Serious illness
Those who are seriously unwell in body, mind or spirit, whether at home, in hospital or in residential care.
Christ with us in weakness
God’s care for the whole person
The Anointing of the Sick is a powerful sign of Christ’s compassion for those who suffer in body, mind or spirit. Through the ministry of a priest, the Church prays for healing, lays hands upon the person and anoints them with holy oil.
This sacrament is not reserved for the final moments of life. It may be received during serious illness, before major treatment, in growing frailty or whenever renewed spiritual strength is needed.
“Are any among you sick? They should call for the elders of the Church and have them pray over them, anointing them with oil in the name of the Lord.”James 5:14
Who may receive it?
Please do not wait until the last moment
Anointing may be received more than once when a new illness arises or a person’s condition changes significantly.
Treatment or surgery
Those preparing for an operation, major medical treatment or another demanding stage of care.
Frailty or distress
Older people experiencing significant frailty, and Christians seeking spiritual healing during profound anxiety, depression or distress.
Approaching death
Those preparing to meet the Lord, for whom the sacrament brings consolation, forgiveness and hope in eternal life.
The grace of the sacrament
What does holy anointing give us?
We entrust the whole person to Christ, confident that his grace is at work even when the path ahead remains uncertain.
Strength and peace
The Holy Spirit gives courage against anxiety, discouragement and temptation.
Union with Christ
Suffering is joined to the Passion of Christ and held within the prayer of the whole Church.
Healing and hope
We pray for healing according to God’s will and for the deeper grace that prepares us for life, treatment or death.
A simple and gentle rite
What to expect
The sacrament may be celebrated in church, at home, in hospital or in a care setting. It can be brief and adapted to the person’s strength.
Prayer and Scripture
The priest greets those present and leads a short time of prayer. A passage of Scripture may be read, proclaiming Christ’s compassion and saving love.
Laying on of hands
The priest lays hands upon the sick person in silence or with prayer, asking for the strengthening presence of the Holy Spirit.
Anointing with holy oil
The priest anoints the person with oil blessed for the sick, normally upon the forehead and hands, praying for grace, healing and peace.
Reconciliation and Holy Communion
Where appropriate, the Sacrament of Reconciliation and Holy Communion may also be offered. The priest will adapt everything sensitively to the person’s circumstances.
Family and friends
Where possible, relatives or close friends are welcome to be present and join in prayer. The sacrament belongs to the prayer of the whole Church, even when celebrated quietly at a bedside.
Faith and medicine together
Does God always heal?
We pray confidently for healing, but the sacrament is not a promise that every illness will be physically cured. A lack of physical recovery is not evidence of weak faith. Christian prayer and proper medical care belong together, not in competition.
Prayer with the parish
Mass with Anointing
The parish normally celebrates a monthly Mass with Anointing, usually on the second Tuesday. Please check the parish calendar for the current date and time before travelling.
An urgent request
Is someone seriously ill or dying?
Please contact the parish immediately and explain that the request is urgent. If the person is in hospital, ask ward staff to contact the chaplaincy as well. It is usually better to request Anointing while the person can consciously share in the prayer, rather than waiting for the final moments.
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