Anointing of the Sick
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"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, NAB).
The effects of this sacrament include: unity of the sick person with Christ, strength to endure suffering, forgiveness of sins (if the person is not able to obtain it through Reconciliation), restoration of health, and preparation for death. This sacrament is for those who are seriously ill, including those with mental or emotional suffering, those preparing for surgery, and those experiencing physical decline often associated with old age.
There is no need to wait until death is imminent, and so it is best to call while there is ample time to arrange a convenient time for the Sacrament. If a parishioner who has not been anointed is in danger of death, however, you should not hesitate to call the parish.Only a priest may administer the Anointing of the Sick. At some hospitals, there is a Catholic priest on call for the Anointing of the Sick. If you or a loved one is hospitalized you should inquire as to whether such a priest is available.
To request Anointing of the Sick at a hospital, a home or in a nursing facility (or when no hospital chaplain is available), please call the parish office at 920-261-7273 to speak with a priest. If you need to call during non-business hours, when you hear the recording, please press option 9 for a sacramental emergency. We ask that you do not get someone directly, please leave a message and someone will return your call.
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