The Anointing of the Sick is the official name of the Sacrament that many may remember as the "Last Rites" or "Extreme Unction."  The purpose of the Sacrament is to comfort the person who is ill & to strengthen their faith,.  

The illness can be physical, emotional or psychological, & those who have received Anointing & recovered, but again fall ill, or those whose condition becomes more serious during the same illness, may receive this Sacrament again. . It is also important that family & friends try to be present for the Sacrament so that the sick person will experience their support & strength.

The desire of the Church is that this Sacrament, intended for healing of body & spirit, be given to a sick person while they can fully participate & consciously express their faith.  Ideally, this Sacrament should be celebrated as early as possible in a serious sickness, & not when death is close & the patient is sedated beyond consciousness.  

Sadly, there will be times when emergencies happen, such as an accident or a heart attack, when a priest needs to be called & the Anointing of the Sick given to a person who is unconscious & near death.  Any person may be anointed if seriously ill, in danger of death, weakened due to old age (even if no serious illness is present), or preparing for serious surgery due to illness .  

The dead are not anointed, as no Sacrament is effective for those who are not living. For the dead, we say prayers & trust their souls to the Mercy of God.

The Anointing of the Sick is ministered by the priest, who anoints the sick person on the forehead & on the hands with the Oil of the Sick.  Oil is a symbol of strength, so the use of oil helps us visibly connect with the Sacrament’s purpose of strengthening the person who is being tried by illness.

The “Prayer after Anointing” is a beautiful prayer  -

“Father in heaven. through this holy anointing grant (N.) comfort in their suffering.
When (N.) is afraid, give them courage,  when afflicted, give them patience, 
when dejected, afford them hope, 
& when alone, assure (N.) of the support of Your holy people."

If you or a loved one are ill or anticipating surgery, please call the parish office so that Fr. Mike can arrange to anoint you before or after Mass.  And if you are unable to come to the church, this may be done in your home.