The Anointing of the Sick is a gift given to us to continue the healing ministry of Jesus. .
One does not have to be on the edge of death to receive this sacrament and the sacrament can be repeated once a month, or if a person’s condition takes a turn for the worse.If you have a life threatening illness, have grown frail with old age, or are preparing for surgery, please contact your parish priest to be anointed.
It is appropriate to prepare for the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick by making a good confession – especially if it has been awhile or if one is aware of having committed any (unconfessed) serious sin. While the Anointing of the Sick includes the forgiveness of sin, the healing grace of this sacrament could be blocked by a person’s unwillingness to confess serious sin: “One who desires to obtain reconciliation with God and with the Church, must confess to a priest all the unconfessed grave sins he remembers after having carefully examined his conscience.” (Catechism, par. 1493)
It is appropriate to prepare for the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick by making a good confession – especially if it has been awhile or if one is aware of having committed any (unconfessed) serious sin. While the Anointing of the Sick includes the forgiveness of sin, the healing grace of this sacrament could be blocked by a person’s unwillingness to confess serious sin: “One who desires to obtain reconciliation with God and with the Church, must confess to a priest all the unconfessed grave sins he remembers after having carefully examined his conscience.” (Catechism, par. 1493)
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Jesus had his Apostles anoint the sick with oil:
“He summoned the Twelve and began to send them out two by two and gave them authority over unclean spirits… So they went off and preached repentance. They drove out many demons, and they anointed with oil many who were sick and cured them.”Matthew 6: 7-13
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The Apostle James said the sick should call for the priests (presbyters) to anoint them:
“Is anyone among you sick?i 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.”ii James 5: 14-15
Here are some Prayers for the Dying that can be said when a priest is not available or after he has left. It is a beautiful act of love and mercy to keep vigil with a dying family member or loved one, supporting them with your presence and your prayers by occasionally speaking to them and reciting a comforting prayer or verse from the Bible.
i [14] In case of sickness a Christian should ask for the presbyters of the church, i.e., those who have authority in the church (cfActs 15:2, 22-23; 1 Tim 5:17; Titus 1:5). They are to pray over the person and anoint with oil; oil was used for medicinal purposes in the ancient world (see Isaiah 1:6; Luke 10:34). In Mark 6:13, the Twelve anoint the sick with oil on their missionary journey. In the name of the Lord: by the power of Jesus Christ.
ii [15] The results of the prayer and anointing are physical health and forgiveness of sins. The Roman Catholic Church (Council of Trent, Session 14) declared that this anointing of the sick is a sacrament “instituted by Christ and promulgated by blessed James the apostle.”
ii [15] The results of the prayer and anointing are physical health and forgiveness of sins. The Roman Catholic Church (Council of Trent, Session 14) declared that this anointing of the sick is a sacrament “instituted by Christ and promulgated by blessed James the apostle.”