"Is anyone among you sick? He should summon the presbyters (priests) of the church, and they should pray over him and anoint [him] with oil in the name of the Lord, and the prayer of faith will save the sick person, and the Lord will raise him up. If he has committed any sins, he will be forgiven" (Jas 5:14-15).
When the Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick is given, the hoped-for effect is that, if it be God's will, the person be physically healed of illness. But even if there is no physical healing, the primary effect of the Sacrament is a spiritual healing by which the sick person receives the Holy Spirit's gift of peace and courage to deal with the difficulties that accompany serious illness or the frailty of old age. The Holy Spirit renews our faith in God and helps us withstand the temptations of the Evil One to be discouraged and despairing in the face of suffering and death. Also, a sick person's sins are forgiven if he or she was not able to go to Confession prior to the celebration of the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick.
Another effect of this Sacrament is union with the Passion of Christ. By uniting ourselves more closely with the sufferings of our Lord, we receive the grace of sharing in the saving work of Christ. In this way, our suffering, joined to the Cross of Christ, contributes to building up the People of God.
This Sacrament also prepares us for our final journey when we depart from this life. The Anointing of the Sick completes our identification with Jesus Christ that was begun at our Baptism. Its grace and power fortify us in our final struggles before we go to the Father's house. - United States Catholic Catechism for Adults, p. 254.
During the COVID-19 Pandemic
In these uncertain times, please click here regarding a Special Indulgence for those who are unable to receive the Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick and Viaticum.
Those in imminent danger of death have the right to the consolation of the Sacraments of Reconciliation, Anointing of the Sick, and Holy Eucharist. Relatives should contact the Office at (301) 490-5116.
Anointing for anyone who is entering the hospital for a serious operation or medical condition, please call the office a week before admission into the hospital to arrange for the reception of the Sacrament of the Anointing.
Anointing of the gravely ill is available at any time, please call the Office at (301) 490-5116.