To request the Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick, call 919-865-5700 and press 1. Listen for the instructions to leave a message and one of our priests will contact you.

Anointing of the Sick is the sacrament that is received by those who are ill or suffering. By the sacred anointing and the prayer of the priest, the whole Church commends those who are sick to Christ. The sick person receives the Holy Spirit’s gifts of strength, faith, peace, and courage, and his or her suffering is united with the suffering of Christ for the building up of the Church (Catechism of the Catholic Church [CCC], nos. 1520-23).

Please know that because of the current situation with the coronavirus restrictions, it may not always be possible for a priest to come and celebrate the sacraments, but we will offer whatever care we can to you and your loved one.  

How is this Sacrament celebrated?

The celebration of the Sacrament consists of the anointing of the forehead and hands of the sick person accompanied by the priest laying his hands on the sick person and praying over them. Only priests (and bishops) can give the Sacrament, using oil blessed by the bishop, or if necessary by the celebrating priest himself.

The Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick is both “a liturgical and a communal celebration.” In the family home, hospital, or church, members of the Body of Christ gather for the sacramental rite led by a priest. The Penitential Rite followed by the Liturgy of the Word and sacramental anointing of the sick can inspire and comfort both those who are ill and their family and friends who are gathered (CCC, nos. 1517-18). Many parishes have communal celebrations at which many persons receive the sacrament.
These sacramental celebrations are a “source of strength amid pain and weakness, hope amid despair” and a “joyful encounter” for the entire community (Christifideles Laici, no. 54).