Purpose + Institution of Anointing of the Sick

Purpose/Meaning

Formerly "Extreme Unction"

Sometimes combined w/other sacraments
– “Last Rites”

Confession, maybe Confirmation

Eucharist – “Viaticum” – means “Bread for
the Journey”

The Sacrament which gives:

spiritual healing and strength to a person

seriously ill or in danger of death,

while also praying for their physical
recovery

Roots + Celebration

Jesus’ Authority - Read Matthew 9:1-8 – How do you
see a connection between the two sacraments of
healing?

Authority of the Apostles – Read Mark 6:6-13 – What
does Jesus give them the authority to do?

Read James 5:14-16 – How is there a reference to
priests here? What kind(s) of healing do you see?

Where?

For individuals in homes, hospitals, nursing homes, and
during a communal celebration in a parish.

When?

during a Mass or outside of a Mass.

Essential Elements

Matter: Oil of the Sick (Oil of the Infirmed) "Oleum Infirmorum“

olive oil consecrated by bishop

On Holy Thursday

anointing includes the eyes, ears, nostrils, lips, hands

Form: “Through this holy anointing

may the Lord in his love and mercy

help you with the grace of the Holy Spirit.

May the Lord who frees you from sin

save you and raise you up.”

Minister: priest/bishop “in persona Christi”

Outside of Mass - priest greets sick person + others present

sprinkles them with holy water

instructs them about the need to pray for the sick, to forgive sins,
and to anoint with oil.

Virtue: hope

Who? - age of reason (age 7) + in state of grace

When?

When someone is close to death

Before a serious operation

When someone has grown weak with old age

When a sickness has worsened or a disease has become
more serious

When there is danger of death due to sickness or old age

When there is doubt as to whether the person is dead

Requirements for
Reception

Effects of the Sacrament
Union w/Christ
Strength, peace and courage in illness
Forgiveness of sins (if the recipient is
penitent and unable to receive the
Sacrament of Penance and
Reconciliation)

Restores health, if it is good for the
salvation of the person’s soul.
Prepares person for eternal life.
Reduces/removes temporal
punishment, when person is properly
disposed.