"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." (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1499)

The Sacrament of the Sick is a sign of the compassion of Christ toward the sick. It is administered by the priest not only to those near the point of death, but to anyone who begins to be in danger of death, whether in the case of illness, serious surgery, age or other similar circumstances. 

In the anointing of the sick, the whole Church is praying for those who are ill. The priest acts in the person of Christ such that it is Christ who brings healing balm to the one who is in need.

The scriptural basis for this sacrament provides a rich reflection on what Christ and the Church do in its celebration: "Is any among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord; and the prayer of faith will save the sick man, and the Lord will raise him up; and if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven. Therefore confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man has great power in its effects." (James 5:14-16)

To receive the Anointing of the Sick, please contact:

Resurrection: (781) 749-3577

St. Paul: (781) 749-0587