Anointing of the Sick
From ancient times in the liturgical traditions of both East and West, we have testimonies to the practice of anointing of the sick with blessed oil. Over the centuries the Anointing of the Sick was conferred more and more exclusively on those at the point of death. Because of this it received the name "Extreme Unction." The sacrament also became known as "the Last Rites". However, the Anointing of the Sick is not only for people who are near death.
The Anointing of the Sick is a sacrament not only for those who are at the point of death. As soon as anyone of the faithful begins to be in danger of death from sickness or old age, the fitting time for them to receive this sacrament has arrived.
Those of the faithful whose health is seriously impaired by sickness or old age are invited to receive this sacrament. A prudent or reasonably sure judgement, without scruple, is sufficient for deciding on the seriousness of an illness.
The sacrament may be repeated if the sick person recovers after being anointed and then again falls ill or if during the same illness the person's condition becomes more serious.
A sick person may be anointed before surgery whenever a serious illness is the reason for the surgery.
Elderly people may be anointed if they have become notably weakened even though no serious illness is present.
Sick children may be anointed if they have sufficient use of reason to be strengthened by this sacrament.
The sacrament of anointing may be conferred on sick people who, although they have lost consciousness or the use of reason, have as Christian believers at least implicitly asked for it when they were in control of their faculties.
When a priest has been called to attend those who are already dead, he should not administer the sacrament of anointing. Instead, he should pray for them, asking that God forgive their sins and graciously receive them into the kingdom of Heaven.
A priest is the only proper minister of the Anointing of the Sick. Within the rite of anointing, there are readings from Scripture, prayers for the sick person, a laying on of hands, and anointing of the sick person's forehead and hands with a blessed oil called "the Oil of the Sick". The Oil of the Sick is ordinarily blessed by our archbishop at the Chrism Mass in the Spring.
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 sick person or a whole group of sick persons. It is very fitting to celebrate it within Mass.
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. The Eucharist is the sacrament of Christ's Passover and should be the last sacrament of the earthly journey, the "viaticum" for "passing over" to eternal life.
By reaching out to St. John Neumann, you can request anointing in your home or at the hospital. Fr. Tony and Fr. Josh are most willing to provide you with this sacrament.
If you have questions about being anointed, about the best time to be anointed, or other concerns about care for those who are sick or dying, please call or email Lori Hannasch. 651-209-8590 / [email protected]