Anointing of the Sick: A Sacrament of Healing

“Suffering and illness have always been among the greatest problems that trouble the human spirit. Christians feel and experience pain as do all other people; yet their faith helps them to grasp more deeply the mystery of suffering and to bear their pain with greater courage. From Christ’s words they know that sickness has meaning and value for their own salvation and for the salvation of the world.”

- Pastoral Care of the Sick: Rites of Anointing and Viaticum


Q: How does the Church minister to the sick in the name of Jesus?

A: From the beginning, the Church has imitated her Savior and Lord by extending His ministry with the sick (almost one-third of the gospels are about healing). A simple visit to the sick, on the part of any of us, is an essential element of that ministry because Christ is present with the sick person through us---and through us, they know the care and support of the community of faith.

Often those visits involve the sharing of Holy Communion. A priest, deacon, parish Eucharistic minister to the sick/homebound, or any other specifically designated minister of Communion can offer this ministry to the sick and dying. Of course, the priest may also celebrate Penance and Anointing of the Sick, depending on the situation and needs of the person.


Q: When should someone receive the Sacrament of the Sick?

A: “Great care and concern should be taken to see that those of the faithful whose health is seriously impaired by sickness or old age receive [the sacrament of Anointing of the Sick]. A prudent or reasonably sure judgment, without scruple, is sufficient for deciding on the seriousness of the illness; if necessary a doctor may be consulted.” This quote is taken from the Introduction to “Pastoral Care of the Sick,” and makes it clear that no one should put off being anointed.  However, the Sacrament of the Sick is not the “last rites.” 


Q: How is the Sacrament of the Sick different from "last rites?

A: The primary purposes of this sacrament are comfort during illness, strength and courage to face the illness, and a renewal of hope for recovery. In a sense, it consecrates the sick person and everyone and everything related to his/her health care in the hope of healing. The rite, of course, is realistic about our fragile human nature and knows not every illness will end in a cure. So when someone falls seriously ill or notably weakens in their condition, the time has already arrived for the sacrament of anointing. People undergoing serious surgery or seriously ill children who have reached the use of reason may also be anointed.


Q: Then what are “last rites”? 

A: If someone has been anointed when an illness began, and perhaps again as the illness worsened, “last rites” would include the sacrament of Penance and Viaticum (meaning “food for the journey”, or Holy Communion before death). Of course, depending on the acute nature of the illness or injury, anointing might be included, but the Church envisions anointing and pastoral care of the sick as separate from pastoral care of the dying.

Father in heaven, through this holy anointing
grant our sister/brother comfort in her/his suffering.

When she/he is afraid, give her/him courage, when afflicted, give her/him patience, when dejected, afford her/him hope, and when alone, assure her/him of the support of your holy people.

-Prayer after Anointing 


Q: How and when can the Sacrament of the Sick be arranged?  

A: If you or a loved one wishes to receive the Sacrament of the Sick, please contact the pastor at (501) 982-4891.

In case of emergency, the number is the same as the above parish number. 

Yes, priests are busy these days, but PLEASE do not hesitate to call and ask for the sacraments of the sick. And please, if at all possible, call sooner rather than later, whatever that means in the particular situation of the sick person. It is easier to arrange to be present in a timely manner if family members or neighbors call at the beginning of the illness rather than at the point of death. But in any event, please call. The sick and dying need the presence of Christ with them as they share in His suffering. We all must take our part in extending that ministry and presence to them.


Q: How do I arrange for communion to be brought to myself or a loved one who is homebound or in a nursing home?

A: If you or a loved one is homebound or in a nursing home and would like to receive Communion, please contact the parish office at (501) 982-4891.


Q: How can I learn more about visiting homebound parishioners?

A: If you would like to learn more about bringing Communion to homebound parishioners, please contact the parish office at (501) 982-4891.
"In bringing communion to them the minister of communion represents Christ and manifests faith and charity on behalf of the whole community toward those who cannot be present at the Eucharist.  For the sick the reception of communion is not only a privilege but also a sign of support and concern shown by the Christian community for its members who are ill."

-From the introduction of Communion in Ordinary Circumstances