Anointing of the Sick

For centuries, anointing of the sick was given to those in immediate danger of death, which is why it was called extreme unction (“final anointing”) and often referred to as "Last Rites". After the Second Vatican Council, the Church encouraged reception of the Sacrament “as soon as any one of the faithful begins to be in danger of death from sickness or old age.” 

The true name for this final blessing is the Sacraments of Penance, Anointing of the Sick, and Viaticum.  The latter, communion in the body and blood of Christ received at this moment of “passing over” to the Father, has a particular significance and importance. It is the seed of eternal life and the power of resurrection, according to the words of the Lord: “He who eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day.” The sacrament of Christ once dead and now risen, the Eucharist is here the sacrament of passing over from death to life, from this world to the Father (CCC 1524).

For non-emergent needs, please contact the Parish Office during regular business hours and ask to speak to Leah Ackley.

Sometimes it can be challenging to coordinate reception of this Sacrament with a busy priest in cases of emergencies. You may contact the Parish Office after hours, and we will do our best to meet your needs. We also recommend that the sick person or his caregivers keep petitioning for help from the on call hospital chaplains or from facility staff with contacting local parishes to send out a priest. 

You might be surprised to discover that the celebration of this sacrament in its full form, which is preferred when a sick person is not in immediate danger of death, is a liturgy and not just an anointing with oil. In addition to the anointing, it includes a penitential rite (unless it was preceded by sacramental confession), reading from Scripture, a brief homily, a litany, and a laying-on of hands. This liturgy can be celebrated for just one sick person or for a group of sick persons, and can be celebrated within a Mass (CCC 1517). This sacrament is one “of strengthening, peace, and courage to overcome the difficulties that go with the condition of serious illness or the frailty of old age such as those whose health is complicated by sickness, aging, illness, surgery, birth trauma, relationship difficulties, abuse, anxiety, depression, addictions, and more. This grace is a gift of the Holy Spirit, who renews trust and faith in God and strengthens against the temptations of the evil one, [especially] the temptation to discouragement and anguish in the face of death” (CCC 1520). 

Touch through the laying on of hands and anointing of the forehand and palms are a sign of the healing presence of the Spirit. Oil of the Infirm is a symbol of spiritual nourishment and inner strengthening. The words of anointing speak to our hearts: “Through this holy anointing, may the Lord in his love and mercy help you with the grace of the Holy Spirit. May the Lord, who frees you from sin, save you and raise you up.”