7/31/22 Regarding the Anointing of the Sick

7/31/22

Regarding the Anointing of the Sick

Dear Parish Family,

The Sacrament of the Anointing is one of the seven sacraments of our Church. It’s interesting in that it has two related applications in the life of the Faithful: when someone of any stage in life is experiencing a health difficulty or illness that is life-threatening, and when someone is reaching the end of life. If the person at end stages of life is able to receive, then the Sacrament of the Anointing is given as Extreme Unction and the person is also given Holy Communion as “Viaticum,” which is literally translated as “provisions for the way.”

The Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick is not primarily a sacrament for ‘emergencies’. unless this cannot be avoided, it should not be delayed until death is imminent. There are certain circumstances that require an emergency administration of the sacrament, such as in the aftermath of a serious accident or when one is suddenly stricken. However, as a general practice, anointing of the sick ought to be a more routine aspect of the lives of the chronically ill and the aged, or of those who have entered the various stages of serious illnesses.

This is why our parish offers the Anointing of the Sick throughout the months of May and October each year after all weekend Masses. This is for anyone experiencing serious illness, or health issues that could be life-threatening. The Sacrament is offered in these cases generously and may be repeated.

If death seems to be certainly approaching, one ought to be anointed well before the final stages, and surely before unconsciousness ensues. In no case should a family wait "for the last moment" to summon a priest.  If you have a family member who is in danger of death or for whom death seems imminent, no matter the time of day or night, please call the emergency line (at 724.775.6363 ext. 3)  so that a priest of our parish can be alerted.

The Anointing of the Sick is a Sacrament for the living, and not merely for those on the very doorstep of death.  Those who are scheduled for surgery ought to be anointed before entering the hospital, preferably at one of the churches within our parish if it can be arranged.  If you are preparing for a medical procedure, please see one of the priests of the parish.

Hospital staff know how to reach the Catholic chaplain on call at any time.  In the case of real emergencies, a Catholic chaplain is on call 24 hours a day at all hospitals, including Sewickley and Beaver.   

This information is particularly critical with fewer priests available to respond to emergency calls.


In the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of Mary,
Fr. Jean-Luc