The Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick is intended to strengthen those who are being tried by illness or old age, imparting grace to unite one’s own sufferings to the sufferings of Jesus, and to obtain the peace and courage to overcome difficulties that accompany serious illnesses.

A person does not need to be dying or near the point of death to request anointing

The sacrament itself is administered by a priest by anointing the forehead and palms of the hands of the sick person with blessed oil. This may be done at church, at home, or in a hospital setting.

As with all the sacraments, for the grace of the sacrament to bare fruit, the recipient should be in a state of grace, and so if the recipient hasn’t been to confession in a while, and definitely if they are conscious of serious sin, it is proper to make a confession immediately before the anointing, assuming the ability is there to do so. For individuals unable to confess, such as from being unconscious or not enjoying full use of their mental faculties, the Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick can forgive sins.

Please speak to a priest or contact us with any questions.