Anointing of the Sick

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.

If a person who received this anointing recovers their health, they can in the case of another grave illness receive this sacrament again. And if the sick person's condition becomes more serious, the sacrament may be repeated.

Only a priest ( or bishop) may administer this sacrament. The priest anoints the forehead and hands of the person receiving the sacrament with the oil of the sick saying: "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."

Anointing of the Sick is one of the two Sacraments of Healing (Confession being the other). A particular grace of this sacrament is one of strengthening, peace, and courage to overcome the difficulties that go with the condition of serious illness or the frailty of old age.

This sacrament used to be referred to as Extreme Unction or Last Rites, which sometimes led people to believe that the only proper time to call the priest for this sacrament is when someone is about to die.

Anyone who is seriously ill should contact the parish office, 202-265-1470, to arrange for the priest to administer the sacrament. Twice each year (in April and November), St. Augustine Parish celebrates the Sacrament of Anointing during the 10:00 a.m. Mass. However, one should not wait for that Mass if one is in immediate need of anointing.

See: Catechism of the Catholic Church, Article V, 1499 - 1532.

Code of Canon Law, Title V, Section 998 - 1007.

The Apostolic Constitution of Pope Paul VI, Sacram unctionem injirmorum, Nov. 30, 1972.