Anointing of the Sick

By the sacred anointing of the sick and the prayer of the priests the whole Church commends those who are ill to the suffering and glorified Lord, that he may raise them up and save them.

Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1499

 

What is Anointing of the Sick? 

Known as one of the Sacraments of Healing, this sacrament was instituted by Christ to strengthen the sick and dying to face the challenges that come with illness, to intercede for the restoration of health, and to remit the sin of the infirm.

This sacrament is not only for those who are at the point of death. “When anyone of the faithful begins to be in danger of death from sickness or old age, the fitting time for him to receive this sacrament has certainly already arrived” (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1514).

Therefore, the sacrament may be received by anyone who has a serious illness, those preparing for surgery, and those who suffer difficulties because of advanced age.

Only priests (bishops and presbyters) are ministers of the Anointing of the Sick. Those administering the sacrament will do so using oil blessed by the bishop, or if necessary, by the celebrating presbyter himself. The faithful should encourage the sick to call for a priest to receive this sacrament (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1516).

Like all sacraments, the Anointing of the Sick is a liturgical and communal celebration, whether it takes place in the family home, a hospital or church, for a single sick person or a whole group of sick persons (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1518).

The celebration of the sacrament includes the following principal elements:

  • Priest lays his hands on the sick
  • Praying over the sick in the faith of the Church
  • Anointing of the sick with oil blessed by the bishop

If circumstances allow it, the celebration of the sacrament can be preceded by the sacrament of penance and followed by the sacrament of the Eucharist.

To request an anointing, please contact the parish office or one of our priests. Please include the following information

  • Name and phone number of the sick
  • Name and phone number of the caller and your relationship to the sick
  • Location of the sick (home, hospital, nursing home, etc.)
  • Purpose of the visit (anointing, communion, confession, etc.)

In the case of emergency illness or accident, call the Parish Office at 309-662-7361. Outside of normal business hours, you will be directed to the priest’s emergency phone line.