St. Michael Catholic Church
Anointing of the Sick
What is Anointing of the Sick!-- Although the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick may be celebrated by those who are not near death, we sometimes celebrate the Sacrament as part of what is called Last Rites. These rites include Reconciliation, Anointing the Sick, and Eucharist and are meant to prepare a person as he or she ends the earthly life and begins the eternal one. The Eucharist given to a dying person is called Viaticum, which means, "bread for the journey." These sacraments are the means by which Christ offers spiritual healing to a dying person. Those who celebrate these Sacraments often experience great peace as they approach death.