A Sacrament of Healing

The Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick is a special opportunity for the Lord's healing power to touch those who are experiencing an illness or the aging process. Any person afflicted with an illness or aware of the limitations inherent in aging is eligible for the sacrament. This includes the elderly, those anticipating major surgery, post-surgical patients, those suffering with long-term disability or illness, heart and stroke patients, as well as those experiencing emotional or physical stress.

“The Apostolic Constitution Sacram unctionem infirmorum,” following upon the Second Vatican Council, established that henceforth, in the Roman Rite, the following be observed:

The sacrament of Anointing of the Sick is given to those who are seriously ill by anointing them on the forehead and hands with duly blessed oil-pressed from olives or from other plants-saying, only once: ‘Through this holy anointing may the Lord in his love and mercy help you with the grace of the Holy Spirit. May the Lord who frees you from sin save you and raise you up.’ ”

~ from Catechism of the Catholic Church, paragraph 1513.

Please contact the parish office (510-790-3207) to arrange to have a priest administer this sacrament or contact the hospital chaplain.