Anointing of the Sick: A Sacrament of Healing
“In case of grave illness: The Anointing of the Sick ‘is not a sacrament for those only who are at the point of death. Hence, as soon as anyone of the faithful begins to be in danger of death from sickness or old age, the fitting time for him to receive this sacrament has certainly already arrived.’” (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1514)
During regular office hours, Monday to Friday, 8:30 am to 4:00 pm, please contact the parish office 252-638-1984, and ask for Cynthia White. She will help you schedule a visit from a priest.
In an emergency (when death is likely to occur within 24-48 hours), at any time, please call 252-571-8900. Please leave a clear, detailed message for the priest on call.
Who may receive the Anointing of the Sick?
A Catholic (practicing or non-practicing), who is:
Please call sooner rather than later. The Sacrament is a source of spiritual healing and great consolation.
Certainly, this is a delicate topic, but there is often a misunderstanding about this sacrament among many Catholics. It is often nicknamed “extreme unction” or “last rites.” For this reason, some people may wait until the very last moments of life or even fear calling the priest.
As soon as you or your loved one begins to enter the final week or two of life, please reach out to the parish in your time of need.
Here are more detailed descriptions to help gauge the level of urgency and which of the above numbers to call:
“The Anointing of the Sick completes our conformity to the death and Resurrection of Christ, just as Baptism began it. It completes the holy anointings that mark the whole Christian life: that of Baptism which sealed the new life in us, and that of Confirmation which strengthened us for the combat of this life. This last anointing fortifies the end of our earthly life like a solid rampart for the final struggles before entering the Father’s house.” (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1523)
In an emergency (when death is likely to occur within 24-48 hours), at any time, please call 252-571-8900. Please leave a clear, detailed message for the priest on call.
Who may receive the Anointing of the Sick?
A Catholic (practicing or non-practicing), who is:
- gravely ill
- advanced in age
- about to undergo a serious operation
- nearing the moment of death (within 24-48 hours)
Please call sooner rather than later. The Sacrament is a source of spiritual healing and great consolation.
Certainly, this is a delicate topic, but there is often a misunderstanding about this sacrament among many Catholics. It is often nicknamed “extreme unction” or “last rites.” For this reason, some people may wait until the very last moments of life or even fear calling the priest.
As soon as you or your loved one begins to enter the final week or two of life, please reach out to the parish in your time of need.
Here are more detailed descriptions to help gauge the level of urgency and which of the above numbers to call:
- Emergency – where the probability of death is likely to occur within 24-48 hours. In these cases, call the emergency line (252-571-8900) regardless of the time of day.
- Urgent – Anytime a death is expected to occur within 2-7 days. Call the office to schedule a visit (252-638-1984).
- Important – When someone suffers from a grave or terminal illness, is scheduled to have a serious operation, or is advanced in age. Call the office to schedule a visit (252-638-1984).
“The Anointing of the Sick completes our conformity to the death and Resurrection of Christ, just as Baptism began it. It completes the holy anointings that mark the whole Christian life: that of Baptism which sealed the new life in us, and that of Confirmation which strengthened us for the combat of this life. This last anointing fortifies the end of our earthly life like a solid rampart for the final struggles before entering the Father’s house.” (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1523)