ANOINTING OF THE SICK
The Anointing of the Sick, like the Sacrament of Reconciliation, is one of the Sacraments of Healing. This sacrament may be received by any parishioner whose health is seriously affected by illness, advanced age, chronic conditions, accidents, or who is facing surgery.
From the earliest days of the Church, following the example of Christ, special care has been shown for the sick. In the Letter of St. James (5:14–15), we are instructed to call for the priest so that the sick person may be prayed over and anointed in the name of the Lord.
The Catechism of the Catholic Church (1514–1515) reminds us that this sacrament is not reserved only for those who are near death. It is meant for anyone who is seriously ill or preparing for major surgery. For this reason, parishioners who are scheduled for surgery are encouraged to contact the parish in advance so that the priest may administer the sacrament before hospital admission. Families should never wait until the last moment to call on behalf of a loved one.
In the case of an emergency, when someone is rushed unexpectedly to the hospital, please ask the emergency room staff to contact the Catholic chaplain on call so that your loved one may receive the sacraments. Both St. Anne’s Hospital and Charlton Memorial Hospital have Catholic chaplains available 24 hours a day.