"A Welcoming Community of Faith Rooted in the Catholic Tradition"

Catechism
of the
Evangelical Catholic Church

†

Sacrament of the Sick

 

256. What is the Sacrament of the Sick?

Extreme Unction is the sacrament which, through the anointing with blessed oil by the priest, and through his prayer, gives health and strength to the soul and sometimes to the body when we are in danger of death from sickness, accident, or old age.

Is any one among you sick? Let him bring in the presbyters of the Church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord. (James 5:14)

257. Who should receive the Sacrament of the Sick?

All Catholics who have reached the use of reason and are in danger of death from sickness, accident, or old age should receive the Sacrament of the Sick.

258. What are the effects of the Sacrament of the Sick?

The effects of the Sacrament of the Sick are:

1. an increase of sanctifying grace;

2. comfort in sickness and strength against temptation;

3. preparation for entrance into heaven by the remission of our venial sins and the cleansing of our souls from the remains of sin;

4. health of body when it is good for the soul.

And the prayer of faith will save the sick man, and the Lord will raise him up, and if he be in sins, they shall be forgiven him. (James 5:15)

259. When does the Sacrament of the Sick take away mortal sin?

Extreme Unction takes away mortal sin when the sick person is unconscious or otherwise unaware that he is not properly disposed, but has made an act of imperfect contrition.

260. How should we prepare ourselves to receive the Sacrament of the Sick worthily?

We should prepare ourselves to receive the Sacrament of the Sick worthily by a good confession, by acts of faith, hope, charity, and, especially, by resignation to the will of God.

My son, in thy sickness, neglect not thyself, but pray to the Lord and he shall heal thee. (Ecclesiastics 38:9)

261. Who can administer the Sacrament of the Sick?

Only a priest can administer the Sacrament of the Sick.

262. When is it advisable to call the priest to visit the sick?

It is advisable to call the priest to visit the sick in any serious illness, even though there be no apparent danger of death, as it is the duty of the priest to visit the sick and to administer to them the sacraments they need.

263. In case of sudden or unexpected death, should a priest be called?

In case of sudden or unexpected death a priest should be called always, because absolution and the Sacrament of the Sick can be given conditionally for some time after apparent death.