Anointing of the Sick

Is anyone among you sick?

They should call for the priests of the church, and he will pray over them and

anoint the sick with oil in the name of the Lord, and the prayer of faith will save the sick person, and the Lord will raise them up.

If they have committed any sins, they will be forgiven.

James 5:14-15

The primary intention of the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick is to give spiritual strength, consolation, and comfort and reassurance to the one suffering from illness.  This sacrament can be given at any point in one's life and multiple times throughout the course of one's life.

When should I ask for the sacrament?

The Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick is not meant only for those who are dying.  Anyone, at any age, can receive the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick, usually under these circumstances:

• Prior to a serious operation
• When suffering from the effects of old age
• Whenever there is a danger of death.

What happens during the sacrament?

In the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick, the priest prays and anoints the sick person with blessed oil called the 'oil of the sick' which brings the forgiveness of sins and can facilitate physical healing.   The priest will anoint the forehead and palms of the sick person and say:

"Through this holy anointing may the Lord, in His love and mercy, help you with the grace of the Holy Spirit. And may the Lord who frees you from sin save you and raise you up."

The Our Father and a short prayer are then recited, after the anointing, asking for the special grace of this sacrament.

When a priest comes to a home, hospital, or nursing home to administer this sacrament, members of the family are encouraged to gather around the sick person and join the priest in prayer with or on behalf of the sick.  In some cases, the priest will bring Holy Communion, even when there is no danger of death.

How do I arrange for the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick for myself or a loved one?

If you know you will be hospitalized for a planned surgery or if there is no immediate need for the sacrament,  contact the parish by phone or by completing the form below. Often the Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick can be celebrated after Mass. 

In case of medical emergency during or outside of office hours, call the parish office at 416-226-0262 and press '0' for Fr. Ed.   Please note, that most hospitals have a Catholic chaplain on call.  You may ask the hospital staff to assist you in contacting a priest through their chaplain's office.

Please do not wait until death is imminent as a priest may not be immediately available.