What is the Anointing of the Sick?
The Anointing of the Sick is performed by a priest when a person is sick, preparing for surgery, or dying. The priest will anoint the person on the head and hands with blessed oil, and pray for God to heal and bless the sick person.
Why is the Anointing of the Sick Important?
A serious illness may cause people to lose faith in God, feel hopeless or sometimes fearful. The Anointing of the Sick is a sacrament that gains grace for the ill person, and assures them that God is always with His people, even in the direst of situations.
Who Can Receive Anointing of the Sick?
Catholics who are very ill, preparing for surgery, or at the point of death may call a priest for Anointing. People who have already received the Anointing of the Sick and have recovered may receive the sacrament more than once if they become very sick again.
“Is any one among you sick? Let him bring in the presbyters [priests] of the Church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer of faith will save the sick man, and the Lord will raise him up, and if he be in sins, they shall be forgiven him.” - James 5:14-15