The Rite of Anointing emphasizes that it is not necessary to wait until someone is near death to receive the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick. A thoughtful assessment of the seriousness of the illness is enough to justify receiving it. The Sacrament can be administered again if the person recovers and later falls ill once more, or if their condition worsens during the same illness. It is also appropriate to receive the Anointing before undergoing surgery, provided the surgery is due to a serious health condition.
Additionally, elderly individuals may receive the Anointing if they are in a weakened state, even if they are not suffering from a dangerous illness. Children who are sick may also be anointed if they are mature enough to find comfort in the Sacrament. The faithful are encouraged to request the Anointing and to receive it with faith and devotion as soon as it becomes appropriate—rather than delaying it unnecessarily.
To schedule a Priest to receive the Anointing of the Sick, please contact the Parish Office
To help you better understand the beauty and meaning of this sacrament, we invite you to watch this short video that explains the Anointing of the Sick in the Catholic Church: