“If anyone is sick, let him call on the elders of the Church. They shall pray for him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord. The prayer said in faith will save the sick man; the Lord will raise him up and if he has committed any sins, he will be forgiven.”
James 5:13-15

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, No. 11)

Like all the sacraments the Anointing of the Sick is a liturgical and communal celebration, whether it takes place in the family home, a hospital or church, for a single person or a whole group of sick persons. It is very fitting to celebrate it within the Eucharist, the memorial of the Lord’s Passover. If circumstances suggest it, the celebration of the sacrament can be preceded by the sacrament of Penance and followed by the sacrament of the Eucharist. (Catechism of the Catholic Church, No. 1517)

The sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick is celebrated in a special communal celebration of the parish family annually during Advent and Lent. It is also celebrated regularly in homes, convalescent centers, and hospitals. Our Claretian Missionaries can be contacted in the Parish Rectory Office when the sacrament of the Anointing is desired.