"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."
(CCC 1499)

In recent years there has been a different emphasis on the Sacrament of the Sick. Even the change in the name of the Sacrament signals a new understanding. The old name, “Extreme Unction” often made the sacrament seem like a deathbed experience in preparation for the next life. The new name, “Sacrament of the Sick” tries to convey the real purpose of the sacrament: to confer special grace on the Christian experiencing the difficulties that accompany serious sickness or old age. In the past the sacrament was administered almost always in private (home or hospital). Although that is often still the case, parish celebrations of the sacrament have become common practice. This helps to underscore the fact that we are all involved in this sacramental action of Christ. It can also be a reminder to us that our sick brothers and sisters participate in a special way in the redemptive sufferings of Christ. As we were taught, every sacrament combines the action of Christ and the action of the community. We come together to pray, certainly for our sick and infirm brothers and sisters, but also for all those in our parish family in need of God’s healing.

If a member of your family would like to receive the sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick, please call the parish office at (847) 673-1492.