Q. What are the main elements of the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick?
A. This is a question of great relevance to many people; thank you for asking it. The Scriptural basis for the Sacrament of the Sick is in the letter of St. James 5:14 in the New Testament. Prior to the Second Vatican Council it was called Extreme Unction.
The understanding of the sacrament then was that it was largely reserved for the end of life. The Second Vatican Council re-examined the nature, the purpose and the desire for the sacrament and expanded its use. The sacrament is for those who are experiencing major health issues, such as, sickness, trauma, anticipating surgery, and those impaired and weakened by age, even if there is no serious illness. No longer does one need to wait for death to be imminent to receive the Sacrament of the Sick.
The main elements of the Sacrament of the Sick are: It is celebrated by a priest; It includes a penitential rite, a reading from Scripture, the laying on of hands and the anointing of at least the forehead and hands with the Oil of the Infirmed which is blessed by the local Catholic bishop during the Mass of Chrism during Holy Week.
When a person is near death the Apostolic Pardon is also celebrated within the ritual. This is the remission of all temporal punishment due to forgiven sin. This is most reassuring especially when a person is unable to verbally respond.
The sacrament joins the person to the suffering and passion of Jesus and helps a person to have peace and courage to endure their sufferings.
In addition, it forgives sins, can assist in the restoration of health if it be God’s will and prepares people for death.
When I can plan in advance, I ask entire families to be a part of the Sacrament of the Sick. It can help alleviate fear, augment hope and be a great teaching moment for families as most people do not get a chance to see or be a part of the Sacrament of the Sick on a regular basis.
A practical note from someone who has done this for many years—if you remember none the above—when a Catholic is seriously ill, and especially when death is imminent, call your local priest. If he is not available just keep calling priests until you get one.
Excellent question. I’m grateful you asked it.
This question was answered by Father Kenneth Borowiak, pastor of St. Michael Parish in Lincoln. Write to Ask the Register using our online form, or write to 3700 Sheridan Blvd., Suite 10, Lincoln NE 68506-6100. All questions are subject to editing. Editors decide which questions to publish. Personal questions cannot be answered. People with such questions are urged to take them to their nearest Catholic priest.
