In this sacrament, those who are gravely ill, in danger of death, have been seriously injured, or are preparing for serious surgery are anointed with holy oil (link to Oils).  This anointing and the accompanying prayers strengthen the person that they may endure their suffering and assure them that God walks with them through their difficult times. 
 
This sacrament is often combined with the Sacraments of Reconciliation and Eucharist.  These give the person additional spiritual strength and grace.  If the person is near death, the Eucharist is called “Viaticum” which means “food for the journey”.  It strengthens us for our journey home to God.

 

If you know you will be going to the hospital for surgery or for some serious illness, we urge you to ask a priest to administer the Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick before hospitalization rather than wait until the last moment when a priest may not be immediately available. This is something every priest is happy to do.

For more information or to receive the Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick, please contact the parish office.

Priest chaplains are on call at all times at local hospitals.