Are you wondering what the Anointing of the Sick is and when Catholics receive it? The Anointing of the Sick is one of the seven sacraments of the Catholic Church. It brings spiritual healing, strength, and God’s grace to those who are seriously ill, preparing them to face suffering with peace and often even leading to physical recovery.

In this guide, we’ll explain:

• What the Anointing of the Sick is and why it matters
• The biblical foundation of this sacrament
• Who can receive the Anointing of the Sick, and in what situations
• How to ask your priest for Anointing of the Sick
• How the name and practice of this sacrament have developed over time

What Is The Anointing Of The Sick? 

“By the sacred anointing of the sick and the prayer of the priests, the whole Church commends those who are ill to the suffering and glorified Lord, that he may raise them up and save them. And indeed she exhorts them to contribute to the good of the People of God by freely uniting themselves to the Passion and death of Christ.” (CCC 1499)

The Anointing of the Sick is one of the Seven Sacraments of the Catholic Church, given to persons who are sick or in probable danger of death. 

Catholic Canon Law defines it as the sacrament “by which the Church commends the faithful who are dangerously ill to the suffering and glorified Lord in order that he relieve and save them” (Canon 998). The Anointing of the Sick grants strength, comfort, and spiritual healing to those who are sick. 

Alongside the Sacrament of Penance, the Anointing of the Sick is one of the two Sacraments of Healing. While Confession focuses on the health of our souls, the Anointing of the Sick can also assist one’s physical wellbeing in addition to granting spiritual graces. Some people have experienced healing of their ailments after receiving this sacrament!

What Happens In The Anointing Of The Sick: Form & Matter

In the sacraments, ordinary things are endowed with extraordinary power. The form and matter of a sacrament –– what is said and done and then the material elements that are part of it –– show us how.

What does the priest say during the Anointing of the Sick?

The form of the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick is the prayer that the priest offers aloud, asking the Holy Spirit’s grace upon the person being anointed. The prayers in the rite of anointing ask the Lord’s graces for courage, healing, forgiveness of sins, and eternal life. 

“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 does the priest do during the Anointing of the Sick?

What kind of oil does the priest put on the person during the Anointing of the Sick?

The matter, or outward sign, of the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick is twofold. First, the priest lays hands on the sick person and then anoints him on the forehead and hands with blessed Holy Oil, which is pure olive oil that is blessed by the bishop at the annual Chrism Mass. 

Sometimes, the Anointing of the Sick is given alongside the sacraments of Penance and the Holy Eucharist, especially as last rites (see below for definition) for a person who is close to dying.

The Catechism states that it is significant to celebrate the Anointing of the Sick within the Eucharist when possible, and it can be preceded by Confession as well (CCC 1517). While it is not usually celebrated as part of Mass or administered formally in a church, priests frequently offer all three sacraments at once to the person who needs them. Most especially, when someone is dying, the Eucharist should be their last sacrament as “viaticum,” or “provisions for their journey” to eternal life.

Still, whether given in public with loved ones gathered around, or in the privacy and exclusion of a hospital room, the Anointing of the Sick is meant to be “a liturgical and communal celebration” like the rest of the sacraments (CCC 1517).

Why Anointing of the Sick?

Effects and Benefits of the Anointing of the Sick  

The Catechism lists the effects of the special graces of Anointing of the Sick. They are: 

– the uniting of the sick person to the passion of Christ, for his own good and that of the whole Church;

– the strengthening, peace, and courage to endure in a Christian manner the sufferings of illness or old age;

– the forgiveness of sins, if the sick person was not able to obtain it through the Sacrament of Penance;

– the restoration of health, if it is conducive to the salvation of his soul;

– the preparation for passing over to eternal life. (CCC 1532)

The Anointing of the Sick is also a consoling reminder that the Catholic Church believes that suffering holds value for eternal life. We share in Christ’s sufferings most especially when we endure illness, physical difficulties, and death –– but, hard as this is, it means that we are also offered a share in his eternal glory. The Anointing of the Sick helps prepare us to join the Church Triumphant in Heaven.

Who Can Receive The Anointing Of The Sick?

Criteria for Anointing of the Sick 

In the Code of Canon Law paragraph 1004, the Church specifies that baptized Catholics who have reached the age of reason are eligible for the Sacrament of Anointing when they are ill. Don’t wait until the last minute to seek the Anointing of the Sick for yourself or for a loved one.

While in the past it was a sacrament reserved for one’s deathbed, today the Church recommends that Catholics avail themselves of the graces of the Anointing of the Sick as early as necessary and possible. 

“The Anointing of the Sick is not a sacrament for those 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.” (CCC 1514)

Can Children Receive Anointing Of The Sick?

Canon Law also establishes that the Anointing of the Sick is for “a member of the faithful” who has “reached the age of reason.” Usually, this is by or around the age of seven, once a child is able to make an intellectual and conscious choice between good and evil. (The Church holds that, before the age of reason, children cannot sin and are furthermore too young to understand what sin is all about.)

In light of this, priests do not need to give the Anointing of the Sick to children, because their baptism already makes them spiritually prepared to enter heaven. Sick children can receive a blessing; however, and special prayers can give them and their families the necessary graces to undergo difficult illness. 

