The Letter of James states that the sick are to be anointed in order to raise them up and save them. 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.
Who can receive the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick?
Someone who is seriously ill or dying.
A sick person may be anointed before surgery whenever a serious illness is the reason for surgery.
Elderly people may be anointed if they ahve become notably weakened even though no serious illness is present.
Sick children may be anointed if they have sufficient use of reason to be strengthened by this sacrament.
What should I do when someone is seriously ill or dying?
When you or someone you know is seriously ill or dying, it is crucial that you call a priest to come visit.
Why? Well, in the Letter of St. James we read, Are there any who are sick among you? Let them send for the priests of the Church, and let the priests pray over them, anointing them with oil in the name of the Lord; and the prayer of faith will save the sick persons, and the Lord will raise them up; and if they have committed any sins, their sins will be forgiven them (James 5:14-15).
It is the priest’s sacred duty to prepare souls to meet their Savior. If the person is dying, do not hesitate to call the priest at any time of day. Never think, “it’s too late at night,” or “I don’t want to bother Father,” or “Father is too busy.” If you call, a priest will come!
Those who are seriously ill or dying should receive the Sacraments of Reconciliation, Anointing of the Sick, and Holy Communion. If the person is unable to receive make a Confession and receive Holy Communion, the priest will still administer the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick. Additionally, when someone is close to death, the priest will administer the “Apostolic Pardon.” Through the Apostolic Pardon, the dying person receives a Plenary Indulgence, remitting any punishment due to sin that they may have incurred.
You should not wait until someone is “at death’s door” before calling the priest. Whenever someone is seriously ill, you should call a priest.
Our Lord has given us the Sacraments to fulfill His promise, I will be with you always, even until the end of time (Matthew 28:20). When someone is seriously ill or dying, the Lord desires to be with them to forgive their sins, to strengthen them in their moments of difficulty, and to comfort and console them with His Presence.
We are anxious to visit anyone who cannot hear the Holy Mass with us in our parish church because of illness, age, or handicap. If you wish to receive the Sacraments of Confession and/or Holy Communion, please call the Parish Office. If anyone is experiencing a serious illness, entering a hospital for surgery or in a weak condition due to age, please call the office to arrange for the celebration of the sacrament of Anointing of the Sick.