Anointing of the Sick

"Is any among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord; and the prayer of faith will save the sick man, and the Lord will raise him up".
James 5:14-16

Who is this sacrament for? 
We read in the Catechism of the Catholic Church that "each time a Christian falls seriously ill, he may receive the Anointing of the Sick, and also when, after he has received it, the illness worsens" (CCC #1529). Thus, anyone who is suffering a serious illness (or, e.g., facing a serious operation), may receive this sacrament. It is not required that death be imminent. 

When is the sacrament offered?
You or a loved one may receive the sacrament of the anointing of the sick at any time. Please contact the Parish Office (384-1100). There are also opportunities to receive the sacrament at Mass three times a year: in October, during Lent and in the summer. These dates will be listed in the seasonal calendars, bulletin, and The Companion.

What are the effects of the celebration of this sacrament? 
We read in the Catechism: 
"The first grace of this Sacrament is one of strengthening, peace and courage to overcome the difficulties that go with the condition of serious illness or the frailty of old age. This grace is a gift of the Holy Spirit, who renews trust and faith in God and strengthens against the temptations of the evil one, the temptation to discouragement and anguish in the face of death. This assistance from the Lord by the power of his Spirit is meant to lead the sick person to healing of the soul, but also of the body if such is God's will. Furthermore, if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven."
(CCC #1520) 

Thus, the effects of the anointing of the sick are primarily a strengthening of our hearts and minds against the discouragement and anxiety of illness or death. This sacrament gives us the grace to say to God, in unison with Jesus Christ, "not my will, but Thy will be done." If it is God's will that physical recovery should follow, we gratefully accept that. But we trust that God's will is always designed for our greatest good and for our eternal salvation. Hence, in this sacrament we are not simply praying for a "miraculous recovery" from illness. 

Is Anointing the same as "Last Rites"?
If the sacrament of anointing of the sick is given to one who is at the point of departing from this life, it is also referred to as "Last Rites" or "Extreme Unction." 

"The Anointing of the Sick completes our conformity to the death and Resurrection of Christ, just as Baptism began it. It completes the holy anointings that mark the whole Christian life: that of Baptism which sealed the new life in us, and that of Confirmation which strengthened us for the combat of this life. This last anointing fortifies the end of our earthly life like a solid rampart for the final struggles before entering the Father's house." (CCC #1523) 

What is "Viaticum"?
Viaticum (passing over) is the name that refers to the final reception of Eucharist by those who are near death. It is often celebrated in conjunction with the anointing of the sick. 

"Communion in the body and blood of Christ, received at this moment of 'passing over' to the Father, has a particular significance and importance. It is the seed of eternal life and the power of resurrection, according to the words of the Lord: 'He who eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day.' The Sacrament of Christ once dead and now risen, the Eucharist is here the Sacrament of passing over from death to life, from this world to the Father." (CCC #1524) 

Theology of the Sacrament
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