Anointing of the Sick
Healing and strength in illness
"Is there anyone sick among you? He should ask for the presbyters of the church. They in turn are to pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord. This prayer uttered in faith will reclaim the one who is ill, and the Lord will restore him to health. If he has committed any sins, forgiveness will be his."
James 5:14-15
Healing in Christ
In the Church's Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick, through the ministry of the priest, it is Jesus who touches the sick to heal them from sin and sometimes even from physical ailment. His cures were signs of the arrival of the Kingdom of God.
The Rite of Anointing tells us there is no need to wait until a person is at the point of death to receive the Sacrament. A careful judgment about the serious nature of the illness is sufficient.
When the Sacrament is given, the hoped-for effect is that, if it be God's will, the person be physically healed. But even if there is no physical healing, the primary effect is a spiritual healing by which the sick person receives the Holy Spirit's gift of peace and courage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who should receive the Anointing of the Sick?
Anyone who is ill, about to have or has had surgery, the chronically ill, those suffering terminal or other illnesses.
When should the sacrament be administered?
It is not necessary to wait until a person is dying before calling a priest. The Anointing of the Sick "is not a sacrament for those only who are at the point of death" (CCC 1514).
I have been anointed in the past, and I am ill again. May I be anointed again?
If some time has passed and you are experiencing another illness, you may receive the sacrament again.
Need the Anointing of the Sick? Available upon request. Call the Rectory Office at (415) 494-5517.