What is the Anointing of the Sick, and who can receive it?

The Anointing of the Sick is a sacrament of healing for a baptized Catholic who begins to be in danger because of serious illness or old age. It gives Christ’s grace, strength, peace, and courage in suffering (CCC 1499, 1514).

Where it comes from. Jesus showed special compassion toward the sick and healed many people as a sign that God’s kingdom had come (Mk 6:13). He also joined suffering to His own saving work. St. James gives the clearest biblical description of the sacrament: “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” (Jas 5:14-15). The Church has continued this apostolic practice throughout her history (CCC 1510-1511).

Who may receive it. The sacrament is for a baptized Catholic who is seriously ill, faces danger from a worsening condition, is preparing for major surgery because of a serious illness, or has become notably weakened by old age (CCC 1514-1515; Canon 1004). A person does not need to be within hours of death. Children may receive it once they have sufficient use of reason to be strengthened by the sacrament. Only a bishop or priest can validly administer it (CCC 1516).

When it can be repeated. A person may receive Anointing more than once. It may be repeated if the sick person recovers and later becomes seriously ill again, or if the same illness grows more severe (CCC 1515). Someone with a chronic illness may therefore receive it at a later stage when the danger or debility has significantly increased. Ordinary minor illnesses, routine discomfort, or healthy aging by themselves do not call for the sacrament.

What the sacrament does. The priest lays hands on the sick person, prays, and anoints the forehead and hands with blessed oil. Its effects include union with Christ’s Passion, strength against discouragement and fear, grace for the good of the whole Church, and preparation for passing to eternal life (CCC 1520-1523). It may bring physical healing when God wills it for the person’s salvation. It also forgives sins when the sick person cannot receive sacramental confession and is properly disposed (CCC 1532).

When to call a priest. Families should contact a parish as soon as a Catholic becomes seriously ill, before a crisis makes communication difficult. Hospitals can usually contact the Catholic chaplain. If death appears near, ask specifically for a priest and mention that the person is Catholic, seriously ill, and may need Confession, Anointing, and Viaticum. Prompt action allows the sick person to receive the sacraments consciously and peacefully.