Anointing of the Sick

 "The Church believes and confesses that among the seven sacraments there is one especially intended to strengthen those who are being tried by illness, the Anointing of the Sick:

'This sacred anointing of the sick was instituted by Christ our Lord as a true and proper sacrament of the New Testament. It is alluded to indeed by Mark, but is recommended to the faithful and promulgated by James the apostle and brother of the Lord.'"
Catechism of the Catholic Church, para. 1511

The Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick, formerly known as Extreme Unction and often referred to as "Last Rites", is appropriate not only for those in immediate danger of death, but also for those suffering from serious physical, mental, or spiritual sickness. When a priest confers this sacrament, the individual receives from the Holy Spirit the Graces of strengthening, peace, and courage to overcome the difficulties that go with the condition of serious illness or the frailty of old age. Also, the Sacrament formally unites the suffering of the individual with that of Christ’s Passion and confers a Grace that contributes to the sanctification of the whole Church.
If a sick person who has received this sacrament 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 this sacrament just prior to a serious operation. If circumstances suggest it, the Anointing of the Sick should be received following the Sacrament of Reconciliation.

In addition to the Anointing of the Sick, the Church offers those who are about to leave this life the Eucharist as viaticum. Communion in the body and blood of Christ, received at this moment of "passing over" to the Father, has a particular significance and importance. It is the seed of eternal life and the power of resurrection, according to the words of the Lord: "He who eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day."¹⁴¹ The sacrament of Christ once dead and now risen, the Eucharist is here the sacrament of passing over from death to life, from this world to the Father.¹⁴²

Thus, just as the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and the Eucharist form a unity called "the sacraments of Christian initiation," so too it can be said that Penance, the Anointing of the Sick and the Eucharist as viaticum constitute at the end of Christian life "the sacraments that prepare for our heavenly homeland" or the sacraments that complete the earthly pilgrimage.

If you or a loved one are in need of this Sacrament, you can contact one of our priests by calling the church at (727) 531-7721