The Anointing of the Sick
The Anointing of the Sick is the sacrament through which the Church entrusts the seriously ill faithful to Christ, who suffered and now lives in glory, and through its sacramental grace asks God to strengthen and save them. This sacrament is not reserved only for those who are dying; it may also be received when a person faces serious danger because of a severe illness or advanced age.
What Does the Anointing of the Sick Mean?
Through the Anointing of the Sick, Christ is present in a special way to the person who is suffering. The sacrament gives a particular grace to help the sick bear the difficulties of serious illness and old age. It strengthens them, brings peace and courage, and helps them unite their faith with Christ’s Passion and Resurrection. When necessary, the sacrament also brings forgiveness of sins and prepares the person for eternal life.
Strength in Illness
The sacrament strengthens the sick person in times of illness and suffering and helps them turn to God with trust.
United with Christ
Through the Anointing of the Sick, the sick person is united in a special way with Christ’s suffering and Resurrection. Their suffering can thus become a path to deeper union with Christ.
The Prayer of the Church
The sick person does not pray alone. Through the ministry of the priest and the prayer of the Christian community, the Church accompanies the sick person and prays for them.
When Should the Anointing of the Sick Be Requested?
There is no need to wait until the final hours of life. The sacrament may be appropriately received once a person faces serious danger because of severe illness or advanced age. It may also be appropriate to receive the Anointing of the Sick before a major operation.
In Serious Illness
The sacrament may be requested when an illness places the sick person in serious danger. There is no need to wait until the condition becomes immediately life-threatening.
In Old Age
Old age is not itself an illness, but when an elderly person’s health and physical strength have become significantly weakened, receiving the Anointing of the Sick may be appropriate.
Before Surgery
The Anointing of the Sick may also be appropriately received before a serious surgical procedure.
When the Condition Worsens
The sacrament may be received again if a person recovers from a previous serious illness and later becomes seriously ill again. It may also be received again when the person’s condition becomes more serious during the same illness.
Who Can Receive the Anointing of the Sick?
The Anointing of the Sick may be administered to a baptized member of the faithful who has reached the age of reason and whose health is seriously endangered by illness or advanced age. The sacrament is not intended only for those who are immediately facing death.
Seriously Ill Faithful
For a believer suffering from serious illness, the sacrament is a particular sign of God’s grace and the prayer of the Church. It helps the sick person endure suffering and unite themselves more closely with Christ.
Elderly and Frail People
The Anointing of the Sick may also be requested when advanced age is accompanied by significant physical weakness.
When Someone Is Dying
When a loved one is approaching the end of life, it is better not to wait until the very last moment before calling a priest. Family members can contact the parish as soon as possible to request pastoral care for the sick person.
Along with the Anointing of the Sick, and when circumstances permit, Confession and the Eucharist, received as Holy Viaticum, can also form an important part of spiritual care for a dying person. Through Holy Viaticum, the Church commends the Eucharist in a special way to a dying Christian as nourishment and strength on the journey towards eternal life.
Do Not Wait Until the Last Moments
When a person’s condition becomes serious, it is advisable to notify a priest as soon as possible. This allows sufficient time for pastoral accompaniment and for the sacraments to be celebrated.
Confession
When the sick person is able and wishes to receive it, Confession can also be part of the preparation surrounding the Anointing of the Sick.
Holy Viaticum
For a dying person, receiving the Eucharist as Holy Viaticum has a particular significance at the passage from earthly life to eternal life.
Family Prayer
The presence of family and the Christian community, together with their prayer and loving attention, can be an important source of support for the sick person.
How Is the Anointing of the Sick Celebrated?
The Anointing of the Sick is administered by a priest. In the Roman Rite, the priest anoints the sick person on the forehead and hands with the blessed Oil of the Sick while praying the prescribed liturgical prayer for God’s grace and help. The sacrament may be celebrated in a family setting, in a hospital, or in a church, either for one sick person or, when circumstances permit, for several sick people together.
The Ministry of the Priest
Only a priest, that is, a bishop or presbyter, can validly administer the Anointing of the Sick.
Sacred Oil
The sacrament is celebrated using the Oil of the Sick blessed as prescribed by the Church. Ordinarily, the oil is blessed by a bishop; in case of necessity, the priest administering the sacrament may also bless the oil.
At Home, in Hospital, or in Church
The Anointing of the Sick is not restricted to the church building. Depending on the circumstances of the sick person, the sacrament may also be administered at home, in a hospital, or in another suitable place.
Frequently Asked Questions
There are many misconceptions about the Anointing of the Sick, especially the idea that the sacrament is only for those who are immediately approaching death. The answers below summarize the main points of the Catholic Church’s official teaching and the relevant provisions of canon law.
In ordinary speech, the sacrament is often referred to as the “Last Rites” or “last anointing,” but the Church’s official name is the Anointing of the Sick. The sacrament is not intended only for those who are immediately dying. It may already be appropriate when a member of the faithful is in serious danger because of illness or old age.
No. The appropriate time to receive the sacrament may already have arrived when a person faces serious danger because of serious illness or old age.
Yes. According to the teaching of the Catholic Church, receiving the Anointing of the Sick may also be appropriate before a serious operation.
The sacrament may be received again if a sick person recovers from a previous serious illness and later becomes seriously ill again, or if the person’s condition becomes more serious during the same illness.
Only a priest, that is, a bishop or presbyter, can validly administer the Anointing of the Sick.
Yes. Depending on the circumstances of the sick person, the Anointing of the Sick may be administered at home, in a hospital, or in a church.
When there is doubt, the sacrament should be administered. This also applies when it is uncertain whether the sick person has reached the age of reason, whether they are seriously ill, or whether death has already occurred. In such circumstances, it is therefore advisable to call a priest without delay.
Yes. According to the Code of Canon Law, the sacrament is to be administered to sick persons who at least implicitly requested it while they still had the use of their faculties. It is therefore especially important to know the person’s wishes in good time.
Yes. From a pastoral perspective, it is better not to wait until the final minutes. For the sick person, Confession, the Anointing of the Sick, and, when appropriate, Holy Viaticum can together provide important spiritual assistance.
Do Not Face Illness Alone
Illness and the approach of the end of life are difficult times for both the sick person and their family. During this time, the Church remains present through prayer, the support of the Christian community, and the celebration of the sacraments. If you would like to request pastoral assistance for a sick or elderly family member, please contact St. Nicholas Roman Catholic Parish.