Sacraments of Healing
Reconciliation (Confession) and Anointing of the Sick
Those who approach the sacrament of Penance obtain pardon from God's mercy for the offense committed against him, and are, at the same time, reconciled with the Church which they have wounded by their sins and which by charity, by example, and by prayer labors for their conversion. [Catholic Catechism 1422]
Reconciliation | Church Teaches | Catholic Catechism
Anointing of the Sick [info for emergencies]
“The Last Rites” --- ANOINTING OF THE SICK
Technically speaking, there is no such thing. At one time, what we practice now as the Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick was offered only when a person was near death. This is why it was called, “Extreme Unction” (anointing in extreme circumstances) and commonly referred to as “last rites.”
Today, any seriously ill or infirmed person can be anointed at any time; death need not be imminent. Persons scheduled for surgery likewise should be anointed before entering the hospital. The chaplain will anoint all persons admitted to the hospital, particularly in an emergency.
But when death becomes imminent, summon a priest immediately if you know the dying person has not been anointed (the chaplain if the person is in a hospital; a parish priest if s/he is at home or a care facility within the parish boundaries).
If s/he has been anointed, however, there is no need for “last rites.” The dear one has already been graced with the sacrament and is spiritually disposed to enter the presence of God.
Anointing of the Sick | Catholic Catechism
SICK CALLS/HOSPITAL VISITATION/EMERGENCIES:
If you know of any parishioner who is homebound and would like to regularly receive Holy Communion, we are happy to make arrangements for periodic visits by a priest and lay Eucharistic Ministers. Catholic residents of long-term care facilities within our parish boundaries are likewise visited regularly.
If a loved one is admitted to any hospital, please contact the hospital’s Pastoral Care office. Each hospital has an assigned, full-time Catholic chaplain who will be certain to administer the sacrament of the sick and arrange for regular reception of Holy Communion. Our parish priests try to visit hospitalized parishioners as well, as their schedules permit.
In the event of an emergency, a parish priest can be summoned to the stricken parishioner’s home. Once en route to a hospital, however, please request hospital operator to immediately contact the chaplain.