Anointing of the Sick

Religious Studies A: AQA GCSE Religions, topic 3.2.5

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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: