Anointing of the Sick is the sacrament that is received by those who are ill or suffering. By the sacred anointing and the prayer of the priest, the whole Church commends those who are sick to Christ. The sick person receives the Holy Spirit's gifts of strength, faith, peace, and courage, and his or her suffering is united with the suffering of Christ for the building up of the Church (Catechism of the Catholic Church, nos. 1520-23).
If you have been diagnosed with a life-threatening illness, facing surgery, receiving chemo or radiation treatments, this is the time to ask for the Sacrament of the Sick. This anointing is to give strength and healing power to help us live with and cope with serious illness. It is not the sacrament of the dying.
Viaticum (Eucharist) is actually the sacrament of the dying. Viaticum is when a priest or layperson visits the dying to pray with them, their family and caregivers and to bring them the Eucharist as food for the journey.
Please contact one of the priests to arrange a home or hospital visit. Take advantage of this wonderful sacrament as an encounter with Jesus, the Healer.