The Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick is meant to strengthen those who are seriously ill. Many mistakenly think of this Sacrament as "Last Rites." That is more Hollywood
than reality. The Church's teaching is that the Anointing of the Sick is for everyone who is "in danger of death" from sickness or old age. Most serious illnesses and any surgery
that requires general anesthetic put us "in danger of death."
These introductory words said by the priest in administering the sacrament are:
"My dear friends, we are gathered here in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ who is present among us. As the Gospels relate, the sick came to him for healing; moreover, he loves
us so much that he died for our sake. Through the apostle James, he has commanded us: "Are there any who are sick among you? Let them send for the priests of the Church, and let
the priests pray over them, anointing them with oil in the name of the Lord; and the prayer of faith will save the sick persons, and the Lord will raise them up; and, if they
have committed any sins, their sins will be forgiven them." (Pastoral Care of the Sick: Rites of Anointing and Viaticum. The Roman Ritual.)
For a more detailed explanation and outline for the celebration of the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick, please visit this link from the
Office of Worship for the Archdiocese of Boston.
For more information contact one of the
priests or deacons.