Anointing of the Sick
If someone is in imminent danger of death,
please call the parish office immediately
843-321-8403
to request the Last Rites
(Anointing of the Sick, with Confession and Holy Communion).
“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.” (CCC 1499)
The effects of this sacrament include:
- Union with the Passion of Christ
- Strength, peace, and courage in suffering
- Forgiveness of sins
- Healing, if God wills it
- Preparation for passing into eternal life (cf. CCC 1520–1523)
He summoned the Twelve and began to send them out two by two…They anointed with oil many who were sick and cured them. (Mark 6:7, 13)
“Is any among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the Church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord; and the prayer of faith will save the sick, and the Lord will raise him up.” (James 5:14–15)
Sacrament of the Sick
Illness and suffering are a part of life, and the Church walks with those who are sick, undergoing treatment, or nearing death. In Christ Jesus, we have a God who understands our suffering, for He Himself suffered.
In the past, this sacrament was reserved only for those at the point of death. Today, the Church encourages the faithful to receive the Anointing of the Sick when seriously ill, before major surgery, in advanced age, or in the dying hour.
Through this sacrament, the Church prays that God will:
- Strengthen the sick person in faith, hope, and courage
- Unite their suffering with Christ’s suffering
- Grant healing, if it is His will
- Forgive sins and prepare the soul for eternal life
