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Serving our God, our Church, our School, our Community

Anointing of the Sick

The Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick was previously most commonly administered to the dying, for the remission of sins and the provision of spiritual strength and health. In modern times, however, its use has been expanded to all who are gravely ill or are about to undergo a serious operation, and the Church stresses a secondary effect of the sacrament: to help a person recover his health. Like Confession and Holy Communion, the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick can be repeated as often as is necessary.

Received in faith and in a state of grace, the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick provides the recipient with a number of graces, including the fortitude to resist temptation in the face of death, when he is weakest; a union with the Passion of Christ, which makes his suffering holy; and the grace to prepare for death, so that he may meet God in hope rather than in fear. If the recipient was not able to receive the Sacrament of Confession, Anointing also provides forgiveness of sins. And, if it will aid in the salvation of his soul, Anointing may restore the recipient's health.

Each hospital is assigned a Chaplain. St. Joseph is assigned to Summa Western Reserve Hospital. Please be sure to register as a Catholic when you enter any hospital or have a family member do so. The Chaplain Service of each hospital will take care of its own Sacramental duties. Patients and/or family members are asked to check at the appropriate nurses’s station to ensure that the Chaplain has been notified.

Anointing of the Sick is also available to you before you enter the hospital for known procedures like upcoming surgery, cancer treatments etc. You can ask a Priest before or after Mass for this Sacrament or call the Rectory 330-928-2173 for an appointment.