Anointing of the Sick
Illness and suffering have always been among the greatest difficulties confronted in human life. In illness, we experience powerlessness, limitation, and our own mortality. Every illness has the potential to cause reflection upon the reality of our own mortality. Illness can lead to anguish, self-absorption, hopelessness, and despair sowing the seeds of doubt, or revolt, against God. It can also make a person more mature, helping to discern in life what is essential and what is not. With faith, very often, illness provokes a search for God and a return to Him.
"Is any one among you sick? He should call the elders of the church to pray over him and anoint him with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise him up. If he has sinned, he will be forgiven." ( James 5: 14-15)
What is Anointing of the Sick?
In the past, this sacrament was called “Extreme Unction” and was most commonly administered to the dying. However, after the Second Vatican Council, the Church wanted emphasize that the Anointing of the Sick is not a sacrament only for those who are at the point of death.
Hence, it would be fitting to receive the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick as soon as anyone begins to be in danger of death from illness or old age. If a sick person who received this anointing recovers his health, he can in the case of another grave illness receive this sacrament again. If during the same illness the person's condition becomes more serious, the sacrament may be repeated. It would be fitting, also, to receive the Anointing of the Sick just prior to a serious operation, especially if you are placed under general anesthesia. The same holds true for the elderly whose frailty becomes more pronounced.
The special grace of the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick has as its effects:
- Uniting 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
- Forgiveness of sins, if the sick person was not able to obtain it through the Sacrament of Reconciliation
- Restoration of health, if it is conducive to the salvation of his soul
- Preparation for passing over to eternal life
How to Receive
The sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick is available at any time. Simply call the parish office at (760) 749-3324 and request the sacrament from our priest. Appropriate arrangements will be coordinated with you.
Emergency
If it is an emergency after normal office hours, the emergency phone number is (760)-751-6199. Leave your contact information and a brief message describing the emergency. The priest on-call will contact you as soon as possible.
Next Steps...
If you would like to learn more about how to receive the sacraments, please contact us and we will guide you through it.