​

The Anointing of the Sick, is the Sacrament by which, through the prayers of a priest and the anointing with holy oil, a person who is in danger of death from sickness is given health of the soul and sometimes also of the body.

This Sacrament is often combined with the Sacraments of Reconciliation and Eucharist. These give the person additional spiritual strength and grace. If the person is near death, the Eucharist is called “Viaticum” which means “food for the journey”. It strengthens us for our journey home to God.

The anointing of the sick is not a sacrament for those only who are at the point of death. It is prudent to receive the Anointing of the Sick for those who are gravely ill, in danger of death, have been seriously injured, prior to serious operations or whenever there is a serious danger to health. This anointing and the accompanying prayers strengthen the person that they may endure their suffering and assure them that God walks with them through their difficult times.

The special grace of the sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick has as its effects:

• the uniting of the sick person to the passion of Christ, for his own good and that of the whole Church

• the strengthening, peace, and courage to endure in a Christian manner the sufferings of illness or old age

• the forgiveness of sins, if the sick person was not able to obtain it through the sacrament of penance

• the restoration of health, if it is conducive to the salvation of his soul; the preparation for passing over to eternal life.

 

We are happy to provide the sacraments for those who are ill or infirmed at home or in hospital. Communion can be received, even on a regular basis, and Confession and Anointing of the Sick as needed.

 

For questions about Anointing of the Sick or to schedule an appointment with a Priest for the Sacrament, please call the parish office at

250-762-2587.