Are any among you sick? They should call for the priests of the church and have them pray over them, anointing them with oil in the name of the Lord. The prayer of faith will save the sick, and the Lord will raise them up; and anyone who has committed sins will be forgiven.
James 5: 14-16

The Anointing of the Sick offers prayers for possible recovery, but the more important intention is to give strength to the soul of the sick person. The Church believes that the sacrament offers a special grace to calm and strengthen the spirit. This can be of great comfort in time of illness. Jesus is the Divine Physician, and by the grace of the sacrament, the Holy Spirit comes down upon the person through the laying of hands and the anointing with the Oil of the Sick. Healing is often desired in a physical form; however, the sacrament may bring healing to mind, body, and soul. Please contact the parish office if you would like to request this sacrament for yourself or a loved one. 

Sacraments 101: Anointing of the Sick (who it’s for)

One may ask to receive the sacrament any time they are to undergo surgery under general anesthetic and when you have a serious injury or illness. Those who have health concerns regarding mental health, anxiety or even advanced age may receive the sacrament. One may receive this sacrament more than once. In fact, all Catholics of any age are encouraged to ask for this sacrament any time a new condition or surgery arises.

This sacrament of Last Rites was called Extreme Unction (last anointing), not because it was the last sacrament a person received before he/she died, but because it was the last anointing that person received. Baptism and Confirmation are the first two times we are anointed. Many older Catholics are under the mistaken impression that they can only receive the sacrament on their death bed; quite literally “Last Rites”. This may have seemed true in years past, but with modern medical advances today improving our recovery from illness, this sacrament is rightly received by anyone suffering a serious injury or illness and can be received as often as needed. Please contact a priest to request an anointing.