Anointing of the Sick

This Sacrament, formerly known as Last Rites or Extreme Unction, is when God's grace strengthens those who suffer from some form of infirmity. Formerly, this Sacrament was reserved only for those who were dying. While the theology of the sacrament has not changed, our practice has. All those who face a serious illness or operation should request this sacrament.

On the second Sunday of every month, following the 10:30 am Mass at Saint Mary's, we will be celebrating the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick in the chapel. Below is some information on the Sacrament, who should receive it, and what it entails.

Who can receive the Sacrament?

The Sacrament of the Sick used to be known as "Extreme Unction" or "Last Rites," and if a priest was called to anoint a person, death was not far behind. That was not the original intention of the Sacrament. In the Letter of Saint James we read, "Is anyone among you sick? He should summon the presbyters of the church, and they should pray over him and anoint him with oil in the name of the Lord, and the prayer of faith will save the sick person and the Lord will raise him up. If he has committed any sins, he will be forgiven." (St. James 5:13-15)

Vatican II clarified that "it is not a Sacrament for those only who are at the point of death....as soon as any one of the faithful begins to be in danger of death from sickness or old age, the fitting time for the person to receive that Sacrament has certainly arrived."

With this in mind, it is prudent for a person to seek to receive the Sacrament when it is discovered that he or she has a life-threatening illness or injury. It is also wise to receive the Anointing of the Sick before having major surgery.

How often can I receive the Sacrament?

The Anointing of the Sick is not a sacrament that is received often. Once received, "the sacrament may be repeated if the sick person recovers after being anointed and again falls ill or if, during the same illness, the person's condition becomes more serious."    Some people think that the more often they receive the Sacrament, the more effective it will be. This is not the case.

Does the Sacrament forgive sin?

If necessary, the Sacrament also provides the sick person with the forgiveness of sins and the completion of Christian penance." However, the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick is not a replacement for the Sacrament of Penance.

Why celebrate this Sacrament in public?

All Sacraments constitute celebrations of the whole Church. Family, friends, and representatives of the parish community are encouraged to be involved, as such involvement in the rites helps people become aware of the needs of the sick, who often feel alone and isolated in their illnesses.

What happens during the Rite?

There are three parts of the Rite: 1) A prayer of faith asking God's help for the sick. 2) the laying on of hands which is a sign of blessing and an invocation asking for the coming of the Holy Spirit upon the sick person, and 3) the anointing with the Oil of the Sick on the forehead and hands of the sick person, which signifies healing, strengthening and the presence of the Holy Spirit.

Anyone who is seriously ill or preparing for an operation and has not been anointed recently can arrange for the Sacrament by contacting the parish office and making arrangements with one of the St. Mary's priests.