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.” (Catechism of the Catholic Church, #1499)
The sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick is a sign of the Lord’s care and the Church’s concern for her sick or weakened members. It reaffirms the human dignity of all people and is not only a sign of life in the Church but also the continuation of the healing ministry of Jesus Christ Himself.
This sacrament is a sacrament of the living, i.e. it should never be delayed until death is possibly imminent (as was the common practice for many centuries.)
Who may be sacramentally anointed? Church law is very specific so that this sacrament is celebrated appropriately and not indiscriminately. The following may request to be anointed:
- Those suffering from a serious illness (either physical or emotional)
- Those who are elderly and have become notably weakened due to their age
- Those hospitalized due to illness or upcoming surgery (especially if the operation requires general anesthesia)
To arrange for yourself or your loved ones to receive the sacrament of Anointing, please contact the parish office at 513-554-1010.
If you are in the immediate need of a priest for the anointing of someone who is near death, please call 513 554-1010