Another Sacrament of Healing is the Sacrament of Anointing the Sick. We hear in the letter of St. James, "Is anyone among you sick? Let them call the elders of the church to pray over them and anoint them with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise them up. If they have sinned, they will be forgiven" (James 5:14-15).
In essence, the Sacrament of the Sick confers a special grace on Christians suffering from a serious illness or old age. Only a bishop or priest can administer this Sacrament.
During the celebration of this Sacrament, the priest or bishop lays their hand on the sick, or elderly person and prays for a special grace and then anoints them with the Oil of the Sick, typically on the forehead and both hands.
Remember the Sacrament of the Sick is not only for those who are moments from death; rather, it is for anyone facing a serious operation, or where there is a danger of death due to old age or illness. Unlike, Baptism, Confirmation or Holy Orders, the Sacrament of the Sick can be repeated.
Anyone over the age of reason (Age 7) can and should readily receive the Sacrament of the Sick. If you or a family member is interested in receiving the Sacrament of the Sick, please contact one of the Parish Priests. Also, if you or a member of your family cannot attend Mass due to a serious illness or old age, and would like a pastoral visit or to receive Holy Communion, we encourage you to contact the Parish Office.
For more information on the Sacrament of Anointing the Sick, please see the Catechism of the Catholic Church, paragraphs 1499 - 1532.