The Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick

“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, that he may raise them up and save them.  And indeed she exhorts them to contribute to the good of the People of God by freely uniting themselves to the Passion and death of Christ.” (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1499)

"Is anyone among you sick? He should summon the presbyters 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." (The Letter of St. James 5:14-15)

The Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick offers prayer for healing, hope, and strength and is intended for a Catholic at the beginning of a serious illness, before surgery or weakened due to age or chronic infirmity.  Viaticum, “Food for the Journey”, is Holy Communion with special prayers for the dying and serves as the “last rites” for Catholics who are terminally ill and in the last stages of life.

Fr. Jonathan is always willing to visit hospitals to offer the sacraments (confession, anointing, Holy Communion) to those who are seriously ill or dying. Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion generously make themselves available to bring Holy Communion to the home-bound of our parish.  Please contact the Parish Office at 504-488-2659 to arrange for any of these services. If there is an emergency, call the emergency line at 504-500-7531.