Anointing of the Sick
Christ’s comfort and strength in illness.
The Anointing of the Sick brings the prayer of the Church and the grace of Christ to people facing serious illness or the frailty of age. Through the priest’s anointing with the oil of the sick and his prayer, the sick person is united to the Passion of Christ, strengthened in body and soul, and, if unable to confess, granted the forgiveness of sins.
Ask early
This sacrament is not reserved only for the final moments of life. Contact the parish when a serious illness develops, when preparing for significant surgery, or when age brings serious frailty. A priest can help determine the appropriate circumstances for celebrating it.
Asking early gives time to arrange a visit and allows the person to participate as fully as possible. If circumstances change or the request is urgent, explain that clearly when you call. Do not wait for an ordinary appointment if someone’s condition is rapidly worsening. When death may be near, ask for a priest at once so that the dying person may receive the last rites: Confession, Anointing, and Holy Communion as Viaticum.
Arrange a visit
Contact the parish office and provide a phone number, the person’s location, and the nature of the request. If you are contacting us for someone else, involve the person in the request where possible. The office can arrange the next conversation without requiring a detailed medical history by email.
For someone in a hospital or care facility, the chaplain or staff may help reach a priest. Please do not assume the parish has been informed automatically of an admission. Family members and caregivers often help make that connection.
Prayer and Communion
A pastoral visit may also provide an opportunity for confession or Holy Communion, according to the person’s needs and circumstances. Tell the parish if the person would like to discuss this with a priest. Those who are homebound can ask about continuing pastoral support.
Remembered in the Church’s prayer
Illness can make ordinary participation difficult, but it does not remove a person from the life of the Church. We invite families to stay in contact and ask for help. For immediate threats to life or safety, contact emergency services; the parish office is not a medical emergency service.