The Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick

One of two Sacraments of Healing

The focus of this sacrament is healing. The Anointing of the Sick is the prayer of the church for someone who is ill. During the anointing, we are asking God to give strength, healing, and grace to the person receiving the sacrament. Sick children may receive anointing as well as a person about to undergo surgery. People used to wait until a loved one was close to death to contact a priest for anointing; however the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick should be received, if possible, when the sick person is best able to benefit from it and not delayed until one is at the end of life and unable to consciously participate.

This sacrament is sometimes mistakenly called “Last Rites.” When someone is dying, the church provides other special prayers for this occasion: The Prayers of the Church for the Dying.

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Notes regarding the Anointing of the Sick:

• You may contact the parish office at any time of day or night by calling 952-758-3225. (If the office is closed, you will receive instructions how to leave a message for the priest. The priest will respond shortly to your call.)

• Anyone any age who has a serious illness or injury or is preparing for surgery may request the sacrament.

• The sacrament may be received as often as necessary.

The Anointing of the Sick used to be called “Last Rites”
The name of the sacrament was changed to reflect its true nature — healing. In times past, the priest was called to anoint a person as close to the time of death as possible. New thinking has expanded the meaning to offer the grace of this sacrament to anyone who is in need of physical or mental healing.

The Prayers of the Church for the Dying
Contact the parish office at any time of day or night by calling 952-758-3225. If the office is closed, you will receive instructions how to leave a message for the priest. The priest will respond shortly to your call.

Please note that because of other pastoral responsibilities, a priest may not be available to lead the prayers of the dying at that time. However, deacons, chaplains, parish ministry staff, and family are authorized to do so. This, of course, does not include the sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick.

When death is near, the “rites” most appropriate for the occasion are the Rite of Viaticum for those who are still able to receive Holy Communion and the Rite of Commendation of the Dying for those who cannot. Both of these rituals do not require a priest to preside. These two “rites” are the appropriate prayers for people who are dying.