The anointing of the sick is often administered near the time of death, to bring spiritual and even physical strength during an illness. It is most likely one of the last sacraments one will receive. A sacrament is an outward sign established by Jesus Christ to confer inward grace. In more basic terms, it is a rite that is performed to convey God’s grace to the recipient, through the power of the Holy Spirit.

The sacrament’s name has changed over time. It was once called extreme unction, which means "the last anointing," and has been referred to as part of the "last rites." The Catechism of the Catholic Church calls it "the anointing of the sick," (CCC 1511).

"The special grace of the sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick has as its effects: the uniting of 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; the forgiveness of sins, if the sick person was not able to obtain it through the sacrament of penance; the restoration of health, if it is conducive to the salvation of his soul; the preparation for passing over to eternal life" (CCC 1532).

Does a person have to be dying to receive this sacrament? No. The Catechism says, "The anointing of the sick is not a sacrament for those only who are at the point of death. Hence, as soon as anyone of the faithful begins to be in danger of death from sickness or old age, the fitting time for him/her to receive this sacrament has certainly already arrived" (CCC 1514).

Ministry To The Sick

 There are parishioners in our parish family who are in deserted places.  They feel on the fringes of life, less than appreciated, less than valued.  Ministers to the Sick go out to these persons with the Eucharist to tell them that they are part of us, part of the people being fed and loved by God.  They are not forgotten in their difficult places.

We are always in need of new Ministers To The Sick.  We will train and work with you in this important ministry.  If you are interested in this ministry, please contact Fr. Jesus Camacho at 695-8791, ext 22.