By Fr. Mike Hall

The Second Vatican Council says of this important Sacrament of Healing:

“The Anointing of the Sick is not a sacrament for those only who are at the point of death.  Hence, as soon as any one of the faithful begins to be in danger of death from sickness or age, the fitting time for that person to receive this sacrament has certainly already arrived.” 

There is a belief, by many in the Church, that Anointing of the Sick should only be performed and a priest only be called upon when death is imminent, but the Church does not intend for this Sacrament to be a means of grace only to those who are dying.  It can be an important help in preparing and strengthening the faithful in that moment, but it is primarily meant as a sacrament of faith and strength for the living.   We no longer refer to this sacrament, no matter how often you hear it referred to as such, as “Last Rites.”  The Sacrament specifically meant for those who face imminent death is Viaticum, Communion, food for the journey to eternal life, which should be given if a person is able to receive it. 
 
While visitations by a priest, and the Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick can be given in emergency situations, those who desire and need this sacrament should not hesitate and wait for there to be an emergency before it is requested.  The Church even provides a list of those who should consider requesting this Sacrament.  The list of the faithful include those with serious illness, including mental illness, those facing surgery, weakened by age, and even children who face serious sickness and can be strengthened by its grace.
 
The priests of our parish are happy to visit and provide the Anointing of the Sick for those who request it, and our parish provides an emergency option on our voicemail system for times in which visitation is needed immediately.  However, we ask you, if a situation has already arisen that warrants this Sacrament, do not wait until the last moment, because the irreplaceable grace and healing it provides helps to give those who are suffering, strength in the face of illness and trial. May the divine physician give you the grace of strength and healing.

Is Anointing necessary? What if someone does not receive the Anointing of the Sick prior to dying?

Church teaching on Anointing of the Sick does not speak about necessity.   We trust in the mercy of God and on the salvation and redemption that is offered through Christ’s life, death, and resurrection.  These promises are sealed in the faithful through the Sacrament of Baptism. 
 
However, while there is no mention of the Sacrament being necessary for entrance into eternal life, this does not mean it is not important.  As was said in the last column, it is a sacrament of healing and grace for the living in the midst of the sufferings that we experience in this life.  The introduction to the Sacrament does say this: “through the Sacrament of Anointing, the Church supports the sick in their struggle against illness and continues Christ’s messianic work of healing.”

What age is appropriate for an ill child to be anointed?

Unlike Confirmation, the Church does not distinctly specify “the age of reason,” typically interpreted to be around 7 years old.  It asks, instead, for “sufficient use of reason to be strengthened by this sacrament.”  There is a difference between these two statements, because the first is quite specific, while the second is more flexible.  If a child is able to understand who God is, and that the Sacrament is about God giving them hope, strength, and help in their struggles, they are able to receive the anointing.  This would be up to a parent/guardian and the minister to decide on an individual basis.

 
Why can only priests administer Anointing of the Sick?

This question is asked often, yet it actually has a relatively simple answer.  The introductory prayers for Anointing include the words “if they have committed any sins, their sins will be forgiven.”  The second part of the Anointing formula says, “May the Lord who frees you from sin save you and raise you up.” 

 
While Anointing of the Sick is not meant to replace Confession, it does contain the forgiveness of sins.  There is also the option, in emergency situations, to offer what is called the “Apostolic Pardon.” This can be given even if Confession is impossible and is meant to grant a full pardon from the sins of an entire life.   Because this Sacrament contains the power to remit sin, and this power is reserved to bishops and priests, then a bishop or priest must be the minister for the Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick.