Anointing of the Sick
What is 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." Lumen Gentium 11.
Who can receive it?
The Catechism of the Catholic Church provides an explanation of the sacrament of Anointing of the Sick and a summary of those who can receive it. If you would like to request anointing please provide:
the name of the person to be anointed,
an address specific enough that the priest can find them,
whether the person is able to receive Viaticum (the Eucharist).
It is also appropriate to prepare a table on which to place the Holy Oil and the Eucharist, as well as a quiet and reverent atmosphere. If the Body of Christ is to be given in the Eucharist it is fitting that Our Lord be welcomed with a lit candle (assuming circumstances such as smoke alarms allow). Likewise, if a person may have trouble swallowing, a drink or "hardened water" should be provided.
Hospitals will usually have a Catholic priest assigned to them. If the hospital chaplain cannot be contacted or in other circumstances, please ring any nearby Catholic parish.
