“The Church believes and confesses that among the seven sacraments there is one especially intended to strengthen those who are being tried by illness: the Anointing of the Sick. This sacred anointing was instituted by Christ our Lord as a true and proper sacrament of the New Testament. It is alluded to by Mark, but recommended to the faithful and promulgated by James the Apostle and brother of the Lord.” — Catechism of the Catholic Church 1511
“And they cast out many demons, and anointed with oil many that were sick and healed them.” — Mark 6:13
“Is any among you sick? Let him call for the elders 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 has committed sins, he will be forgiven.” — James 5:14–15
The Catechism of the Catholic Church explains:
“The sacrament of Anointing of the Sick is given to those who are seriously ill, by anointing them on the forehead and hands with duly blessed oil — pressed from olives or from other plants — while saying only once: ‘Through this holy anointing may the Lord in His love and mercy help you with the grace of the Holy Spirit. May the Lord who frees you from sin save you and raise you up.’” — CCC 1513
Requesting the Sacrament
If you or a loved one is seriously ill, please contact the parish office to arrange a time for the priest to visit and celebrate the Sacrament of the Sick. Do not wait until the last moment. It is best to receive the sacrament when the person is alert and able to join in the prayers, surrounded by the comfort of family and friends. . Call as soon as possible to be sure the priest is available.
Communion Calls
Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion bring the Eucharist to the homebound on Sundays after 7:30 AM Mass.
- To arrange a visit, call the parish office — do not contact an Extraordinary Minister directly.
- All Communion Calls must be scheduled through the pastor.
- No one may freely request or take a host “to go.” All Extraordinary Ministers are approved by the pastor and appointed by the bishop for ministry within our parish territory, and for a defined period of time.
Hospital Visits
Due to privacy regulations, hospitals no longer notify parishes when a Catholic patient is admitted.
If you or a loved one is hospitalized and would like a visit, please call the rectory so Father can arrange a time to come.