The Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What Catholics presence of the Church’s Do we ever anoint believe about the sacramental prayer life someone who is may be anointed. This Sacrament of the sacrament may be already dead? Sick: repeated if an illness The simple answer is no. Catholics believe that a progresses, or if new We do not anoint dead time of sickness can be a illnesses develop. Some bodies. Sacraments are for time to recall God’s nursing homes and other the living. We do, presence and to celebrate longterm care facilities however, want to help God’s healing in their provide semiannual console any family lives. The rites of the prayer services with the members who are present Church serve to remind us Sacrament of the Sick for at the death of a loved one. of God’s presence and our their people. Priests or deacons or lay dependence upon God. ministers may be called to The Anointing of the Sick What does the Rite assist with the consolation helps us to remember our for the Sacrament of family members. The need for spiritual and Church has some fine physical healing. of the Sick look prayers and her tradition like? of pastoral care to offer Why isn’t it called Quite simply, the for the living family members at this time. the “Last Rites” Sacrament of the Sick consists of prayers, a anymore? laying on of hands by a Is there any charge The renewed rites of the priest, and an anointing for this sacrament? Church call this sacrament with the holy oil of the o, there is never a charge the Anointing of the Sick. sick. The rite may include for the sacrament. It is no longer called private confession, and “Extreme Unction” or Holy Communion may be How do I arrange “the last anointing.” This given to the sick person if reflects the Church’s belief he/she is able to receive. to celebrate the that this sacrament is for Sacrament of the any person who is Can family Sick? seriously sick or elderly. To arrange for a priest to This sacrament can be members be celebrate the Anointing of celebrated several times in present for the the Sick, simply call the a person’s lifetime, anointing? parish office. Do not ask whenever a sickness or Yes, definitely. All for the “Last Rites,” but advanced age causes a sacraments of the Church ask for the Anointing of person to be concerned for are, by nature, communal the Sick, remembering that their spiritual welfare. acts. The Church this sacrament is for the

encourages family living. If possible, arrange Who should members and other to celebrate the Anointing celebrate the members of the Church to at a time when family Sacrament of the be present for the members can be present. celebration. Sick? The parish community of Any Catholic who is Jesus, the Good Shepherd seriously ill, advanced in 102 Middleton St. age, or who feels the need Riverside NJ 08075 for the comforting (856) 461-0100

8/16/2009