Reconciliation

Anointing of the Sick

Jesus came to heal the whole person, body and soul.

Anointing of the Sick is for those who are sick or facing life threatening situations (like major surgery or a serious medical emergency), as well as those who may be facing immanent death. Because of the notion that calling the priest for this sacrament may mean giving up on a dying loved one, many Catholics wait until too late to call the priest. Doing this risks leaving the dying person without the important graces of this sacrament.

When the Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick is given, the hoped-for effect is 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. The principle grace is a strengthening of the virtue of hope to help the sick person not to despair and to strengthen them against any fear of death. It also helps them to endure whatever suffering is caused by their illness or injuries and unites them to the suffering Christ who draws close to them and provides spiritual comfort.

Those scheduled for surgery or a serious hospital stay who wish to request this sacrament prior to entering the hospital, or if death is imminent and Last Rites are required, please call the parish office.

Please know that hospitals or care facilities do not automatically contact the parish when you are admitted. You, or a loved one, must contact the parish office if you would like Fr. Jerzy to know of your status.

If you are homebound and would like Father Jerzy to visit you this Lenten Season, please contact the parish office.

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Common Questions & Answers

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?

Because forgiveness of sins is among the effects of the Anointing of the Sick it is necessary that a priest (or bishop) administer the sacrament. Deacons and laity can pray for the sick and dying, but not to the same effect as this sacrament.

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 "last sacrament of the Christian." When someone is at the point of death, the sick receive the Eucharist as Viaticum. Our brothers and sisters who are passing over to the Father receive this last communion as "the seed of eternal life and the power of resurrection," as Christ himself tells us in the Gospel of St. John, "Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise him on the last day."