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  The sacrament of Anointing of the Sick is a sacrament of healing. Where once it may have been reserved for individuals who were near death and preparing for passing over to eternal life, hence its former name of Extreme Unction or Last Rites, today it is administered to those who fall seriously ill and are seeking restoration to health through the special grace of this sacrament. (Catechism of the Catholic Church 1499-1532).
   When the Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick is given, the hoped-for effect is that, if it be God’s will, the person be physically healed of illness. But even if there is no physical healing, the primary effect of the Sacrament is a spiritual healing by which the sick person receives the Holy Spirit’s gift of peace and courage to deal with the difficulties that accompany serious illness or the frailty of old age.
  
   The Sacrament is prayed and administered when someone is acutely ill or going in for surgery or in danger of death.  Please call the office to arrange the celebration of the sacrament. You do not have to wait until the person is dying.

  
   

  “Is any among you sick? Let them call for the priests of the Church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord; and the prayer of faith will save the sick person, and the Lord will raise him up; and if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven.”
   James 5:14-15