"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" (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1499).

The Sacrament of Anointing is the Church's celebration of the healing power and presence of Christ that continues among his disciples today. This sacrament is designed for healing and strengthening of both body and spirit, and it is recommended that the faithful celebrate it as soon as they face a serious health condition. The custom of waiting until one is on the deathbed to receive the sacrament is discouraged. Although this Sacrament was once reserved for the time of immediate death, this is no longer the case. For this reason, call the priest when you are extremely sick, before surgery or major medical procedures, upon the diagnosis of an ailment, for the very aged, and in danger of death. 

Please do not wait until the last minute to contact a priest.  Annointing can be done at anytime for the living. Priests are not allowed to anoint those who have already died, because all of the Sacraments are for the living.

Please notify the rectory of ill parishioners who wish to receive Holy Communion and are in need of the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick. A priest will visit the sick person as soon as possible.