Anointing of the Sick
A Sacrament of Healing and Strength
Christ's Healing Touch
This sacrament is a profound gift that provides grace and comfort during times of physical and spiritual trial. In this powerful encounter, the priest anoints the person with blessed oil and prays for them, uniting their suffering with the Passion of Christ and offering them the healing grace of the Holy Spirit. Its effects are a strengthening of faith and trust in God, peace in the face of suffering, and the courage to endure illness.
Scriptural Foundation: The Church follows the practice described by the Apostle James: "Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer of faith will save the one who is sick, and the Lord will raise him up. And if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven." (James 5:14-15)
The Church Teaches: The first grace of 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. 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..." (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1520)
Christ's Healing Touch
This sacrament is a profound gift that provides grace and comfort during times of physical and spiritual trial. In this powerful encounter, the priest anoints the person with blessed oil and prays for them, uniting their suffering with the Passion of Christ and offering them the healing grace of the Holy Spirit. Its effects are a strengthening of faith and trust in God, peace in the face of suffering, and the courage to endure illness.
Scriptural Foundation: The Church follows the practice described by the Apostle James: "Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer of faith will save the one who is sick, and the Lord will raise him up. And if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven." (James 5:14-15)
The Church Teaches: The first grace of 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. 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..." (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1520)
Who Can Receive the Sacrament?
Any baptized Catholic who has reached the age of reason and is facing a serious health challenge is encouraged to receive this sacrament. This includes:
Those who are seriously ill or have received a difficult diagnosis.
Those who are preparing for major surgery.
The elderly who have become notably weakened, even without a serious illness.
Those with a serious chronic illness or mental health condition.
The sacrament can be received more than once if an illness worsens or if a person recovers and then falls seriously ill again.
How to Request an Anointing
It is very important to call a priest when an illness is first diagnosed as serious, rather than waiting until the final moments of life. This allows the person to be fully conscious and to benefit from the powerful graces of the sacrament.
For scheduled surgeries or ongoing illness: Please call the parish office during business hours to arrange for a priest to visit.
For pastoral emergencies (e.g., a sudden and serious turn for the worse): Please call the parish office. If it is after hours, the voicemail will provide an emergency contact number.
📞 Parish Office: (210) XXX-XXXX
Do I Need It?
The Anointing of the Sick is not a sacrament only for those who are at the point of death. Rather, it is intended to bring spiritual strength, peace, and courage to any of the faithful who are suffering from a serious illness, preparing for major surgery, or experiencing the frailty of old age.
Do I Need It?
The Anointing of the Sick is not a sacrament only for those who are at the point of death. Rather, it is intended to bring spiritual strength, peace, and courage to any of the faithful who are suffering from a serious illness, preparing for major surgery, or experiencing the frailty of old age.
Ask Us About It
For inquiries about the Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick, please use this form.
Frequently Asked Questions
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No. This is a common misunderstanding. The sacrament is for any of the faithful who are facing a serious illness, preparing for major surgery, or experiencing the significant frailty of old age. It is a sacrament of healing and strength, not just for the end of life (CCC, 1514).
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Yes. If a person's illness worsens or if they recover and then fall into another serious illness, they may receive the sacrament again. It is a source of strength that can be returned to as needed (CCC, 1515).
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The sacrament's primary effect is spiritual healing: giving strength, peace, and courage. It can bring about physical healing if that is God's will for the person's salvation. Its ultimate purpose is to unite the suffering person with Christ and prepare them for eternal life (James 5:15).
Sickness can feel like a lonely path, but through this holy anointing, Christ walks it with you. This sacrament is His tangible promise that you are never abandoned in your suffering. He offers not an escape from the cross, but the divine strength to carry it, transforming moments of weakness into powerful encounters with His grace and unending love.
Sickness can feel like a lonely path, but through this holy anointing, Christ walks it with you. This sacrament is His tangible promise that you are never abandoned in your suffering. He offers not an escape from the cross, but the divine strength to carry it, transforming moments of weakness into powerful encounters with His grace and unending love.