Anointing of the Sick

“Oh Lord, my God, I cried out to You, and You healed Me!” Psalm 30:2

The Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick is administered with the hoped-for effect of the illness being physically healed. But even if there is no physical healing, the primary effect is a spiritual healing by the Holy Spirit’s gift of peace and courage to deal with the difficulties of serious illness or the frailty of old age.  The priest anoints the seriously ill, injured, or the elderly with the oil of the sick. The oil of the sick is a special oil blessed by the bishop at the Chrism Mass during Holy Week.

This sacrament lets the person know that the church community is in prayer for them and that God is there in our weakest moments.  If you or a loved one would like to receive the Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick, please call the parish office, so the priest can contact you to make an appointment to visit.

Sometimes you cannot get a priest at the last minute (due to Mass, confessions, meetings, etc.). When a person goes on hospice, they can be anointed. Even if not on hospice, you can be anointed in various other situations, including if you are seriously ill or if you are going to the hospital for surgery or if you are in a nursing home.