The Anointing of the Sick
Do Not Be Afraid
This sacrament is not a sentence of death but a touch of Christ’s healing love. In serious illness, before surgery, or in the frailty of age, the Lord draws near to strengthen, to forgive, and to give peace. There is nothing to dread here — only grace.
If the fear has kept you away
Anointing is one of the most misunderstood sacraments. Let’s gently set the fears aside.
“Isn’t this only for the dying?”
No. It is for anyone whose health is seriously impaired by illness or age — including before a major surgery. You need not be at death’s door to receive it.
“Calling the priest means the end is here.”
It means the opposite: Christ is drawing near with strength and grace. The sacrament often brings peace, and sometimes even physical healing.
“I’m afraid of death.”
That fear is human, and the Lord meets it tenderly. This sacrament unites your suffering to his and fills the soul with a peace the world cannot give.
“What if I leave it too late?”
Then call anyway — a priest can still come. But don’t wait: the sacrament is most fully a gift when received with time, not only in the final hour.
“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.”
What to Expect
The rite is simple, gentle, and deeply consoling. Here is what happens.
- 1
Call the parish
Don’t wait. Call for a serious illness, before surgery, or as strength declines. In an emergency, ask for a priest right away.
- 2
The priest comes
He may begin by hearing the person’s Confession, if they wish, in privacy and peace.
- 3
The laying on of hands
In silence, the priest lays his hands on the sick person — an ancient gesture of blessing and prayer.
- 4
The anointing
He anoints the forehead and hands with the blessed Oil of the Sick, praying that the Lord save and raise up the one who is ill.
- 5
Holy Communion
Where possible, the person receives the Eucharist — and for the dying, Viaticum, “food for the journey” home to God.
- 6
Grace and peace
The sacrament forgives sin, unites suffering to Christ, gives strength and peace, and prepares the soul — sometimes restoring health as well.
A Prayer in Sickness
Lord Jesus, you bore our infirmities and carried our sorrows. Look with love on me (or on your servant) in this time of weakness. Ease all pain, calm every fear, and fill this heart with your peace. Into your hands I commend my body and soul. Amen.
When to Call, and What Comes at the End
Knowing when to reach out — and what the Church offers at life’s close.
When to Call a Priest
Sooner is better than later.
- At the onset of a serious illness, or when a chronic condition worsens.
- Before a major operation undertaken because of a serious illness.
- In the frailty of advanced age, even without a specific illness.
- In danger of death — and the sacrament may be repeated if the person recovers and falls ill again.
At the End of Life
The Church’s tender accompaniment.
- Viaticum — Holy Communion received as food for the final journey.
- The Apostolic Pardon — a special blessing imparting the remission of temporal punishment.
- The prayers of commendation, entrusting the soul to God’s mercy.
- Simply being present — your prayer and your presence are a profound gift.
Ask in confidence
Still have questions about Anointing?
Ask anything and receive the Church’s own words — quoted from the Catechism, cited, and linked to the source. Tap a question to begin, or write your own.
This tool shares the Church’s teaching — it is not a substitute for a priest. In serious illness or danger of death, call your parish without delay; do not wait.
Recommended Resources
A few trusted books and sacramentals to go deeper. These are affiliate links — if you purchase through them, CatholicFides may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you, which helps sustain this work.
Christ Is Near
You do not face illness alone. If you or someone you love is seriously ill, before surgery, or growing frail, call your parish today — a priest will come.
Find a Priest