ANOINTING OF THE SICK

The Last Sacraments

1. What are the "last sacraments" of the Church?

Penance, the Anointing of the Sick, and the reception of Holy Communion as viaticum constitute the "last sacraments" of the Christian. [glossary, 1525].

2. What is Anointing of the Sick?

Anointing of the Sick, previously known as extreme unction, last rites, or sacrament of the dying, is a sacrament of healing administered to a baptized person who begins to be in danger of death because of illness or old age. [glossary, 1528*, 1499, 1426-1432, 1516].

3. What is viaticum?

Viaticum is the Eucharist received by a dying person. It is the spiritual food for one's "passing over" to the Father from this world. [glossary, 1524*].

Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick

4. What is the scriptural basis for the sacrament of anointing?

"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 any sins they will be forgiven". (Jas 5:14-15). [1526*, 1510].

5. What is the purpose of the sacrament of Anointing of the Sick?

The purpose of this sacrament is the conferral of a special grace on the Christian experiencing difficulties inherent in the condition of grave illness or old age. [1527*].

6. How is the sacrament of the sick celebrated?

This sacrament is administered through the laying on of hands, praying over the person in the faith of the Church, and anointing him with the oil of the sick blessed by the bishop, or if necessary blessed by the presbyter himself. It is often accompanied by confession and the reception of the Eucharist (viaticum). [1517-19].

7. Who is the minister of the sacrament of Anointing?

A bishop or a priest (presbyter) can administer this sacrament. [1530*, 1516].

8. How often can the Anointing of the Sick be received by a sick person?

This sacrament can be received every time a Christian falls seriously ill, or after he has received it, the illness worsens. [1529*].

9. What are the effects of the sacrament of Anointing?

The proper effects of this sacrament include a special grace of strengthening, healing and comfort to the Christian who is suffering the infirmities of serious illness or old age. It entails the healing of the soul, and the forgiveness of sins if the sick person is unable to obtain this through the sacrament of Penance. It also provides for a strengthening against discouragement and anguish in the face of death, and prepares the person for the final journey of departing this life. It can also bring about the restoration of health, if it is conducive to the salvation of the soul. [1532*, 1520-1523].