“By the sacred anointing of the sick and the prayer of the priests the whole Church commends those who are ill to the suffering and glorified Lord, that he may raise them up and save them. And indeed she exhorts them to contribute to the good of the People of God by freely uniting themselves to the Passion and death of Christ.”

                                                                                                                                           — Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1499

A Sacrament of Healing

The Anointing of the Sick is a sacrament of Christ’s healing, mercy, and strength. Through the priest’s anointing and prayer, the Church entrusts those who are seriously ill to the Lord, asking him to strengthen and comfort them. The sacrament may also bring physical healing if it is beneficial for the person’s salvation.

The Anointing of the Sick is not only for those near death. It is appropriate when a person begins to be in danger of death because of serious illness or old age.

The sacrament may be received again if a person recovers and later becomes seriously ill, or if the danger becomes more acute during the same illness. It may also be received before serious surgery and by elderly people whose frailty has become more pronounced.

Monthly Parish Anointing

The Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick is offered on the first Wednesday of each month following the 5:30 p.m. Mass.

Those experiencing serious illness or the effects of advancing age are welcome to receive the sacrament.

Hospital or Homebound

If you or a loved one is in the hospital, homebound, or unable to attend Mass because of illness, please contact the parish office at (405)354-2743. A priest can arrange a visit and, if appropriate, celebrate the Anointing of the Sick.

At or Near Time of Death

If a loved one is nearing death, please contact the parish office as soon as possible so a priest can come to offer the sacraments and prayers of the Church.

During parish office hours: (405) 354-2743

When the parish office is closed: pastor@sjnok.org

When possible, please do not wait until the final moments of life to request the Anointing of the Sick. The Church encourages people to receive the sacrament when serious illness or fraility makes it appropriate, not only when death is imminent.

The Church Prays with You

Illness need not be faced alone. In the Anointing of the Sick, Christ draws near to the person who suffers, and the Church accompanies the sick person with prayer and care.

“The sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick is given to those who are seriously ill by anointing them on the forehead and hands with duly blessed oil... and pronouncing these words: ‘Through this holy anointing may the Lord in his love and mercy help you with the grace of the Holy Spirit.

May the Lord who frees you from sin save you and raise you up.’” — Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1513

If you or someone you love is seriously ill, please contact the parish office.

We are here to help you connect with the prayer and sacramental care of the Church.