Anointing of the Sick

WHAT IS THE SACRAMENT OF ANOINTING OF SICK?

The anointing of the sick is administered to bring spiritual and even physical strength during an illness, especially near the time of death.  It is a Sacrament that is administered to convey God’s grace to the recipient, through the power of the Holy Spirit. 

WHO SHOULD REQUEST THE SACRAMENT OF THE SICK?

It is important to understand that not everyone who is ill should approach the sacrament. The Church has very specific guidelines for those who may approach the Sacrament. Here are those guidelines as pointed out in the Church’s Pastoral Care of the Sick in its  General Instructions:  Great care and concern should be taken to see that those of the faithful whose health is seriously impaired by sickness or old age receive this Sacrament. 

• Elderly people may be anointed if they have become notably weakened even though no serious illness is present.

• Anyone preparing for surgery due to serious illness.

• We would ask that you please keep in mind these requirements before you present yourself for the Sacrament of the Sick.

In the event of an emergency, family members should contact the Chaplain’s Office at the hospital. The Sacrament can not be conferred on the dead. It is strongly suggested that those who are elderly should consider being anointed at our annual communal anointing service which is held at St. Bernard.

If you or a loved one are in danger of death due to illness, surgery, or old age, you may request to be anointed by calling the parish office to make an appointment. If it is a sacramental emergency, please call and state that this is an emergency.  A priest will be called and sent to you as soon as possible. The sacrament of anointing can be administered to an individual whether at home, in a hospital or institution, or in church.