The Church believes and confesses that among the seven sacraments there is one especially intended to strengthen those who are being tried by illness, the Anointing of the Sick. This sacred anointing of the sick was instituted by Christ our Lord as a true and proper sacrament of the New Testament. It is alluded to indeed by Mark, but is recommended to the faithful and promulgated by James the apostle and brother of the Lord.
From ancient times in the liturgical traditions of both East and West, we have testimonies to the practice of anointings of the sick with blessed oil. Over the centuries the Anointing of the Sick was conferred more and more exclusively on those at the point of death. Because of this it received the name "Extreme Unction." Notwithstanding this evolution, the liturgy has never failed to beg the Lord that the sick person may recover his health if it would be conducive to his salvation.
Any one of the faithful who is facing death, whether from sickness, accident or old age, may receive the sacrament. The sacrament can be received multiple times, or repeated if a condition worsens. In addition, anyone facing serious surgery or medical procedures can be anointed. A priest or bishop can perform the Sacrament of the Sick.
To arrange the Anointing of the Sick for a friend or family member or yourself, call one of our parish priests at 610-647-2345. He will speak with you about the condition at hand and arrange and time to anoint your loved one.
For more information regarding Anointing of the Sick, access the Catechism of the Catholic Church here.