Formerly known as Last Rites or Extreme Unction, the Anointing of the Sick is a ritual of healing- physical, but also spiritual and mental; thus, the Sacrament is appropriate not only for they dying, but also for those struggling with illness, or facing a surgery or other medical procedure. 

As with all of the Sacraments, the Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick can only be celebrated by a living person; therefore, it is not necessary to wait until the last possible moment before death- indeed, anointing can take place days- or even weeks- ahead of time.  To request anointing from our parish priest, please phone the office; there will be instructions on the answering machine for after hours, in the case of urgent need. If you or a loved one are in the hospital, homebound, or living in a care home, and would like to receive regular visits with Holy Communion, please see the section "Visitation Ministry".

If a priest is unavailable, and/or when the moment of death seems near, the following prayer may be said:

I commend you, my dear brother (sister), to almighty God, and entrust you to your Creator. May you return to Him who formed you from the dust of the earth. May the holy Virgin Mary, the angels, and all the saints come to meet you, as you go forth from this life.

May Jesus, who was crucified for you, grant You His mercy and His peace. May Christ, who died for you, admit you into His heavenly Kingdom. May the Blood that He shed be your salvation and may He forgive you of all your sins and set you among those whom He has chosen. May you see your Redeemer face to face and enjoy the vision of God for ever. Amen.