(Previously
called Extreme Unction)
Catechism #1499‑1532
CPPoole,Jr., August 15, 1999, revised July 21, 2005
1. Biblical Background
2. Effects of Sickness
3. Meaning of Death
4. Occasions for Anointing
5. Sacramental Grace
6. Rite of Anointing
7. Sacramental Nature
1. Biblical
Background
Jesus
frequently healed the sick
"They
... anointed with oil many who were sick
and healed them" Mk 6:13
"They
will lay their hands on them and they
will recover" Mk 16:18
"Is
anyone sick ... call the elders ... pray over
them ... anoint with oil ... the prayer
of faith
will
save the sick man" Jas 5:13‑15
2. Effects
of Sickness
Tendency to
lapse into self absorption
The body
becomes physically weak
The person
may experience spiritual lethargy
There is a
proneness to discouragement
which could lead to despair
The sick
person needs encouragement from
relatives and friends
3. Meaning
of Death
Medical
definition of death: permanent end
of integrated brain activity.
Theological
definition: departure of the
Soul from the body.
Kübler‑Ross
identified five stages:
denial, anger, bargaining, depression,
acceptance
4. Occasions
for Anointing
In years
past anointing was only conferred
on persons close to death
Now anointing is done when very sick, or
facing a life-threatening medical
procedure
Occasionally or sometimes regularly
very old
people are anointed (weakened by age)
5. Sacramental Grace
Anointing
provides comfort and assistance for
enduring the suffering of sickness
It
strengthens the soul to resist temptation
It aids the
person in the preparation for
death if it is approaching
There can
be possible physical, mental or
spiritual healing
6. Rite of
Anointing
Prayers
Laying on
of hands
Anointing
with oil of the sick (olive oil)
Confession
may be heard (optional)
Communion
is often given (optional, called
viaticum if it is for someone dying)
The rite is
often celebrated in a hospital or
nursing home
It may also
be celebrated during Mass
e.g. for elderly people
7. Sacramental
Nature
Anointing
is a healing type of sacrament
The
minister is a priest
No
character is imparted
It is
administered whenever there is need
There is no
age requirement
The outward
sign is the anointing
CPPoole,
Jr., August 15, 1999, revised July 21, 2005