“The Anointing of the Sick conveys several graces and imparts gifts of strengthening in the Holy Spirit against anxiety, discouragement, and temptation, and conveys peace and fortitude” (CCC 1520). This can be of great comfort in time of illness. This sacrament has its origin based on St. James’ Epistle: “Are there any sick among you? Then let them send for the priests and let the priest pray over them, anointing them with oil” (James 4:14). In the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick, the priest anoints the seriously ill, injured, or the elderly with the oil of the sick. The oil of the sick is a special oil used for the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick, that has been blessed by the bishop at the Chrism Mass during Holy Week.
In addition to anointing, the person is often offered Holy Communion. When a person is dying, the Communion is called viaticum (on the way with you). For a dying person, the sacrament is preparation for passing over to eternal life.
FAQS
Q: WHEN CAN SOMEONE RECEIVE THE ANOINTING OF THE SICK?
A: Anyone who is in danger of death from an illness or from old age can receive the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick. If the person's condition worsens, the Sacrament can be repeated. Also, the Catechism states that it is appropriate to receive the Sacrament before having surgery.
Q: WHAT HAPPENS DURING THE ANOINTING?
A: If possible, the sick person should receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation before Anointing. If this isn't possible, there is a brief penitential rite within the introductory prayers. There are Scripture readings, the blessing of the oil, and the sick person is anointed on the forehead and hands. Then, the Lord's Prayer is said by those present, and if the sick person is able to recieve Communion, it may be offered.
Q: CAN SOMEONE ONLY BE ANOINTED ON THEIR DEATHBED?
A: No. The Anointing is offered for the possibility of spiritual and/or physical healing. “The anointing of the sick is not a sacrament for those only who are at the point of death. Hence, as soon as anyone of the faithful begins to be in danger of death from sickness or old age, the fitting time for him to receive this sacrament has certainly already arrived” (CCC 1514).
Q: CAN A NON-CATHOLIC CHURCH BE ANOINTED?
A: Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ died to save all people. He won superabundant grace for us by His death on the Cross. The Church teaches that a person must be in the state of grace when he or she dies in order to get to heaven. One of the most effective means for grace is the sacraments, so we want to do whatever we can to provide the sacraments to all of the baptized, Catholic or not. For that reason, the Church allows baptized non-Catholic Christians to receive not only the anointing of the sick, but also the Sacrament of Reconciliation and the Holy Eucharist in special circumstances.
Q: WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN ANOINTING OF THE SICK AND LAST RITES?
A: Last Rites would happen following after the the Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick. Last Rites centers around the reception of Viaticum — Communion given when death is near. If death should be the result of the illness, God and his Church assist the journey into new life by offering the Eucharist as Viaticum. Just as the Eucharist nourished us throughout life, so it is nourishment for our travels into new life.