“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, and the prayer of faith will save the sick person, and
the Lord will raise him up. If he has committed any sins, he will be
forgiven” (James 5:14-15, NAB).
The Anointing of the Sick—formerly known as ‘last rites’—is no longer
considered a sacrament only for those at the point of death. Instead,
this healing sacrament is for all those who are facing major surgery,
chronic illness, or the weakness that comes with age. Communal
celebrations of the sacrament are celebrated regularly. To schedule the
Anointing of the Sick, please call the Parish Office any time.
What we believe about the anointing of the sick:
How was sickness viewed in the Old Testament?
In the Old Testament sickness was experienced as a sign of weakness and
at the same time perceived as mysteriously bound up with sin. The
prophets intuited that sickness could also have a redemptive value for
one’s own sins and those of others. Thus sickness was lived out in the
presence of God from whom people implored healing.
What is the significance of Jesus’ compassion for the sick?
The compassion of Jesus toward the sick and his many healings of the
infirm were a clear sign that with him had come the Kingdom of God and
therefore victory over sin, over suffering, and over death. By his own
passion and death he gave new meaning to our suffering which, when
united with his own, can become a means of purification and of salvation
for us and for others.
What is the attitude of the Church toward the sick?
Having received from the Lord the charge to heal the sick, the Church
strives to carry it out by taking care of the sick and accompanying them
with her prayer of intercession. Above all, the Church possesses a
sacrament specifically intended for the benefit of the sick. This
sacrament was instituted by Christ and is attested by Saint James: “Is
anyone among you sick? Let him call in the presbyters of the Church and
let them pray over him and anoint him with oil in the name of the Lord”
(James 5:14-15).
Who can receive the sacrament of the anointing of the sick?
Any member of the faithful can receive this sacrament as soon as he or
she begins to be in danger of death because of sickness or old age. The
faithful who receive this sacrament can receive it several times if
their illness becomes worse or another serious sickness afflicts them.
The celebration of this sacrament should, if possible, be preceded by
individual confession on the part of the sick person.
Who administers this sacrament?
This sacrament can be administered only by priests (bishops or
presbyters).
How is this sacrament celebrated?
The celebration of this sacrament consists essentially in an anointing
with oil which may be blessed by the bishop. The anointing is on the
forehead and on the hands of the sick person (in the Roman rite) or also
on other parts of the body (in the other rites) accompanied by the
prayer of the priest who asks for the
special grace of this sacrament.
What are the effects of this sacrament?
This sacrament confers a special grace which unites the sick person more
intimately to the Passion of Christ for his good and for the good of all
the Church. It gives comfort, peace, courage, and even the forgiveness
of sins if the sick person is not able to make a confession. Sometimes,
if it is the will of God, this sacrament even brings about the
restoration of physical health. In any case this Anointing prepares the
sick person for the journey to the Father’s House.
What is Viaticum?
Viaticum is the Holy Eucharist received by those who are about to leave
this earthly life and are preparing for the journey to eternal life.
Communion in the body and blood of Christ who died and rose from the
dead, received at the moment of passing from this world to the Father,
is the seed of eternal life and the power of the resurrection.
All questions and answers taken from the Compendium of the
Catechism of the Catholic Church.
Funerals