Anointing of the Sick

“Is any among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord” (James 5:14).

Many of us, perhaps, remember a time when this sacrament was celebrated only for those who were dying. However any illness of serious nature can be a legitimate reason to celebrate the sacrament. What’s more, the sacrament may be repeated if the sick person recovers after the anointing but becomes ill once again, or if, during the same illness, the person’s condition becomes more serious.

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Please keep in mind the following regarding requests for Anointing of the Sick:

1. If you or a loved one know ahead of time that you are going to have major surgery or medical treatment, please do not wait until you are in the hospital to receive an anointing.  Anointing of the sick is no longer only “Last Rites.”

2. To receive the Anointing of the Sick, simply ask the priest in person, email him, or call the parish office to set up a meeting time.

3. It is good and beneficial, but not absolutely required, to receive the Sacrament of Penance during the anointing.

4. If you or a loved one experience a medical emergency, please either ask the hospital chaplain for the priest on call, or call St. Mary on the Lake Parish and ask to receive an anointing.

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Regarding Communion for the Sick:
At St. Mary on the Lake, we are blessed to have a group of committed, well-trained parishioners who assist the priests by faithfully taking Holy Communion to the homebound. If you would like to be visited with Communion at home or in a local care facility, or to request a visit from a priest, please call the parish office. We are also happy to add the sick to our parish prayer list upon request.