Anointing of the Sick Articles
Divine Mercy Chaplet – Multimedia
This video combines Fr. Stefan Starzynski praying the Divine Mercy Chaplet, and inspirational thoughts and pictures that hopefully help you in your meditations. For a variety of reasons, many people who are sick may not be able to hold a...
Difference Between Anointing of the Sick & Last Rites (Part 4)
A “Rite” is defined as a formal and/or religious ceremony which involves specific words and actions. The term “Last Rites” then refers to several different ceremonies – or sacraments – that are administered towards the end of a person’s...
What Is Involved in the Rite of Anointing of the Sick? (Part 3)
During Anointing of the Sick (found in the Rite of Pastoral Care of the Sick), a priest first blesses the olive oil (if it is not already blessed) and then uses the blessed oil to anoint the person. The priest first anoints the forehead,...
What Exactly IS Anointing of the Sick? (Part 2)
Unfortunately, there are still some misconceptions among the faithful about the Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick. Some still call it “Extreme Unction” and assume it is only intended for those who are dying. The Catechism of the...
History of Anointing of the Sick Sacrament (Part 1)
In the early Church, the three Sacraments of Initiation (Baptism, Confirmation and Communion) were celebrated together regardless of the person’s age – from infancy to old age. However, by the fifth century, these sacraments were...
Friendship, Four loves and suffering
I just finished reading C.S. Lewis’ book The Four Loves, which includes Affection (storge), Friendship (philia), Romantic (eros), and Charity (agape). Lewis says Friendship love is the most spiritual of all the loves. It is also the one...
Healing through the Sacrament of Marriage
Marriage is a Charism. St Paul says “Each has their – gift one for marriage, one for virginity.” Marriage is a gift of the Spirit. Someone might be married but are they living marriage in a charismatic way? St Paul describes charisms as...
St. Therese and her little book!
I just finished reading the life of Saint Louis and Zelie Martin, the parents of St. Therese of Lisieux. The specific book I read was called A Family of Saints: The Martins of Lisieux. Both her parents offered up their entire life to...
What you need to know
Since the Covid pandemic hit in 2020, hospitals, nursing homes and other health facilities have greatly restricted access to their facilities. In many cases, priests are no longer allowed to enter these facilities to administer the sacraments, including Anointing of the Sick.
Therefore, IF YOU KNOW you are going to a hospital or other health facility, it would be best if you contact your parish and arrange to receive Anointing of the Sick BEFORE going to the facility.
If already at a hospital with a Catholic Chaplain, you (or a family member on your behalf) MUST NOW request to have a Catholic chaplain visit you before the priest may enter your room.