If someone needs a priest now
If someone is very ill, in danger of death, or nearing the end of life, please contact the parish as soon as possible.
If the person is in hospital, ask the staff to contact the Catholic chaplain. Hospitals usually have arrangements for calling a priest, especially in urgent situations.
If possible, please do not wait until the person is unconscious or very close to death. It is often better to ask earlier, so the person can receive the sacrament peacefully and, if possible, also make their Confession and receive Holy Communion.
You do not need to decide alone whether the sacrament is appropriate. A first conversation is enough.
What is the Anointing of the Sick?
The Anointing of the Sick is one of the Sacraments of Healing.
In this sacrament, the priest prays over the sick person and anoints them with the Oil of the Sick. Through this prayer and anointing, the grace of the Holy Spirit comes to the person who is ill.
The sacrament strengthens, comforts and helps the sick person to bear illness in faith. It unites them more closely to Christ in His suffering, brings peace and courage, forgives sins if the person is unable to make their Confession, and prepares them for eternal life.
Only a priest can administer the Anointing of the Sick.
Is Anointing only for people who are dying?
No.
Anointing of the Sick is sometimes associated with “last rites”, but it is not only for the final moments of life.
The Church teaches that the right time has already arrived when one of the faithful begins to be in danger of death from sickness or old age.
This means Anointing may be received by Catholics who are seriously ill, weakened by old age, preparing for serious surgery, or whose health has become seriously impaired. It may also be appropriate for someone with a serious physical or mental illness, or for someone whose condition has become worse.
If you are unsure, please ask. The parish will help you understand what is appropriate.
What happens during the sacrament?
The Anointing of the Sick may take place in church, at home, in a care home, in hospital, or wherever the sick person is.
The priest prays with and for the sick person. He lays hands on them in prayer and anoints them with the Oil of the Sick.
In the Roman Rite, the anointing is on the forehead and hands, accompanied by the liturgical prayer of the Church.
Family members may be present, if the sick person wishes. The sick person does not need to be anxious about what to say or do. The priest will guide them gently.
What grace does the sacrament give?
The Anointing of the Sick gives a special grace of the Holy Spirit to the person who is ill.
This grace brings strengthening, peace and courage. It helps the person face illness, weakness, suffering or old age with faith in Christ.
The sacrament also unites the sick person more closely with the suffering and glorified Lord. Illness can be frightening and lonely, but the Church prays that the person who is sick may know that Christ is close to them.
If the sick person is unable to make their Confession, Anointing of the Sick also brings forgiveness of sins.
The sacrament may also bring bodily healing, if this is good for the salvation of the person’s soul. Above all, it helps the sick person trust in God and place themselves in His hands.
Confession, Holy Communion and Viaticum
When possible, a person who is seriously ill may also make their Confession and receive Holy Communion.
If the person is able to confess, Confession normally comes first. The Anointing of the Sick may then be celebrated, and Holy Communion may be given.
When Holy Communion is received by someone who is nearing death, it is called Viaticum. Viaticum means food for the journey. It is Holy Communion received as the final sacrament of the earthly journey, as the person is commended to the Father.
Please do not worry if you are unsure what to ask for. Simply tell the parish or hospital chaplain that the person is seriously ill or dying and would like a priest.
When should I ask for Anointing?
Please ask about Anointing if you or someone close to you:
- Is seriously ill
- Has become frail through old age
- Is preparing for serious surgery
- Has a serious illness
- Has a condition that has become worse
- Is approaching the end of life
It is better to ask early than to leave it too late.
This page is here to help you contact the parish so the sacraments can be received in person.
If someone is in hospital or a care home
If someone is in hospital, ask the hospital staff to contact the Catholic chaplain. This is often the quickest route, especially in an emergency.
You can also contact the parish office, particularly if the person is a parishioner or would value a visit from Fr Alex.
If someone is in a care home, housebound, or unable to come to church, please let the parish know. A priest may be able to visit, and Holy Communion can sometimes be brought to the sick and housebound by arrangement.
Can Anointing be received more than once?
Yes.
A Catholic may receive the Anointing of the Sick again if they recover and later become seriously ill, or if the same illness becomes more serious.
It is not a sacrament to be received casually for minor illness. However, it should not be delayed out of fear. The Church gives this sacrament because Christ wants to be close to the sick and suffering.
Can Anointing be requested for mental illness?
Yes, in serious cases.
The Anointing of the Sick is for serious illness and the danger that can come through illness or old age. This can include serious mental illness, where the person is gravely suffering or in real danger.
If you are unsure whether the sacrament is appropriate, please speak to Fr Alex. A simple enquiry is enough.
How families can help
Families and friends often play an important part in helping someone receive the sacraments.
If someone is seriously ill, elderly, housebound, in hospital, or nearing death, please ask whether they would like a priest to visit. Some people are afraid to ask, or do not want to trouble anyone.
It is a loving thing to help someone receive the comfort and grace of the Church.
If the person is able to speak for themselves, their wishes should be respected. If they cannot speak, the family can still contact the parish and explain the situation.
How to ask about Anointing at St John Payne
To ask about the Anointing of the Sick, please contact the parish office or speak to Fr Alex after Mass.
In an emergency, especially if someone is dying, please contact the parish or hospital chaplaincy as soon as possible.