The Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick is a Sacrament for the living. It is a personal sharing in the sufferings of Christ. When suffering, people can respond in a way that unites them to Jesus’ passion and death. The Church brings Christ’s love and support through the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick.
Those who are seriously debilitated through sickness or old age, or facing major surgery, may be Anointed.
Through the sacramental power to take away sins, help is restored to the soul. The Sacrament sometimes restores health to the body.
People may be Anointed only once during the same illness. However, if the illness gets worse, or reoccurs, or there are further complications, the Sacrament may be received again. In the case of a chronic condition, the illness is presumed to be getting worse so the Sacrament may be repeated periodically.
The anointing may be celebrated in Church, at home, in a hospital, or in a nursing home. Family and friends should be present during the anointing of a sick person to pray for them.
Those in need of anointing should contact the priests at the rectory (314-961-8400). If you are going into the hospital, please notify the rectory (314-961-8400) if you wish to be visited by a priest.
