Sacraments & Life
Is any 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 sick man, and the Lord will raise him up; and if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven.”
James 5:14–15
Anointing of the Sick
A Sacrament of Healing
The Sacrament of the Sick is a healing ritual administered by a priest to provide spiritual strength, peace, and potential physical recovery to those facing serious illness, advanced age, or major surgery.
Who is it for?
- Serious Illness: Anyone whose health is gravely impaired by sickness, disease, or a worsening chronic condition.
- Medical Procedures: Individuals preparing for serious or major surgery.
- Advanced Age: Elderly individuals who have grown significantly frail, even without an acute life-threatening diagnosis.
- Not Just for the Dying: Formerly called "Extreme Unction" or part of the "Last Rites," the church clarified after Vatican II that the sacrament is for the living who are sick, not strictly those at the point of death. It can be received multiple times if an illness worsens or a new condition arises.
What happens during the rite?
- Laying on of Hands: The priest silently or softly lays his hands upon the head of the sick person in imitation of Jesus.
- Anointing with Oil: The priest anoints the person's forehead and the palms of their hands using the Oil of the Sick (blessed olive oil) while offering a specific prayer asking for the grace of the Holy Spirit and freedom from sin.
- Forgiveness of Sins: The sacrament offers the forgiveness of sins if the person is unable to make a sacramental confession.
If you or a loved one need this sacrament, please contact the parish priest after Mass or before surgery. Please do not wait until death is imminent.
