Anointing of the Sick
Jesus came to heal the whole person, body and soul. Through the Church's Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick, it is Jesus himself who touches the sick through the ministry of the priest to bring healing from sin and sometimes even physical ailment.
When Should This Sacrament Be Received?
The Rite of Anointing tells us there is no need to wait until a person is at the point of death to receive the Sacrament. A careful judgment about the serious nature of the illness is sufficient. This sacrament is appropriate for those facing serious illness, undergoing surgery, or experiencing the frailty of old age.
The Effects of the Sacrament
When the Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick is given, we pray that, if it be God's will, the person be physically healed of illness. But even if there is no physical healing, the primary effect of the Sacrament is a spiritual healing by which the sick person receives the Holy Spirit's gift of peace and courage to deal with the difficulties that accompany serious illness or the frailty of old age.
Requesting the Sacrament
To request the Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick for yourself or a loved one, please contact your parish priest. In case of emergency, contact your parish office or hospital chaplain.
Resources from USCCB
Pray
Learn
- Explore the USCCA to learn about the liturgy for the Anointing of the Sick and its effects within the community and the life of the sick. | en español
- Respecting the Dignity of the Human Person at the End of Life
Act
- Anointing of the Sick: Joined to Christ, Witnesses of Hope and Healing | en español
- The Corporal Works of Mercy include visiting the sick and burying the dead.
- The Spiritual Works of Mercy include praying for the living and the dead.
Adapted from https://www.usccb.org/prayer-and-worship/sacraments-and-sacramentals/anointing-of-the-sick