The Sacraments
Anointing of the Sick
Christ the healer meets us in our suffering — with oil, with prayer, and with the assurance of his presence.
Emergency or urgent need? Please call the parish immediately: 01234 567890 — day or night. A priest will respond as quickly as possible.
The Sacrament
What is the Anointing of the Sick?
The Anointing of the Sick is the sacrament in which Christ the Healer brings his presence and grace to those who are ill, elderly, or weakened. It is rooted in the practice of the early Church: “Is anyone among you sick? Let them call the elders of the church to pray over them and anoint them with oil in the name of the Lord.” (James 5:14)
During the rite, the priest anoints the forehead and hands of the sick person with blessed oil and prays for their healing — physical, emotional, and spiritual. The effects of the sacrament are multiple: strengthening against anxiety and discouragement; healing of the soul (and sometimes of the body); the forgiveness of sins; and, if the person is near death, preparation for the final journey.
This sacrament is not a sign that death is imminent. It is a sign that God is near, that suffering has meaning in union with the Cross of Christ, and that nothing — not even illness or death — can separate us from the love of God.
“The Lord will raise them up. If they have sinned, they will be forgiven.”
— James 5:15
The Effects of this Sacrament
- Union with the Passion of Christ
- Strength, peace, and courage in suffering
- Forgiveness of sins
- Restoration of health if conducive to salvation
- Preparation for the passage to eternal life
Who It's For
Who Should Receive Anointing?
The sacrament is for a wider range of situations than many Catholics realise.
Those seriously ill
Anyone suffering from a serious illness — whether sudden or long-term, physical or mental — is an appropriate recipient of this sacrament.
Before surgery
The Anointing of the Sick is appropriate before any significant surgical procedure, even where the prognosis is good. It brings peace and grace.
The elderly and frail
Those weakened by age — even without any particular acute illness — are invited to receive this sacrament. Many parishes offer it regularly to older parishioners.
Those near death
When death is approaching, the full 'Last Rites' are administered — Anointing, Confession, and Viaticum (final Communion). Please call the parish immediately.
How to Request the Sacrament
Requesting Anointing of the Sick
Please do not wait until the situation is critical. The earlier a priest can visit, the more the sick person can participate fully in the sacrament. Contact us as soon as illness or surgery becomes significant.
01234 567890
Available during office hours — for urgent out-of-hours needs, please leave a message and we will respond promptly
priest@madonnaministry.org.uk
For non-urgent requests — we will arrange a visit at a convenient time
Hospital Visiting
If you or a loved one is in hospital, please let the parish know. Father [Name] visits patients regularly and will arrange to bring the Eucharist and, where appropriate, administer the Anointing of the Sick. You can also ask the hospital chaplain for assistance.
Parish Provision
The Sick & Housebound Ministry
Our parish takes seriously its obligation to care for those who cannot be with us in person.
Home Visiting
Trained Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion visit housebound parishioners each Sunday, bringing the Eucharist to those who cannot attend Mass.
Hospital Visiting
Father [Name] and Deacon [Name] visit patients in local hospitals regularly. Please let us know if you or a family member is admitted.
Group Anointing
A Mass with Anointing of the Sick is celebrated at the parish on a regular basis — typically on the feast of Saint John Paul II (October) and during Holy Week. All who are seriously ill or elderly are invited.
Pastoral Care
Our pastoral team includes trained volunteers who provide friendship and support to the sick and bereaved. Please contact the parish office if you would like a pastoral visitor.
Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Anointing of the Sick only for people who are dying?+
No — and this is an important clarification. The Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick is for anyone who is seriously ill, facing major surgery, or weakened by age. It does not have to be administered at the moment of death. The sooner you ask, the more fully you can benefit from its grace.
What if my loved one is unconscious?+
The priest can and should still anoint an unconscious person, provided there is no indication that the person would have refused the sacrament when conscious. God's grace is not limited by a person's state of awareness.
Can the same person be anointed more than once?+
Yes. The sacrament may be received again if the person recovers and then falls seriously ill again, or if their condition worsens significantly. There is no limit.
What happens if someone dies before the priest arrives?+
The Church teaches that we should not presume the soul has departed immediately at the moment of clinical death. A priest may anoint conditionally for a period after apparent death. Please call immediately — do not assume it is 'too late'.
Can I receive Anointing before a routine medical procedure?+
The sacrament is appropriate before any significant surgical procedure that carries meaningful risk, even if the procedure is considered routine. The grace of the sacrament prepares body and soul and brings great peace. Please feel free to request it.
In Sickness and in Health
No one should face illness, surgery, or the end of life without the grace of God. Please do not hesitate to contact us.