March after weekend Masses. Outside of that, in the case of a serious mental or physical illness, if you are going to the hospital, or if you are confined to the home and wish to receive the sacraments, please call the parish office to speak to one of our priests and request a visitation.
Insights & References
One misunderstanding that priests and pastoral ministers who minister in hospital settings often encounter is a request from family members to administer the Sacrament to someone who has died. The Church clearly teaches that the Sacraments are only for the living, and a priest may not anoint a dead body. However, in such cases, the Church provides a set of beautiful prayers, and encourages priests to bless the body of the deceased.
Is anyone among you sick? He should summon the presbyters of the church, and they should pray over him and anoint (him) with oil in the name of the Lord, and the prayer of faith will save the sick person, and the Lord will raise him up. If he has committed any sins, he will be forgiven.” — James 5:14-15
By the sacred anointing of the sick and the prayer of the priests the whole Church commends those who are ill to the suffering and glorified Lord, that he may raise them up and save them. And indeed she exhorts them to contribute to the good of the People of God by freely uniting themselves to the Passion and death of Christ.” — CCC #1499