Who should receive the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick?
The Anointing of the Sick is not a sacrament intended exclusively for the very final moments of life (which was formerly referred to as Extreme Unction).
Any Catholic who has reached the age of reason and begins to be in danger of death due to severe sickness, old age, or a major surgical procedure under general anaesthesia may receive this sacrament. If a patient recovers and falls ill again, or if the same illness worsens, the sacrament may be received again.
Through the anointing with blessed oil on the forehead and hands accompanied by the priest's prayer of faith, the sick person receives spiritual comfort, courage, forgiveness of sins (if unable to confess), and sometimes physical restoration if it serves their salvation.
Sources
- Catechism of the Catholic Church, paragraph 1499
- Catechism of the Catholic Church, paragraph 1514
- James 5:14-15
Awaiting review by the chaplaincy. Written in our own words; the Church's own texts are the authority.