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Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick
  "By the sacred anointing of the sick and the prayers of the priest the whole Church commends those who are ill to the suffering and glorified Lord, that he may raise them up and save them."
(CCC 1499)

The Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick is given to those who are seriously ill and not only for those who are at the point of death as in the old days when people called it the “Last Rites”. Anyone of the faithful who begins to be in the danger of death from sickness or old age may receive this sacrament. The sacrament may also be given to those suffering from mental illness, addictions, depression or serious stress.

Several times a year we celebrate the communal anointing of the sick at Weekend Masses. The Sacrament of the sick is thus given immediately after the homily at Mass by the laying on of hands as mentioned in the Bible in the Book of James when we are reminded that if anyone is sick, they should call in the elders of the Church and the prayer of Faith will bring healing and peace. After the laying on of hands, sacred oil blessed by the Bishop is placed on the head asking for healing and then oil is placed on the palms of the hands of the sick asking for forgiveness of any sin.

Viaticum, the Last Sacrament of the Christian, is offered for those who are about to leave this life. Communion in the body and blood of Christ, received at this moment of "passing over" to the Father, has a particular significance and importance. It is the seed of eternal life and the power of the resurrection, according to the words of the Lord: " He who eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life and I will raise him up on the last day". Our Communion Ministers are authorized to give Viaticum to people who are near death. If the Body of Christ in the form of the host can not be received easily, it is possible to give Viaticum in the form of the precious Blood with a medicine dropper if needed.

Always contact the office if it is foreseen that someone will be having surgery or hospitalization so that the Sacrament of the Sick may be given in advance.

Hospital Visits :
Priests and pastoral ministers will gladly make regular visits to the sick in hospitals and nursing homes in the area.

Since hospitals no longer call the parish with sick lists and priests are not allowed to see the patient listing at a hospital, it is very important that the family or person contact the priest or the office directly as soon as possible.