Anointing of the Sick

God’s Healing Presence

"He summoned the Twelve and began to send them out two by two… They anointed with oil many who were sick and cured them." — Gospel of Mark 6:7, 13

The Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick is a profound source of strength and support for anyone struggling with an illness. While we believe that physical healing can occur through the great power of God, the primary grace infused through this sacrament is spiritual healing. It is a tangible reminder of the eternal presence of God in our human suffering.

As the Catechism teaches, this sacrament is a liturgical and communal celebration where the sick are "assisted by their pastor and the whole ecclesial community" (CCC 1516). It is a moment where the Church surrounds the suffering with prayer and fraternal attention.

The Signs & Symbols

Through simple ritual elements, the Church asks for the special grace of this sacrament to strengthen the whole person.

• The Laying on of Hands: In silence, the priest lays his hands on the head of the sick person. This biblical gesture invokes the Holy Spirit to come down and bring comfort and peace.

• The Oil of the Sick: Olive oil blessed by the Bishop. The priest anoints the forehead and the hands, symbolizing a healing of the mind and the works of our hands.

• The Prayer of Faith: The priest prays, asking God to "send the power of your Holy Spirit, the Consoler, into this precious oil," to heal the person in body, soul, and spirit.

Receiving the Sacrament

Think of receiving the sacrament for yourself or a loved one? For your convenience, we have placed an Inquiry Form on this page.

This sacrament is no longer reserved only for those at the point of death. Since the Second Vatican Council, the Church has returned to a broader understanding of this gift. Pope Paul VI advocated for a "wider availability of the sacrament," extending it to offer healing and comfort in times of illness, not just at the end of life.

Unlike the sacraments of initiation, this sacrament can be repeated if an illness worsens or a new condition arises.

• Serious Illness: Anyone suffering from a dangerous or chronic illness, or the frailty of old age, may request the sacrament.

• Before Surgery: It is appropriate to receive the sacrament before a serious operation.

• Communal Celebration: Ideally, the sacrament is celebrated within the Eucharist (Mass), allowing the community to pray together.

• Emergency: In cases of sudden medical emergencies or danger of death, please contact the priest immediately.

A Note on "Last Rites"

Historically known as Extreme Unction or the Last Rites, this sacrament was often viewed as a final preparation for death. Today, while it remains a vital part of end-of-life care (Viaticum), we encourage the faithful not to wait until the final moments. The Anointing of the Sick is a sacrament of the living, designed to give the sick person the grace of the Holy Spirit to resist temptation and find peace in anxiety.

Frequently Asked Questions