Sacrament of the Sick

The Sacrament of the Sick used to be known as the 'Last Rites'. It is often misunderstood as something only offered to someone immediately before death, when in reality it can be given at any time. The Sacrament may be administered at a healing service, or before someone goes into hospital for an operation. It can be given to someone suffering from a long illness, or somebody entering the last few days or weeks of life. It is a Sacrament for the living and the dying and brings us the Lord's strengthening and healing.

 

If you or a relative or friend would like to receive the Sacrament of the Sick, here’s what you need to do:

 

• If you’re in hospital, ask the staff to call for the Catholic Chaplain. If it’s an emergency, they’ll usually be able to get the on-call Chaplain to come out any time, day or night. If it’s less urgent, they’ll leave a message with the Chaplain who will then visit during working hours. Hospital Chaplains are also available for a chat, to say a prayer, or to give you Holy Communion in hospital, so do ask staff to get in touch even if you’re not sure if you want the Sacrament of the Sick.

• If you’re at home and not in immediate danger of death, contact the parish office who will be happy to arrange for a priest to administer the Sacrament of the Sick, whether at church or at home.

• If death is imminent, and you need a priest in the middle of the night, please call 0151 526 1071.

 

The Sacrament of the Sick involves prayers, a reading from the Bible, and anointing of holy oil. It is a comfort to the person in need, as well as the family who are present. In the cases of the dying, it is the final Sacrament they will ever receive. It can be given to all Catholics, whether they’ve been involved in the life of the church or not.