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."
James 5:14-15

What is Anointing of the Sick?

The Anointing of the Sick is the sacrament the Church confers on those in danger of death through grave illness or old age.  It consists of the anointing of the individual with special oil and the prayer of the priest.  The Catechism of the Catholic Church lists the following as the special graces of this sacrament:

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

CCC, 1532
 

Who can receive Anointing of the Sick?

Baptized Catholics who may be in danger of death from illness or old age may receive this sacrament.  One does not need to be at the point of death to receive this sacrament; if you are about to undergo surgery, are suffering from an illness that could be life-threatening, or have become frail due to old age, please request Anointing of the Sick.