Anointing of the Sick

“Is anyone among you sick? He should summon the presbyters of the church, and they should pray over him and anoint [him] with oil in the name of the Lord, and the prayer of faith will save the sick person, and the Lord will raise him up. If he has committed any sins, he will be forgiven.”

Any baptized Catholic whose has a serious health issue may receive the sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick.

Jesus gave his disciples the authority to heal the sick, and this authority has been passed on to Catholic priests and bishops. By their ordination, these Church leaders offer prayers and administer holy oil to the forehand and hands of those receiving this sacrament.

Through the sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick, God’s special healing grace provides peace, courage and strength to the sick and suffering and unites them with Christ. This anointing can physically heal; however, in situations when the baptized are suffering from a grave illness or old age, God’s grace is bestowed upon them and their sins are forgiven.