Anointing of the sick

About the Sacrament of Anointing of the sick

“The first grace of this sacrament is one of strengthening, peace and courage to overcome the difficulties that go with the condition of serious illness or the frailty of old age. This grace is a gift of the Holy Spirit, who renews trust and faith in God and strengthens against the temptations of the evil one, the temptation to discouragement and anguish in the face of death. This assistance from the Lord by the power of his Spirit is meant to lead the sick person to healing of the soul, but also of the body if such is God's will. Furthermore, "if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven.”  -Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1520

“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.  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.  If a sick person who received this anointing recovers his health, he can in the case of another grave illness receive this sacrament again.  If during the same illness the person's condition becomes more serious, the sacrament may be repeated.  It is fitting to receive the Anointing of the Sick just prior to a serious operation.  The same holds for the elderly whose frailty becomes more pronounced.”  Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1499, 1514-1515

request the sacrament

To request the Sacrament of the Anointing of the sick, please contact Nicole Rizzolo in the parish office by phone at 703-527-5500 or by email at parishsecretary@stcharleschurch.org

Homebound

If you, or a parishioner you know, is homebound and unable to come to church, the Sacraments of Penance and Reconciliation, of the Anointing of the Sick, and of Holy Communion may be brought to them at home.  To arrange a visit, please contact the parish office by telephone at 703.527.5500 or by email at parishsecretary@stcharleschurch.org