Anointing of the Sick
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"ls anyone among you sick? He should summon the presbyters of the Church and they should pray over him and anoint him with oil in the name of the Lord; and the prayer of faith will save the sick person, and the Lord will raise him up. If he has committed any sins, he will be forgiven."
James 5:14-15
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The Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick (one of the Seven Sacraments) is for Catholics who are seriously ill who have reached the age of reason (seven). It is not just for those who are at the point of death. Catholics are encouraged to receive this sacrament as soon as they begin to be in danger of death from sickness or old age. Often the faithful receive this sacrament just prior to a serious operation, and our seniors may receive this sacrament as their frailty becomes more pronounced. Candidates for Anointing are strongly encouraged to celebrate the Sacrament of Reconciliation (Confession) beforehand when this is possible.
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Frequently Asked QuestionsQ: Who should receive the Anointing of the Sick?
A: Anyone who is ill, about to have or has had surgery, the chronically ill, those suffering terminal or other illnesses.
Q: When should the sacrament of the sick be administered?
A: It is not necessary to wait until a person is dying before calling a priest. The Anointing of the Sick “is not a sacrament for those only who are at the point of death” (CCC 1514).
Q: I have been anointed in the past, and I am ill again. May I be anointed again?
A: If some time has passed and you are experiencing another illness, you may receive the sacrament again.