The Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick is administered to the dying as well as to those who are gravely ill or about to undergo a serious operation. This sacrament of mercy and healing offers prayers for recovery, but its primary intention is to give spiritual strength and calm the soul of the one suffering from illness. Traditionally, this sacrament was referred to as Extreme Unction or Last Rites.
Please call the parish office at 719-597-4249 if someone is ill or hospitalized and would like to be anointed. Anointing is not to be delayed to the last minute. It is also important for someone who is anointed to be prepared to go to confession when the priest arrives (if they are able). If someone is actively dying, please call our sacramental emergency line at 719-597-4249.
Who Can Receive the Sacrament of Anointing?
The Anointing of the Sick is not a sacrament for those only who are at the point of death. Hence, as soon as anyone 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.
—Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1514
How often can I receive Anointing?
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.
—Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1515