The Church believes and confesses that among the seven sacraments there is one especially intended to strengthen those who are being tried by illness, the Anointing of the Sick:

'This sacred anointing of the sick was instituted by Christ our Lord as a true and proper sacrament of the New Testament. It is alluded to indeed by Mark, but is recommended to the faithful and promulgated by James the apostle and brother of the Lord.'

"From ancient times in the liturgical traditions of both East and West, we have testimonies to the practice of anointings of the sick with blessed oil. Over the centuries the Anointing of the Sick was conferred more and more exclusively on those at the point of death. Because of this, it received the name "Extreme Unction." Notwithstanding this evolution, the liturgy has never failed to beg the Lord that the sick person may recover his health if it would be conducive to his salvation."

- Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1511-1512

Receiving the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick

Please call your parish office if you, or someone you know, is in need of this sacrament. Do not wait until the last minute to receive this powerful sacrament! It is a sacrament of healing, and it is proper to administer it to anyone facing a grave illness or serious medical procedure.

The after-hours emergency number for annointings is: (516) 208-5459