Anointing of the Sick

What is the Anointing of the Sick?

  • Is any among you sick? Let him call for the presbyters 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 sick man, and the Lord will raise him up; and if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven. (Jas 5:14-15)


  • By the sacred anointing of the sick and the prayer of the priests the whole Church commends those who are ill to the suffering and glorified Lord, that he may raise them up and save them. (CCC 1499)


  • Illness can lead to anguish, self-absorption, sometimes even despair and revolt against God. It can also make a person more mature, helping him discern in his life what is not essential so that he can turn toward that which is. Very often illness provokes a search for God and a return to him. (CCC 1501)

FAQ

  • When can one receive anointing?

    The proper time for receiving this holy anointing has certainly arrived when the believer begins to be in danger of death because of illness or old age. (CCC 1528) 


    Each time a Christian falls seriously ill, he may receive the Anointing of the Sick, and also when, after he has received it, the illness worsens. (CCC 1529)


  • Who can anoint?

    Only bishops and priests can give the sacrament of Anointing of the Sick, using oil blessed by the bishop, or if necessary by the celebrating presbyter himself. (CCC 1530)

  • Which are the effects of the special graces of anointing?

    CCC 1532

    • uniting of the sick person to the passion of Christ, for his own good and that of the whole Church
    • strengthening, peace, and courage to endure in a Christian manner the sufferings of illness or old age
    • forgiveness of sins, if the sick person was not able to obtain it through the sacrament of Penance
    • restoration of health, if it is conductive to the salvation of his soul
    • preparation for passing over to eternal life

  • What does the celebration of Anointing of the Sick Consist?

    Essentially the anointing of the forehead and hands of the sick person,  the anointing being accompanied by the liturgical prayer of the celebrant asking for the special grace of this sacrament. (CCC 1531)

  • What information will I be asked when I call?

    • Name and Phone number of person of Contact
    • Name of the individual that needs anointing
    • Home Address or Name of Hospital and Room Number 
    • Spoken Language
    • Can they receive the Eucharist?
    • Non-urgent or urgent (they might not have much time to live)
    • COVID or NON-COVID

Call the Church office if you or someone you know requires anointing of the sick. The priest or the secretary will notify you when the priest will be available to visit the sick.

St. Pius X Office

If the individual urgently needs anointing, they may have little time to live; please contact the pastoral care hotline. 

Pastoral Care Hotline