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Anointing of the Sick

“By the sacred anointing of the sick and the prayer of the priests the whole Church commends those who are ill to the suffering and glorified Lord, that he may raise them up and save them.  And indeed she exhorts them to contribute to the good of the People of God by freely uniting themselves to the Passion and death of Christ.  As soon as anyone of the faithful begins to be in danger of death from sickness or old age, the fitting time for him to receive this sacrament has certainly already arrived.  If a sick person who received this anointing recovers his health, he can in the case of another grave illness receive this sacrament again.  If during the same illness the person’s condition becomes more serious, the sacrament may be repeated.  It is fitting to receive the Anointing of the Sick just prior to a serious operation.  The same holds for the elderly whose frailty becomes more pronounced.”

(Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1499, 1514-1515)

Christ, understanding human illness, gave us the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick so all the baptized may access and experience God’s healing Spirit. The Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick is administered to the dying, as well as to those who are gravely ill or about to undergo a serious operation. While this Sacrament of mercy and healing offers prayers for recovery, its primary intention is to give spiritual strength and calm the soul of the one suffering from illness. Traditionally, this Sacrament was referred to as Extreme Unction or Last Rites.

Please call the Parish Office at (303) 455-3613 for more information.

Watch the below video to learn more about the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick.