Anointing of the Sick
Illness and suffering have always been among the greatest difficulties confronted in human life. In illness, we experience powerlessness, limitation, and our own mortality. Every illness has the potential to cause reflection upon the reality of our own mortality. Illness can lead to anguish, self-absorption, hopelessness, and despair sowing the seeds of doubt, or revolt, against God. It can also make a person more mature, helping to discern in life what is essential and what is not. With faith, very often, illness provokes a search for God and a return to Him.
"Is any one among you sick? He should call the elders of the church to pray over him and anoint him with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise him up. If he has sinned, he will be forgiven." ( James 5: 14-15)
What is Anointing of the Sick?
In the past, this sacrament was known as “Extreme Unction” and was often associated only with those who were near death. Following the Second Vatican Council, the Church emphasized more clearly that the Anointing of the Sick is not reserved solely for the dying, but is a sacrament of healing, strength, and grace for the seriously ill and the elderly.
The Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick may be received when a person begins to be in danger due to serious illness or the frailty of old age. If a person recovers after receiving the sacrament and later faces another serious illness, the sacrament may be received again. It may also be repeated if the person’s condition becomes more serious during the same illness. It is fitting to receive the Anointing of the Sick prior to major surgery, especially when general anesthesia is involved. The sacrament is likewise appropriate for elderly persons whose weakness has become more pronounced.
The special grace of the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick brings the following spiritual effects:
- Union of the sick person with the Passion of Christ, for their own good and for the good of the whole Church
- Strength, peace, and courage to endure suffering in a Christian manner
- Forgiveness of sins, if the sick person was unable to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation
- Restoration of health, if it is beneficial for the salvation of the person’s soul
- Preparation for the transition to eternal life
How to Receive
The Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick is available at any time. To request the sacrament, please call the parish office at (760) 749-3324. Appropriate arrangements will be coordinated with you.
Emergency Anointing of the Sick
If there is an urgent need for Anointing of the Sick after normal office hours, please call (760) 749-3324 and select Option #1 to reach a priest. Leave your contact information and a brief message describing the emergency. If you do not receive a response, please call again. A priest will return your call as soon as possible.
Next Steps...
If you would like to learn more about how to receive the sacraments, please contact us and we will guide you through it.