Ministry to the Sick

What is the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick?

The Anointing of the Sick is a sacrament of the Church in which the priest prays, lays hands and anoints the sick person with blessed oil. It may be preceded by the Sacrament of Reconciliation and followed by Eucharist. The term ‘last rites’ is no longer used, as Viaticum (Holy Communion) is the last sacrament for a Catholic.

The Sacrament of the Sick may be repeated if the recipient suffers from a different

illness or injury, or if the same illness or condition becomes more serious.

Elderly people may be anointed if they have become weakened even though no serious

illness is present.

This sacrament may be celebrated individually or during a common celebration.  In either case, whenever possible, it is desirable to have members of the faith community present to pray with and for the sick. 

What is Viaticum?

When the Eucharist is received at the time of passage from this life, it is called viaticum, something, “with us on the way.”

It is a special sign of our participation in the mystery of the passion, death and resurrection of our Lord. While the anointing of the sick is for those suffering from illness or infirmity, the sacrament for the dying is the Eucharist. A priest, deacon or extraordinary minister of Holy Communion may administer viaticum.

Can someone be anointed after death?

All sacraments of the Church, including the anointing of the sick, are encounters between a living person and God, celebrated within the context of the Christian community. There are specific prayers designed for the commendation of the dead to the mercy of God and for the consolation of the bereaved.  While only a priest may anoint, anyone – ordained or laity – may lead the prayers for the dying and the commendation of the dead.

When you are admitted to the hospital…

If you know in advance that you will be admitted to the hospital and wish to be anointed, contact your parish priest to be anointed BEFORE you go into the hospital.

When you are admitted to the hospital you must let the admitting staff know you are a Catholic if you wish to be seen by a minister of Holy Communion. It is the patient’s or the family’s responsibility to contact the parish office. Hospitals can no longer advise parishes of who has been admitted.