The Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick is Christ’s loving response to those who suffer from serious illness, significant surgery, or the frailty of old age. Rooted in Christ’s own ministry of healing and in the instruction of St James: “Is anyone among you sick? Let him call the priests of the Church and let them pray over him and anoint him with oil in the name of the Lord” (James 5:14). 

This sacrament continues the compassion of Jesus, the physician of souls and bodies in the midst of human suffering. 

Celebrated by a priest, who lays hands on the sick person in silence and then anoints their forehead and hands with the oil of the sick, the sacrament confers a special grace of the Holy Spirit: bringing strength, peace, and courage to endure illness with faith; uniting the sick person’s sufferings to the Passion of Christ for the good of the whole Church; offering the forgiveness of sins; and, where it is God’s will, the restoration of physical health. 

This sacrament is not reserved only for those who are dying but may be received whenever a person faces serious illness and may be celebrated again if their condition worsens or a new illness arises. For those who are at the threshold of death, it is God’s grace for the journey home.

If you require a priest urgently for the Anointing of the Sick, please contact:

Sick Call (Emergency):

Parish Office (during office hours):