The Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick
By the sacred anointing of the sick and the prayer of the priests the whole Church commends those who are ill to the suffering and glorified Lord, that he may raise them up and save them and indeed she exhorts them to contribute to the good of the People of God by freely uniting themselves to the Passion and death of Christ.
Catechism of the Catholic Church 1499
The Anointing of the Sick is a sacrament of healing through which Christ offers His grace, strength, peace, and comfort to those who are seriously ill, preparing for major surgery, weakened by advanced age, or facing a significant decline in health.
This sacrament is not only for those who are near death. Parishioners are encouraged to receive it when a serious illness begins and may receive it again if the illness worsens or another serious condition develops.
Through the anointing and prayers of the priest, the Church asks God to strengthen the person, forgive sins, bring spiritual and physical healing according to His will, and unite the person’s suffering with Christ.
“Is anyone among you sick? He should summon the presbyters of the church, and they should pray over him and anoint him with oil in the name of the Lord.” — James 5:14
Healing Mass
St. Louis Catholic Church offers an anointing of the sick after every 1st Friday of the month during Mass. All those of advanced age, with chronic illnesses or who are sick or caregiver of the sick, are urged to bring them and attend.
Anointing of the Sick
How to Request the Sacrament
If you or a loved one would like to receive the Anointing of the Sick, please contact the Parish Office at 830-931-2826.
Whenever possible, please contact the parish before a scheduled surgery or while the person is still able to participate in the sacrament. For an urgent sacramental need outside regular office hours, please call the Parish Office and leave a message.
If your loved one is hospitalized, please also inform the hospital that you are Catholic and would like a Catholic priest to visit.