"Micro" Catechism for Busy Adults

The relationship between the Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick and Forgiveness

There is little doubt that, of all the sacraments, the Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick is the least understood by the greatest number of Catholics. Older Catholics may remember it from its commonly used previous name of “Extreme Unction.” From the word “extreme” many take the idea that this is a sacrament that is rarely to be used. Indeed, many Catholics incorrectly equate this sacrament with the idea of “Last Rites” and would presume that it is reserved exclusively for those who are at death’s door. The actual teaching of the Church is very different.

The Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy states, “as soon as any one of the faithful begins to be in danger of death from sickness or old age, the fitting time for him to receive this sacrament has certainly already arrived” (no. 73). The Catechism of the Catholic Church goes further in stating, “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” (no. 1515).

The Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick has many effects: the uniting of the person to the Passion of Christ, for one's own good and that of all the Church; the strengthening, peace and courage to endure in a Christian manner the sufferings of illness or old age; the restoration of health, if it is conducive to the salvation of one's soul; and the preparation for passing over to eternal life. Finally, the Church teaches as well that an effect of the sacrament is the forgiveness of sins, if the person was not able to obtain it through the Sacrament of Penance and Reconciliation.

Thus we see that the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick is another of the sacraments though which God offers his gift of forgiveness.

Reflection Question
Have you yourself ever received this sacrament or been present when another has received it? If so, in what way were you witness to the graces of this sacrament? If you have never been present for the celebration of this sacrament, why do you think that is the case?
Scripture to Explore
Hebrews 8:1-12

 Additional References
Catechism of the Catholic Church nos. 1514-1515, 1520-1523, 1532
United States Catholic Catechism for Adults pp. 253-255
Catechetical Framework for Lifelong Faith Formation MA.2.2.40, MA.2.2.41

Resource for Adult Faith Formation
Prepared for the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston
Distributed courtesy of the National Conference of Catechetical Leadership (NCCL)

© Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston, 2014
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