St. Matthew > Sacraments > Anointing of the Sick

“Heal the sick!” The Church has received this charge from the Lord and strives to carry it out by taking care of the sick as well as by accompanying them with her prayer of intercession. She believes in the life-giving presence of Christ, the physician of souls and bodies. This presence is particularly active through the sacraments and in an altogether special way through the Eucharist, the bread that gives eternal life and that St. Paul suggests is connected with bodily health. (Catechism 1509)

Formerly known as Last Rites or Extreme Unction, Anointing of the Sick is not just for those at the point of death, but may be received by anyone in danger of death from sickness or old age. This ritual of healing is available not only for physical but also for mental and spiritual illness.

The Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick is offered the first Saturday of each quarter at the 9 am Mass, or contact a priest by calling the church office at 704-543-7677.