The Sacrament of
the Sick
This sacrament is for those with serious illnesses or injuries,
or who are quite elderly. It is not restricted at all to the dying.
If
a family member or friend of any age is in the hospital, you need to notify the Church because most hospitals do not do this.
In addition, Holy Communion (apart from the
sacrament of the sick) may be brought on a regular
basis to the hospitalized, the homebound, or those who are otherwise seriously
ill by a eucharistic minister; call
the parish office about this.
The purpose of the sacrament of the Anointing of
the Sick is spiritual healing, and it can be administered several times
to an individual, although not on a frequent basis, like Eucharist: if
a person becomes seriously ill or is scheduled for serious surgery
or other medical procedures; if a person has been ill for a long time;
if a patient's illness takes a turn for the worse—do not hesitate to
call a priest—only a priest may administer the sacrament of
Anointing of the sick.
When the sacrament is celebrated with a person who
is dying, it includes the possibility of the sacrament of
Reconciliation and the Eucharist, so do not wait until a patient is comatose
before calling the priest. Once one has died he or she cannot receive
this sacrament, although the priest and others may offer other prayers.
Those who are receiving a priest or eucharistic minister should prepare
a table covered with a white cloth, on which the Blessed sacrament will
be placed. A crucifix and lighted candles are placed on it, and where
customary, a vessel of holy water. Families, friends, and caregivers
who are present should participate in the prayer of this ritual.
Parishes generally care for patients in the medical and
long-term care institutions within their own parish boundaries. Even if a person is being cared for outside
the parish always call the parish of the patient; this will allow
the parishioners to add their prayers on behalf of this person's healing.
Although it has been a custom in some Catholic cultures
to give money to the priest who makes a sick call, the Church
actively discourages these donations and asks you
not to try to give money to the priest for a sick call.
Please
call the parish office at (206) 784-6464 if you would like to request
this sacrament for yourself or someone else in need.