Anointing of the Sick

According to the Catechism of the Catholic Church (1515), it is appropriate to receive this sacrament:

• prior to a serious surgery
• when an elderly person's frailty becomes more pronounced
• when facing a grave illness
• when the condition of someone with a grave illness worsens, even if the person has already received the sacrament

In this world, illness and suffering are part of ordinary life. Illness and suffering affect our entire life and lead us to experience powerlessness. In serious cases we may face death and all its fears.

The Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick is administered by a priest who anoints a person with the oil of chrism and prays over the sick person. The sick person is strengthened by the gift of the Holy Spirit. It brings a person peace and courage to face illness and suffering. We are united to Jesus’ redemptive passion, getting us ready to receive His graces and His will for our lives.



Anointing of the Sick is not a sacrament for only the dying person (CCC 1514-1515), but for those having surgery or any type of illness. If the person recovers, the person may receive the sacrament again if any other grave illness occurs. Only priests are ministers of the sacrament.

Celebrating the Anointing of the Sick is anointing of the forehead and hands of the sick person. The anointing has its prayers to ask for the special graces of the sacrament to ask for restoration of health. Does it save a person from dying? Only God may decide how a person will be healed. You may have heard of a person making a complete recovery from a serious illness, while another person may have died from their illness. For Christians, eternal life may be a healing into a life with God.
If a person is asking for the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick, please have the person or family member call our parish office to schedule an appointment.