SACRAMENT OF

ANOINTING THE
SICK
WHAT IS SACRAMENT OF
ANOINTING THE SICK?
Sacrament of Anointing the Sick
• The Catechism of the Catholic Church's section
on the Anointing of the Sick defines the purpose of
the sacrament as "the conferral of a special grace
on the Christian experiencing the difficulties
inherent in the condition of grave illness or old
age."
Sacrament of Anointing the Sick
 The Catechism of the Catholic Church notes that:
-The Anointing of the Sick "is not a sacrament for
those only who are at the point of death. Hence, as
soon as anyone of the faithful begins to be in danger
of death from sickness or old age, the fitting time for
him to receive this sacrament has certainly already
arrived."
History of the Sacrament of the Sick

 According to biblical text, when Jesus and his followers

preached during their travels, they also took care of the
sick. They did this by praying for the sick, anointing them
with blessed oil, forgiving them of their sins, and even
healing them by the end of the process. Biblical texts also
called for people to bring their sick to priests in order for
them to follow the same ritual. Therefore, the Anointing of
the Sick sacrament originates from the biblical texts of the
New Testament that mention related actions by Christ and
his disciples.
Etymology of Anointing the Sick

 The Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick is often simply

referred to as the Sacrament of the Sick. In the past, it was
commonly called Extreme Unction.
 Unction means an anointing with oil (which is part of the
sacrament), and extreme refers to the fact that the
sacrament was usually administered in extremity—in other
words when the person receiving it was in grave danger of
dying.
 Form and Matter Of the Sacrament
 The essential rite of the sacrament consists in the priest laying hands on
the sick, anointing him with blessed oil (usually olive oil blessed by a
bishop, but in an emergency, any vegetable oil will suffice), and praying
"Through this holy anointing may the Lord in his love and mercy help
you with the grace of the Holy Spirit. May the Lord who frees you from
sin save you and raise you up.“
 What is needed for this Sacrament?
• Holy Water
• Oil
• Host (Body of Christ)
• Reading from the Gospels
Minister of the Sacrament
 The Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick (formerly
known as Extreme Unction) is administered only by a
priest, or, of course, a bishop. The Catechism specifies,
"Only priests (bishops and presbyters) are ministers of
the Anointing of the Sick" (No. 1516).
Who Can Receive the Sacrament of the Anointing of the
Sick?

 A person who has been baptized in the Catholic Church,

who is of the age of "reason/majority" or old enough for
confession (considered age 7), and is very ill, or dying,
may receive the anointing sacrament. If needed, a person
may receive the Anointing of the Sick sacrament many
times throughout life.
Where Can Anointing Take Place?
 Hospital
 Home
 Accident scene
 Church
 Almost anywhere
Effects Of Anointing The Sick
 Uniting the sick with Jesus and the Church
 Providing strength and courage to face illness or
age
 Forgiveness of sins
 Restoration of health
 Preparation for eternal life