Anointing of the Sick

"Through this holy anointing may the Lord in his love and mercy help you with the grace of the Holy Spirit. May the Lord who frees you from sin save you and raise you up." - Catechism of the Catholic Church #1513

This sacrament helps unite those who are suffering with Christ’s saving and healing power. Through this sacrament, people who are very sick receive forgiveness for their sins and comfort in their suffering; they are restored in spirit; and sometimes, even experience the return of physical health. Although suffering is a part of life, Christ unites our suffering with His passion and death so that through our suffering, we can participate in His saving and healing work.

In the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick, the priest anoints the seriously ill, injured, or the elderly with the oil of the sick. This is a special oil that was blessed by our Archbishop at the Chrism Mass during Holy Week. The priest anoints the sick person on the forehead, saying, “Through this holy anointing may the Lord in his love and mercy help you with the grace of the Holy Spirit. Amen.” He also anoints their hands, saying, “May the Lord who frees you from sin save you and raise you up. Amen.” The “raising” refers to spiritual healing, as well as any physical healing that may take place.

The person is also often offered Holy Communion.  This is Viaticum, food for the journey and preparation for passing over to eternal life.

The rite conveys several graces of strengthening, peace and courage to overcome difficulties like anguish, discouragement, and temptation of the evil one. It also unites the sick person more closely to Christ's Passion as they take the final steps before entering the Father's house. (CCC1520-1523)