Anointing of the Sick

The sacrament of anointing of the sick is one that brings God's grace and healing. "This sacred anointing of the sick was instituted by Christ our Lord as a true and proper sacrament of the New Testament. It is alluded to indeed by Mark (6:13), but is recommended to the faithful and promulgated by James the apostle and brother of the Lord" (Catechism of the Catholic Church 1511).


Is anyone among you sick? He should summon the presbyters of the church, and they should pray over him and anoint [him] with oil in the name of the Lord, and the prayer of faith will save the sick person, and the Lord will raise him up. If he has committed any sins, he will be forgiven. (James 5:14-15)
In the letter of James, the apostle is teaching that the priest participating in the ministry of Jesus should be called. God's healing power is made possible through the sacrament! Certainly a spiritual healing, as is evident from the forgivenss of sins. But sometimes other healing can be experienced, e.g. physical, emotional, psychological, mental, relationships, etc. What is important is that we allow God, and invite God to heal us through His sacrament. And we pray that the will of God may be done in the life of the sick person.

In years past, people often commonly referred to this sacrament as the "Last Rites." What is very important to note is, although this sacrament may be celebrated in one's final moments, one should not wait for the final moment. Whenever someone is seriously injured, seriously ill, preparing for surgery, or of advanced age they may request anointing. By arranging it in advance there is a better chance that a priest can be made available, and the person may better be able to participate.

 

Effects of Anointing

The Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC 1532) teaches that special grace is enjoyed by receiving this sacrament, and its effects are:

  • the uniting of the sick person to the passion of Christ, for his own good and that of the whole Church;
  • the strengthening, peace, and courage to endure in a Christian manner the sufferings of illness or old age;
  • the forgiveness of sins, if the sick person was not able to obtain it through the sacrament of Penance;
  • the restoration of health, if it is conducive to the salvation of his soul;
  • the preparation for passing over to eternal life.

To Schedule An Anointing

Please contact Fr. Joe Delka directly. His direct office line is 801-253-6031. If this is an emergency and he's not in his office, call 801-209-8971. 


Additional Resources+

Anointing of the Sick | Catholic Answers
Anointing of the Sick | Article 5 of the Catechism of the Catholic Church