Anointing of the Sick: Monthly Celebration
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Anointing of the Sick: Monthly Celebration and Pastoral Guidance
We warmly invite you to join us for the monthly celebration of the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick, held on the first Saturday of each month following the 8:30 a.m. Mass in the Church.
This sacrament is a sacred moment of grace in which a person suffering from illness or the effects of aging is anointed with blessed oil and prayed over by a priest. While physical healing may occur, the primary purpose of the Anointing of the Sick is spiritual strength, peace, and courage—gifts of the Holy Spirit given to sustain the person in their time of need.Note: There will be no Anointing of the Sick Mass on November 1st, 2025, due to All Saints' Day.
Click here to view the All Saints' Day Mass Schedule
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Who Can Receive the Anointing of the Sick?
Any baptized Catholic who has reached the age of reason (approximately age 7) and is in a state of serious illness, preparing for surgery, or advanced in age, may receive this sacrament.
This includes:
• Those suffering from serious physical, emotional, or mental illness
• The elderly, even if not afflicted with a specific illness
• Those preparing for major surgery
• Those experiencing a significant decline in health or mental well-being
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Clarifying the “Last Rites”
Often misunderstood, Last Rites refers to the final sacraments and prayers offered to someone nearing death.
These typically include:
• Penance (Confession)
• Anointing of the Sick
• Holy Communion, known at this stage as Viaticum, meaning “food for the journey”
These sacraments are meant to strengthen the soul, provide forgiveness of sins, and prepare the person for the journey to eternal life.
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What About Children?
According to Canon 1004 §1 of the Code of Canon Law, the Anointing of the Sick is administered to those who have “reached the use of reason” and begin to be in danger due to illness or old age. This typically means children around age 7 and older.
For younger children and infants, the focus remains on Baptism and prayers of entrustment, as the Church commends them to God’s infinite mercy.
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In Case of an Emergency of the Anointing of the SickIf a loved one is seriously ill, hospitalized, or near death, and needs to receive the Anointing of the Sick, please call our emergency line for the Katy area at 713-787-3930. This number is available 24/7 and will connect you to our answering service, which will immediately notify the priest on call.
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“Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the Church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord.”
— James 5:14
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