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Introduction to Anointing of the Sick
Anointing of the Sick is a sacrament of the Catholic Church administered to bring spiritual and even physical strength during an illness, especially near the time of death. It is a source of healing and comfort through the grace of the Holy Spirit.
What is Anointing of the Sick?
Anointing of the Sick is intended to strengthen those who are being tried by illness. The Church believes that the sacrament offers necessary graces so that the sick may be healed in body, soul, and spirit. Traditionally known as "Extreme Unction" or "Last Rites," the sacrament is not only for those at the point of death but for anyone who is seriously ill.
The Ceremony of Anointing
The sacrament involves the anointing of the forehead and hands of the sick person with blessed oil—called oil of the sick—accompanied by liturgical prayers. The priest may also celebrate the sacraments of Penance and the Eucharist as part of the rite, providing the sick person with spiritual aid and strength.
The Effects of the Sacrament
Anointing of the Sick imparts comfort in suffering, peace, and courage to overcome the difficulties that accompany serious illness or the frailty of old age. It can lead to physical healing, forgiveness of sins, and preparation for passing into eternal life.
Who Can Receive This Sacrament?
This sacrament is not only for those who are at the point of death but also for anyone suffering from a serious illness or old age. The Church encourages the faithful to receive this sacrament and to join in communal celebrations of it during times of illness.
The Role of the Community
The community's role is to support the sick person through prayers, presence, and the Eucharist. The sacrament reminds the entire Church of the importance of prayer for the sick and the need to be spiritually united with them.
Conclusion
Anointing of the Sick is a profound source of help for the ill and suffering. It reassures us of God’s steadfast presence in our trials and provides spiritual and sometimes physical healing. It is a testament to the Church's care for its members in all stages of life and health.
In the Church's Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick, through the ministry of the priest, it is Jesus who touches the sick to heal them from sin – and sometimes even from physical ailment. His cures were signs of the arrival of the Kingdom of God. The core message of his healing tells us of his plan to conquer sin and death by his dying and rising.
The Rite of Anointing tells us there is no need to wait until a person is at the point of death to receive the Sacrament. A careful judgment about the serious nature of the illness is sufficient.
When the Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick is given, the hoped-for effect is that, if it be God's will, the person be physically healed of illness. But even if there is no physical healing, the primary effect of the Sacrament is a spiritual healing by which the sick person receives the Holy Spirit's gift of peace and courage to deal with the difficulties that accompany serious illness or the frailty of old age (USCCB, 2024).
WHAT TO DO IF YOU OR A LOVED ONE IS IN NEED OF LAST RITES
If you or a loved one is in need of last rites, please call the parish office at 850-763-1821. If it is outside of office hours, the voicemail will give you directions on how to notify the priest and direct you to the appropriate line.