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 will offer the Anointing of the Sick throughout the months of May and October each year after all weekend Masses.
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. 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. In the case of real emergencies, a Catholic chaplain is on call 24 hours a day at all hospitals, including Sewickley and Beaver. Hospital staff know how to reach the Catholic chaplain on call at any time. This information is particularly critical with fewer priests available to respond to emergency calls.