Anointing of the Sick

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Anointing of the Sick

Catholics who are seriously ill, or in danger of death, can receive a sacrament called the Anointing of the Sick.

Connection to Jesus

The Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick is understood as a continuation of Jesus’ ministry to the sick as recorded in the Gospels.
Jesus seemed to have a special care for the sick and recommended his followers to care for them.
Often he seemed only able to cure those who had faith, and faith is also seen to be an essential feature of the sacrament.

Suffering and healing

For a sick person, this is understood as a sacrament that helps them to endure their suffering by strengthening their faith, as well as joining their suffering to that of Christ.
- ‘By the sacred anointing of the sick and the prayer of the priests the whole Church commends those who are ill to the suffering and glorified Lord.’ [CCC 1499]
Like those who were healed by Jesus in the Gospel accounts, it is believed that reception of the sacrament can also bring healing.

Viaticum

For someone who is close to death, the sacrament is called ‘viaticum’ and helps the person to face their death, affirming belief in the resurrection and the opportunity to go to heaven.

Extreme Unction

Some traditional Catholics call the sacrament ‘Extreme Unction’, which reflects the fact that it is used mainly to be given as a final anointing to those near death.

Other denominations

Although the sacrament is mostly associated with the Catholic and Orthodox Churches, other groups (e.g. Lutherans) also have ceremonies for anointing sick people, but they are not considered to be sacraments.

The Process of Anointing of the Sick

The process of the sacrament of Anointing the Sick involves the following stages:

Confession

If the sacrament is being administered by a priest or bishop.

Readings from the Bible and prayers

Anointing with oil

Communion

If the person is not too sick to receive it.

1Buddhism

2Christianity

2.1Key Beliefs

2.1.1The Nature of God

2.1.2The Problem of Evil

2.1.3Monotheism

2.1.4Creation

2.1.5Bible Accounts of Creation

2.1.6The Trinity and Creation

2.1.7Afterlife

2.1.8Heaven and Hell

2.1.9The Influence of Afterlife on Life

2.1.10End of Topic Test - Christianity Key Beliefs

2.1.11Exam-Style Questions - Christian Beliefs

2.2Jesus Christ & Salvation

2.2.1The Incarnation

2.2.2Jesus - Divine & Human

2.2.3The Crucifixion

2.2.4Jesus' Betrayal

2.2.5Resurrection & Ascension

2.2.6Sin

2.2.7Original Sin

2.2.8Punishment

2.2.9The Means of Salvation

2.2.10Achieving Salvation

2.2.11Disagreements About Salvation

2.2.12The Role of Christ in Salvation

2.2.13Theories of Salvation

2.2.14End of Topic Test - Jesus Christ & Salvation

2.3Worship & Festivals

2.3.1Different Forms of Worship

2.3.2Prayer

2.3.3Sacrament

2.3.4Baptism

2.3.5Other Sacraments

2.3.6Eucharist

2.3.7Pilgrimage & Celebrations

2.3.8Christmas & Easter

2.3.9End of Topic Test - Worship and Festivals

2.4Community

2.4.1Local Community

2.4.2Mission, Evangelism & Church Growth

2.4.3Worldwide Church

2.4.4Reconciliation

2.4.5Persecution

2.4.6Caring for Those in Need

2.4.7End of Topic Test - Community

2.4.8Exam-Style Questions - Christian Practices

3Catholicism (Christianity)

4Islam

5Judaism

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