“Those who approach the sacrament of Penance obtain pardon from God’s mercy for the offense committed against him, and are, at the same time, reconciled with the Church which they have wounded by their sins and which by charity, by example, and by prayer labors for their conversion” (Lumen Gentium 11).

Throughout the Gospels, the sick were a primary concern of Jesus, a basis for this sacrament. In this sacrament, we ask for and experience God’s compassion for those who suffer some form of serious illness and those who are at the point of death. In the anointing and laying on of hands, God’s healing power is called upon those whose body and spirit are broken. Healing may come physically, but God will always provide spiritual strength and consolation to endure even to the point of death. Whether administered individually or communally, the community is called to offer prayers and support to those in need of our love and care.

Anointing of the Sick can be administered to any Catholic who has reached the age of reason and is awaiting serious surgery, suffers from serious illness, or is weakened by old age or affected by some serious forms of mental illness.

The sacrament is available either privately or publicly as part of the liturgical service of communal anointing at a special Mass offered each year on or close to February 11 – the World Day of Prayer for the Sick.

To reach a priest to receive the Anointing of the Sick, please call the parish offices at 304-233-4121.

For more information on the Anointing of the Sick in the Catholic Church Click Here.