Anointing of the sick was instituted by Christ himself as he sent his apostles out to minister to others. This vital sacrament can be received by any baptized Catholic who is seriously ill, experiencing the difficulties of old age, or facing life-threatening circumstances. It is best to not delay in calling the priest for those who are in need. The anointing of the sick allows us to recall how intimately God is present in our suffering and the compassion he has for us.

“The anointing of the sick is not a sacrament for those only who are at the point of death. Hence, as soon as anyone of the faithful begins to be in danger of death from sickness or old age, the fitting time for him to receive this sacrament has certainly already arrived” (CCC 1514).

For those who are about to depart from this life, the Church offers the person Penance, Anointing of the Sick, and the Eucharist as Viaticum (food for the journey or that which you take with you) given at the end of life. It’s the bread for the journey as we go through the door of death. These are “the sacraments that prepare for our heavenly homeland” (quote from CCC 1525).

“The special grace of the sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick has as its effects: the uniting of the sick person to the passion of Christ, for his own good and that of the whole Church; the strengthening, peace, and courage to endure in a Christian manner the sufferings of illness or old age; the forgiveness of sins, if the sick person was not able to obtain it through the sacrament of penance; the restoration of health, if it is conducive to the salvation of his soul; the preparation for passing over to eternal life” (CCC 1532).

In case of a sacramental emergency (such as the need for anointing of the sick), please call 706-508-7219 and leave a message. Please do not delay in reaching out to the priest for this vital sacrament for your loved ones. These rites are highly valued by Catholics as powerful aids to a good death.