Jesus...is the physician the sick have need of. His compassion toward all who suffer goes so far that he identifies himself with them: "I was sick and you visited me." His preferential love for the sick has not ceased through the centuries to draw the very special attention of Christians toward all those who suffer in body and soul.(Catechism of the Catholic Church #1504)
The sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick, once known as Extreme Unction or the Last Rites, was commonly used to help the dying in forgiving their sins and to provide spiritual strength and health.
In recent times, the sacrament has grown to include those who are gravely ill or about to undergo serious operations or proceedures. The primary purpose of the sacrament is to provide spiritual strength in light of suffering. It can also be a source of physical healing. This is a sacrament closely linked to the sacraments of Reconciliation and Eucharist and can be repeated as often as necessary.
In order to receive the sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick, call the parish office to arrange both visitation and communion to home and health care institutions. Anointing can be received in advance of surgery, for serious illness or hospitalization, and due to advanced age or infirmity.
For persons in a terminal phase, arrangements for visitation and communion (viaticum) to the dying can also be made.
Call the parish office at 937-426-1733, x 6201,