What is the Anointing of the Sick?

The Anointing of the Sick is performed by a priest when a person is sick or dying.  The priest will anoint the person on the head and hands with blessed oil, and pray for God to heal and bless the sick person.

Why is the Anointing of the Sick important?

A serious illness can cause many people to lose faith in God and to feel hopeless.  The Anointing of the Sick is a sacrament that gains grace for the ill person, and assures them that God is always with His people, even in the most dire of situations.

Who can receive Anointing of the Sick?

Catholics who are very ill or at the point of death may call a priest for Anointing. People who have already received the Anointing of the Sick and have recovered may receive the sacrament more than once if they become very sick again.
 

Grave illness brings with it a host of struggles: physical discomforts, lifestyle changes, mental anguish and emotional sensitivity. Facing the danger of death from illness - or simply from old age - also brings the spiritual challenge of wrestling with the reality of dying and the question of where we stand before God. The sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick offers special graces – including strength, peace and courage - to lighten the burden of these very trials and to help us deepen our trust in God (cf. CCC #1520). In continuing to celebrate the Anointing of the Sick, just as the first apostles did, the Church carries out Christ’s command to heal the sick (cf. Mt 10:8). Of course physical healing can be part of this sacramental restoration if it is God’s will, but healing the sickness of the soul through the forgiveness of sins is primary. Thus this sacred anointing and the prayers accompanying it prepare a person to enter eternal life. In addition, this rite, which may be received more than once, gives illness itself a profound power by uniting the sufferings of the Christian to the sufferings of Christ himself (cf. CCC #1521).

 

“In the Cross of Christ not only is the Redemption accomplished through suffering, but also human suffering itself has been redeemed.”

Saint Pope John Paul II

Additional Resources - Anointing of the Sick

• The Catechism of the Catholic Church

• United State Conference of Catholic Bishops

• The Catholic Encyclopedia

• The Diocese of La Crosse