Throughout the Gospels, Jesus shows special compassion for those who are sick and suffering. Through the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick, Christ continues His healing ministry in the life of the Church.
In this sacrament, a priest anoints the sick person with blessed oil and prays for God's grace, offering strength, peace, courage, and the forgiveness of sins as the person faces serious illness, declining health, or the difficulties of advanced age.
“Is anyone among you sick? He should summon the presbyters of the church, and they should pray over him and anoint him with oil in the name of the Lord.”
James 5:14
You do not need to wait until someone is near death to request this sacrament.
The Anointing of the Sick may be received by a Catholic who is seriously ill, whose health has become significantly weakened by age, or who faces a serious medical condition or procedure.
The sacrament may also be received again if a person's condition becomes more serious or if another serious illness develops.
If you are unsure whether Anointing is appropriate, please contact us. We would much rather have you ask than wait.
If you or a loved one would like to receive the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick, please contact the Parish Office so arrangements can be made with a priest.
If a loved one is hospitalized, please let the hospital staff know that the patient is Catholic and would like to see a priest, and also contact the parish when appropriate.
Please do not feel that you need to wait until a person's final hours to call.
Illness can bring uncertainty, fear, and difficult questions. Through the Anointing of the Sick, the Church surrounds the person who is suffering with prayer and entrusts them to the healing and merciful care of Jesus Christ.
You do not have to face illness alone.