Traditionally referred to as Extreme Unction the Sacrament of the Anointing of the sick is administered to the dying to those who are gravely ill to those who are about to undergo a serious operation and even those advanced in age for the recovery of their health and for spiritual strength.  Since the Second Vatican Council, this sacrament is now called the Anointing of the Sick and has been broadened to offer healing and comfort in times of illness that may not lead to immediate death.  Speaking about a wider implementation of this sacrament, Pope Paul VI advocated for "a wider availability of the sacrament and to extend it - within reasonable limits - even beyond cases of mortal illness."

Spiritual Healing
The healing that occurs in this sacrament of anointing is not necessarily physical healing.  While we believe that physical healing can occur through the great power of God, the grace that is infused through this special sacrament is the reminder of the eternal presence of God in our human suffering. 

"The celebration of the Anointing of the Sick consists essentially in the anointing of the forehead and hands of the sick person (in the Roman Rite) or of other parts of the body (in the Easter rite), the anointing being accomplished by the liturgical prayer of the celebrant asking for the special grace of this sacrament." (CCC 1531).

If you or a family member would like to receive this sacrament prior to surgery, during an illness, or being close to death, please contact us or call the parish office at      210-655-5070 to make an appointment to receive the sacrament from our priest.