Anointing of the Sick
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.
Catechism of the Catholic Church 1499
The effects of the Sacrament, as the Catechism describes them in brief:
- the uniting of the sick person to the passion of Christ, for his own good and that of the whole Church;
- the strengthening, peace, and courage to endure in a Christian manner the sufferings of illness or old age;
- the forgiveness of sins, if the sick person was not able to obtain it through the sacrament of Penance;
- the restoration of health, if it is conducive to the salvation of his soul;
- the preparation for passing over to eternal life. (CCC 1532)
Anointing of the Sick can be received as soon as any one of the faithful begins to be in danger of death from sickness or old age. This sacrament is not received exclusively when someone is at the point of death, although that is an appropriate time to receive it.
If you or someone in your care is in need of this sacrament call
(616) 243-8998 to set up an appointment.
