Anointing of the Sick
Anointing of the Sick is administered by a priest to a baptized person who begins to be in danger of death because of illness or old age, through prayer and the anointing of the body with the oil of the sick. The proper effects of the sacrament include a special grace of healing and comfort to the Christian who is suffering the infirmities of serious illness or old age, and the forgiving of the person’s sins (who is unable to confess). (Catechism of the Catholic Church, #1499, #1520, #1523, #1526-1532).
Anointing of the Sick is not only for those in danger of death, but for anyone who suffers from serious or chronic physical or emotional illness or who struggles with the infirmities of age. If a sick person who received this anointing recovers his health, he can in the case of another grave illness receive this sacrament again. If during the same illness the person's condition becomes more serious, the sacrament may be repeated. It is fitting to receive the Anointing of the Sick just prior to a serious operation. The same holds for the elderly whose frailty becomes more pronounced. (Catechism of the Catholic Church, #1515)
Anointing of the Sick at St. Clement & Pastoral Visits of the Sick
Communal Anointing of the Sick is celebrated in the parish church in June.
Please contact the Rectory at (314) 965-0709 to have the Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick and/or the Sacrament of Penance administered to those who are hospitalized or homebound.