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, since it is meant to be a sacrament of healing, not a sacrament of the dying.

When do I call a priest?  The answer to this question is rather simple: 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.  Although this Sacrament was once reserved for the time of immediate death, this is no longer the case, and the term "The Last Rites" is no longer in use as part of our Catholic language.

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