In years past the Anointing of the Sick was only thought of as a sacrament one received shortly before dying- often called Last Rites. Nowadays our understanding of the sacrament has changed and the Anointing of the Sick may be performed when there is a serious illness, before surgery or simply when someone is very elderly. It is prefered that when a person becomes seriously ill that an anointing to be done as soon as possible so that the person may receive the graces the sacrament provides, which would include the possibility of healing. The Anointing of the Sick is not to be feared but to be embraced! It is most beautiful and comforting when done with family present.
To request an anointing of the sick for yourself or a loved one, please contact the parish offices at 508-947-0444.