Anointing of the Sick

The Sacrament of the Sick, formerly known as Last Rites or Extreme Unction, is a ritual of healing appropriate not only for physical but also for mental and spiritual sickness. "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."

"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.

The Anointing of the Sick is offered on the first Wednesday of each month following the 9:00am Mass.  However, this Sacrament can also given to someone seriously ill at home, a hospital, nursing home, or wherever the ill person requires.  If you are homebound or seriously ill and unable to come to the church, please call the Parish Office (941-349-4174) to arrange for a Priest to offer you this sacrament at your location.