Can Non-Catholics Receive the Anointing of the Sick?

Usually, non-Catholics would not receive the Anointing of the Sick. The main criterion is whether or not a person has been baptized. Allowances are made in some cases, as when a non-Catholic baptized Christian is in danger of death and cannot approach a member of their community, but shows belief in the power of the sacrament.

Can The Anointing Of The Sick Be Given To Someone Who Is Unconscious?

Yes, administering this sacrament to someone who is already unconscious is permitted if it is likely that they would have requested it while they were conscious.

Can I Receive Anointing of the Sick More Than Once?

Yes, you can receive the sacrament again if you get well from your illness! Unlike Baptism, Confirmation, Holy Orders, and Matrimony, there is no limit on the number of times you can receive the Anointing of the Sick. This means that if you fall seriously ill more than once in your life or your illness worsens, you can still receive the sacrament again as necessary.  

“If a sick person who received this anointing recovers his health, he can in the case of another grave illness receive this sacrament again. If during the same illness the person’s condition becomes more serious, the sacrament may be repeated.” (CCC 1515) 

Who Can Administer The Anointing Of The Sick? 

Only Catholic priests (presbyters and bishops) can administer the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick. It cannot be given by a deacon or layperson.

When Can I Receive Anointing Of The Sick? 

What exactly constitutes being “sick”? Or in other words, what precise situations make it acceptable to receive the Anointing of the Sick? Well, a common cold does not qualify you as sick enough to receive the sacrament. The Anointing of the Sick is meant for those who suffer a life-threatening illness, who are going in for a surgery, or who were recently diagnosed with cancer, seriously injured, aging, or homebound.  

As the Catechism notes, “It is fitting to receive the Anointing of the Sick just prior to a serious operation. The same holds for the elderly whose frailty becomes more pronounced.” (CCC 1515) 

How To Request Anointing Of The Sick

The Anointing of the Sick is a sacrament that priests administer often in their ministry. Some priests even routinely visit hospitals to minister to the spiritual needs of those who are ill and suffering. 

What to do if you want to receive the Anointing of the Sick 

If you or someone close to you is ill and desires to be anointed, call a priest as early as possible. You can call the parish office or speak to a priest you know to request this sacrament. If the priest offers to hear Confession on the same occasion, preparation time is important so you can be sincerely sorrowful for your sins. 

Many parishes have a priest on call for after-hours emergencies that require anointing of the sick or other urgent sacraments. You might be able to find out how your parish handles these situations by calling their office number; many have a designated extension you can dial to reach Father in a pinch. 

Is Anointing Of The Sick In The Bible?

Origin of Anointing of the Sick 

Yes! The Anointing of the Sick is biblical. Its roots are found in the actions of Christ himself during his public ministry: 

“Now when the sun was setting, all those who had any that were sick with various diseases brought them to him; and he laid his hands on every one of them and healed them.” (Luke 4:40)

“And they cast out many demons, and anointed with oil many that were sick and healed them.” (Mark 6:13)

The tradition of praying over and anointing those who are ill was also established by the Apostles who ministered in the early Church, as the New Testament epistle of James indicates:

“Is any among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the Church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord; and the prayer of faith will save the sick man, and the Lord will raise him up; and if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven. Therefore confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed.” (James 5:14-16)

Different Names For This Sacrament 

What are all the names for Anointing of the Sick?

• “Anointing of the Sick” is the most common name for this sacrament and highlights its main outward feature –– that the sick person is anointed (blessed) with holy oil. 
• “The Sacrament of the Sick” designates it as the sacrament for sick persons to receive, because the graces that flow from it can bring about spiritual and even physical healing if the Lord permits. Unlike Penance and the Eucharist — other sacraments usually received in such dire circumstances — this sacrament is reserved for times of illness. 
• “The Last Rites” is an older name for this sacrament, from back when the Anointing of the Sick was reserved for the final moments of someone’s life. This title is sometimes still used, because the anointing is one of the last sacramental rites bestowed on a believer. Yet this name is less precise because, while the last rites always include the Anointing of the Sick, not every Anointing of the Sick is last rites. The last rites usually also include Penance, one final Holy Communion as “viaticum,” and perhaps even the apostolic pardon (a special blessing that completely pardons them of sin and its effects).
• Check out this podcast by Fr. Josh Johnson for a full explanation of the difference between Anointing of the Sick and last rites.
• “Extreme Unction” is what the Anointing of the Sick was called for many centuries because it used to be given exclusively to those who were at the point of death. “Extreme” denotes the urgency of the sick person’s situation and that they may be in danger of impending death, while “unction” is another word that means “anointing.” 

Why Does God Allow Suffering?

This video will help you understand the meaning of suffering. 

You Might Also Like:

• A “Sacrament Series” booklet on Anointing of the Sick is available on the Ascension store.
• Listen to Michael Gormley and Dave VanVickle discuss “How the Anointing of the Sick Actually Works.”
• Prayers to Protect Us book 
• Listen to the “Understanding Anointing of the Sick” podcast episode with Dr. Roger Nutt.