Anointing of the Sick

“Is anyone among you sick? He should summon the presbyters of the church, and they should pray over him and anoint (him) with oil in the name of the Lord, and the prayer of faith will save the sick person, and the Lord will raise him up. If he has committed any sins, he will be forgiven” (James 5:14-15, NAB).

Only a priest may administer the Anointing of the Sick. At some hospitals, there is a Catholic priest on call for the Anointing of the Sick. If you or a loved one is hospitalized you should inquire as to whether such a priest is available.

To request Anointing of the Sick at home or in a nursing facility (or when no hospital chaplain is available), please call the parish office to speak with a priest.

Anointing of the Sick should be received when a Catholic is seriously ill. There is no need to wait until death is imminent, and so it is best to call while there is ample time to arrange a convenient time for the Sacrament. If a parishioner who has not been anointed is in danger of death, however, you should not hesitate to call the rectory at any hour. 

To learn more about this sacrament in the Catechism of the Catholic Church, please click here.