Sacrament of Anointing

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. (James 5:14-15)

The Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick is for people who are facing major surgery, suffering serious illness or chronic illness, or being tried by the challenges of growing old. The Church acknowledges that people need the healing and strengthening power of Jesus Christ in these difficult times.

The Catechism of the Catholic Church teaches that 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. At the same time, the Church exhorts those who suffer to contribute to the good of the People of God by freely uniting themselves to the Passion and death of Christ

Anyone in need of this sacrament of healing is encouraged to call the Parish Office (212) 988-8300 to arrange for a priest to come administer the sacrament. Please do not delay.

There is a communal celebration of the Sacrament of the Sick on the last day of the Novena to Saint Jude (October 28 at the Noon Mass); and on the feast of Saint Agatha (February 5).  Additionally, communal celebrations of the Sacrament of the Sick are also held on one Sunday in the fall and one Sunday after Easter. Call the Parish Office to verify these celebrations.