The Anointing of the Sick

What is the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick?

The Anointing of the Sick is one of the Sacraments of the Church especially intended to strengthen those who are being tried by illness (CCC #1511).  The Roman Rite says that “the sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick is given to those who are seriously ill by anointing them on the forehead and hands with duly blessed oil”.

This sacrament, however, is not only for those who are at the point of death, but also for anyone of the faithful who is sick or is of old age.  “If a sick person who received this anointing recovers his health, he can in the case of another grave illness receive this sacrament again. If during the same illness the person’s condition becomes more serious, the sacrament may be repeated. It is fitting to receive the Anointing of the Sick just prior to a serious operation. The same holds for the elderly whose frailty becomes more pronounced.” (CCC #1515)

In addition, the Viaticum (Eucharist received at the moment of death: “passing over to the Father”) can be offered as a sacrament of passing over from “death to life, from this world to the Father”.

The Anointing of the Sick and the Eucharist as Viaticum are the sacraments that complete the earthly pilgrimage. (CCC #1525)

Read More: Catechism of the Catholic Church (1499-1532)

Anointing of the Sick at Holy Faith Catholic Church

Please contact us if you or someone you know is in need of the Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick by calling the office at 352-376-5405 during regular business hours IF NOT an emergency. If it is an emergency and it is after or before business hours, please dial our number and you will be instructed on how to reach our duty priest. A live operator will take your call after hours, get your name and contact information, and notify the priest on call immediately who will personally return your call for the details. Please only use the emergency number when it is urgent.