The Anointing of the Sick is a sacrament of healing that provides spiritual and sometimes physical strength to those who are seriously ill, facing major surgery, or near the end of life.
It is a continuation of Christ’s ministry of compassion and healing.
Biblical Foundation
The sacrament is rooted in Scripture, particularly in the Letter of James:
“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” (James 5:14–15).
Purpose of the Sacrament
According to the CCC, the sacrament has several purposes:
Who Can Receive the Sacrament?
How is the Sacrament Administered?
“Through this holy anointing may the Lord in His love and mercy help you with the grace of the Holy Spirit. Amen. May the Lord who frees you from sin save you and raise you up. Amen.”
Connection to Other Sacraments
Generally, after the family has contacted a funeral home, their staff calls the parish to schedule the funeral and a priest is assigned to celebrate the Mass. Local funeral homes are aware of the parish’s policies. The following information is provided for the convenience of the family.
Funerals may be held in any of the three parish churches. Viewings and visitations ideally take place in the funeral home, as the church is not primarily designed for for social gathering. However, viewings may begin one hour after the start of the morning Mass. Evening viewings, however, are not possible. A brief eulogy is permitted at the beginning of the Mass, after the opening song but before the opening prayer. (Other options for eulogies are available at the funeral home or graveside). Generally, the parish chooses the musician for the funeral. If the family wishes to choose the musician, that person must first be approved by the parish.
Christians bury the dead as a corporal work of mercy, and in imitation of the burial of Jesus. Generally, plans for final disposition of a body are finalized at the same time as other funeral preparations. Cremation is allowed, but we treat cremated remains with the same respect as a person’s body, including planning for interment in blessed ground with faith in the Resurrection on the Last Day. Catholics churches are only able to provide funeral rites for Catholics and, in certain exceptional cases, spouses and infants of Catholics.
After the funeral home has contacted the parish, a member of the parish bereavement committee will contact the family to arrange a meeting to plan the funeral.
The committee member will accompany the family in their grief and also help them select Scripture readings and appropriate hymns for the funeral Mass.
For more information, please contact the parish office.
Welcome to our online community!
Here at the Parish of Saint Monica, we are committed to growing in faith, serving one another, and sharing the love of Christ.
Copyright 2026 – Parish of Saint Monica. All Rights Reserved.
