Anointing of the Sick
"By the sacred anointing of the sick and the prayer of the priests the whole Church commends those who are ill to the suffering and glorified Lord, that he may raise them up and save them. and indeed she exhorts them to contribute to the good of the People of God by freely uniting themselves to the Passion and death of Christ." (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1499)
The Sacrament of The Anointing of the Sick is a prayer for physical healing and strength as well as for the spiritual strength to accept the limitations of our physical bodies.
This prayer is a great comfort to the sick person, and should be celebrated early in any serious illness, not just at the end of life.
When you are going to the hospital, inform the parish office as soon as you know the date of admittance. If you are not able to inform the parish yourself, ask a member of your immediate family to do so for you.
You may request the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick be celebrated prior to admittance, or when you are in the hospital.
If you are homebound, or in a healthcare facility (either permanently or temporarily) please call the parish office as soon as possible. If you are not able to inform the parish, ask a member of your immediate family to do so.