The Catholic Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick, formerly known as Last Rites or Extreme Unction, is a ritual of healing appropriate not only for physical but also for mental and spiritual sickness.
Anointing of the Sick
One of the seven sacraments, also known at the "sacrament of the dying," administered by a priest to a baptized person who begins to be in danger of death because of illness or old age, through prayer and the anointing of the body with the oil of the sick. The proper effects of the sacrament include a special grace of healing and comfort to the Christian who is suffering the infirmities of serious illness or old age, and the forgiving of the person's sins. (Catechism of the Catholic Church, p. 866)
Anointing of the sick is intended for the strengthening and healing of those who are ill, elderly or about to undergo an operation. It is a normal part of Catholic life not just for the dying, but for anyone who is seriously ill. It may be received when a person is at home or in the hospital.
This sacrament is given to anyone who is seriously ill because of disease, accident, or old age. The sacrament may be celebrated during a Mass, at home, or in a hospital room.
Taken From the Catechism of the Catholic Church:
1531 The celebration of the Anointing of the Sick consists essentially in the anointing of the forehead and hands of the sick person (in the Roman Rite) or of other parts of the body (in the Eastern rite), the anointing being accompanied by the liturgical prayer of the celebrant asking for the special grace of this sacrament.
If you or a loved one is in need of the anointing of the sick, we invite you to call the parish office at 972.542.4667 x 102 to schedule an appointment or visit. You may also email us at: [email protected] . If your request is urgent and after normal office hours, please feel free to contact us at 945.220.4363.